Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
What’s inside...
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, music legend Robbie Robertson shares the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, through a beautifully illustrated picture book. The story, part of the Iroquois oral tradition, recounts how Hiawatha, a Mohawk warrior, helps unite the warring Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Nations under the Great Law with the guidance of the Peacemaker. Their journey of peace, which occurs before the arrival of Europeans in North America, ultimately influences the governance of the Iroquois and inspires the US Constitution. The book is enriched with full-color oil paintings by Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator David Shannon and includes a CD with an original song by Robbie Robertson.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Hiawatha was chosen to help the Peacemaker spread his message of peace?
What are some ways that Hiawatha and the Peacemaker try to bring peace among the tribes?
How do the characters in the story show courage and bravery?
What does peace mean to you, and how can you promote peace in your own life?
How do you feel the story would change if Hiawatha didn't agree to help the Peacemaker?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the moral values like bravery, peace, and cooperation. This can help children understand the importance of these qualities in real life.
Relate the story to real-world events or situations to make the themes more relatable and impactful for the child.
Encourage your child to think about how they would act in the characters' places, fostering empathy and moral reasoning.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to keep the conversation going and delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, reinforcing their engagement and interest in fruitful discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Peace
Explanation: The story revolves around Hiawatha and the Peacemaker as they work together to unite different tribes. Their goal is to bring peace and harmony among these groups, spreading the message that peace is stronger than war.
Real-World Application: Children will learn the value of resolving conflicts peacefully instead of resorting to aggression. They can apply this by practicing calm discussions and seeking mutual understanding in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Strength in Unity
Explanation: As Hiawatha joins forces with the Peacemaker, they exemplify how collaboration can lead to greater achievements. Their united efforts help bring tribes together, demonstrating that unity can lead to a more powerful and impactful outcome than individual acts.
Real-World Application: Kids can see the importance of teamwork in their everyday activities, from sports to group projects in school. They learn that working together can help achieve goals that might be hard to reach individually.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Hiawatha encounters numerous challenges throughout his journey with the Peacemaker, yet he remains resilient and committed to his goal of peace.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and staying dedicated to their goals, even when faced with difficulties. Whether dealing with a tough homework assignment or overcoming a personal challenge, resilience is key.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: An impactful moment in the story is when Hiawatha forgives his enemies, emphasizing the power and importance of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children learn that holding grudges can be harmful and that forgiving others can lead to healing and better relationships. This can be practiced in everyday situations like forgiving a sibling for a small mistake or understanding a friend’s point of view.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: Hiawatha’s role as a leader in bringing various tribes together under the message of peace highlights the traits of good leadership and taking responsibility for the welfare of others.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the role of a leader and aspire to take on leadership roles in their own small circles, whether being a team captain, helping peers in school, or taking charge in family activities.