num_pages: 48
description: Includes a song from Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame inductee Robbie Robertson (The Band)!STARRED REVIEW *A much-needed authentic Native American voice to childrens literature.  BooklistSTARRED REVIEW *A beautifully retold version of this tale.  School Library Journal Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent music legend Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide the Peacemaker as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of storytelling with parents and children in a beautifully illustrated picture book retelling the story. The five Haudenosaunee (now more commonly referred to as the Iroquois) Nations are constantly warring with one another fueled by the evil Chief Tadodaho. The Mohawk warrior Hiawatha too is consumed by grief and anger but a Peacemaker appears and enlists him to assist in joining the tribes together under the Great Law. Hiawatha was a strong and articulate warrior and so was chosen to bring this new message of unity to the warring nations during the 14th century before Europeans arrived in North America. After traveling with the Peacemaker to the different tribes hoping for peace Hiawatha finds forgiveness within himself. This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselvesa blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the US Constitution. Caldecott Honorwinning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with beautiful full-color oil paintings. Together Robertson and Shannon have crafted a new childrens classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages. Includes a CD featuring an original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson.
language: English
title: Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers