Surviving off the raw land means being able to get around without getting lost, knowing the dangers of the wild life, recognizing gifts of nature, finding food and shelter, and healing wounds and illnesses using its resources. Did the European explorers, fur traders, and settlers know what they were really getting into when they came to North America? Does Bear, in the television show "Man vs. Wild" learn from the wisdom of the natives? Judge for yourself in The Sign of the Beaver and Wisdom and Gifts.
Book 1: The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Junior, Intermediate
Twelve-year-old Matt is left to fend for himself in the wilderness of the north-eastern woodlands of North America with just a small cabin and a few supplies. Will he survive the unexpected dangers of wild life, the mishaps, the diminishing food supply, the approaching winter, or even find his way around?
Matt knows he's not alone though. He's heard stories of conflicts between the settlers and the natives. Are they really dangerous? Should he fear them as well? How will he protect himself?
Then Matt meets Attean, a native Indian boy who belongs to the Beaver tribe not too far from his cabin. Attean's way of life has a great impact on Matt's survival and existence with nature. Tracking, hunting, fishing, navigating, and making clothes and tools are just a few skills Matt learns.
Would he ever have his old way of life back? Would he ever see his family again? Should he join the Beaver tribe forever? If you were Matt, would you?
Go to authorstream.com and search for The Sign of the Beaver for a summary and more information on this book.
Non-fiction, Native North American Series
Junior, Intermediate
Learn about the gifts given to us by the Native Peoples of North America in foods that we eat today, games we play, clothing that we wear, medicines we use, names of places and things we say, government systems, ecology and conservation ideas, and of course, stories and art we enjoy.
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***If you liked these books, check out the following for similar reads: The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter, I Am Raven by David Bouchard, and Life in a Longhouse by Bobbie Kalman.
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