An Indian boy's friendship with eagles ultimately saves his village in the Pacific Northwest from starvation. - (Baker & Taylor)
Based on a popular Northwest Coast Native tale, this book recounts the story of Eagle Boy. Born an orphan, the title character grows up to love eagles, despite the fact that the people of his tribe distrust eagles. In return he is ridiculed and made an outcast. One year, the tribe has difficulty hunting and fishing, and must depart their land. With not enough room in their boats, Eagle Boy is left behind. He is saved from starvation by the eagles he loves, and using their assistance saves his starving tribe, who have not been able to find a fertile place to live since their departure. The gorgeous illustrations and tales of adventures and bald eagles will thrill children, while also instructing them about individualism and humanity, as well as Northwest Coast Native life. This is a paperback edition of a pre-existing hardcover book originally published in 2000. - (Random House, Inc.)
Richard Lee Vaughan is an accomplished singer/songwriter and the author of more than 20 books for children. He lives on Vashon Island, WA. Illustrator of three other children’s books, Lee Christiansen lives in Red Lodge, MT. - (Random House, Inc.)
Booklist Reviews
Ages 4-8. The village people living along the Pacific Coast didn't like the eagles that swooped from the sky and snatched the silver fish from the waters. But Eagle Boy, an orphan who loved to watch the eagles, always shared his fish with the magnificent birds. One year when the fish became scarce and the people had to move their village, they left Eagle Boy behind. The eagles remembered his generosity and brought him more food than he could eat. Eventually, he saves the village from starvation. Beautifully illustrated with colorful drawings that fill each double-page spread, this tale about trust and forgiveness will be easily understood and enjoyed by young listeners. Based on traditional tales told throughout the Pacific Northwest, from the Quinault and Makah to the Haida and Tlingit. --Karen Hutt Copyright 2001 Booklist Reviews
Horn Book Guide Reviews
Eagle Boy is mocked by his tribe for feeding the eagles and is abandoned by them when the tribe leaves to find better fishing elsewhere. But his friendship with the eagles saves him--and through him his people--from starvation. The majestic illustrations sweep across double-page spreads and enhance this tale of friendship and forgiveness, based on Pacific Northwest native folktales. Copyright 2001 Horn Book Guide Reviews
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 1-5-Although most of the people in his village do not like eagles because they steal fish, a young orphan admires these great birds and always shares his catch with them, earning him the name Eagle Boy. Winter approaches and fishing becomes more difficult. In the hope of finding more food, the chief decides to move the village. The people board their canoes and leave Eagle Boy behind, telling him that there is no room for him. He is able to survive through the help of the eagles, and he honors them. Through his feathered friends, Eagle Boy sends dried fishto the chief's youngest daughter, who had befriended him despite the cruelty of her tribe. He is able to forgive the others and eventually rescues the starving people. "From that day on, the people of the Pacific Northwest coast and the eagles lived and hunted in harmony." Lavish double-page paintings evoke a sense of place and capture the majesty of these beautiful birds. In a brief note, the author states that several Pacific Coast Native groups-the Quinault, Makah, Haida, and Tlingit-have versions of this story. Unfortunately, no specific sources are cited. That aside, Eagle Boy is a satisfying, richly illustrated tale.-Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
