As Long As the Rivers Flow: The Stories of Nine Native Americans
Scholastic Biography Series
on Goodreads (27)
What’s inside...
Discusses the lives and successes of nine individuals of Native American backgrounds, including Geronimo, Will Rogers, Maria Tallchief, and Wilma Mankiller. Reprint. Through the centuries and across tribal boundaries, countless Native Americans have made history, despite prejudices against them. In this collection of dramatic essays, Allen and Smith cover such respected figures as Jim Thorpe, Geronimo, Will Rogers, and Louise Erdich.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the challenges and triumphs that the characters in the book face?
How do the traditions and values of Native Americans influence the lives of the characters?
Why is it important to know and understand stories from different cultures, including Native Americans?
How did reading about these stories make you feel? Did any part of the story surprise you?
If you could meet any of the characters from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters' situations. This deepens understanding and connection to the characters' experiences.
Discuss the cultural elements present in the book. Highlight how these influence the characters' decisions and life paths, and compare these to your own family's traditions and values.
Use the book as a springboard to explore more about Native American history and present-day culture. This can lead to multimedia resources or even local museum visits when possible.
After discussing a chapter, have your child imagine and narrate a follow-up scene. This encourages creativity and a deeper engagement with the text.
Validate all feelings and thoughts your child expresses regarding the book. This will make them feel secure in opening up more and delving deeper during your discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book provides narratives from different Native American perspectives, highlighting the uniqueness and richness of each culture.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures in their community, promoting inclusivity and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The stories depict Native American figures who face and overcome various challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the idea of resilience to their own lives, understanding that they can overcome obstacles and grow stronger from their experiences.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Storytelling
Explanation: The book celebrates the tradition of oral storytelling as a way to preserve history and impart lessons, illustrating its value in cultural preservation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to the stories from their own families and communities, fostering a deeper connection with their heritage and learning from the past.
Example Lesson: Valuing Nature and Environment
Explanation: Many stories in the book incorporate themes of living in harmony with nature, reflecting Native American reverence for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to adopt environmentally friendly habits and to respect and protect the natural world around them.