Less Than Half, More Than Whole
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Tony notices that his skin is darker than yellow-haired, blue-eyed Scott's, but lighter than that of his Native American friend, Will. Will's explanation that Tony is half or "less than half" of each culture does not satisfy him. Questioning his aunt, his brother and sister, and his uncle, the boy strives to understand his heritage. Each person offers him a wise answer, but it is his Native American grandfather who helps him see that Tony reflects all the colors of his family, and is "more than whole." Michael Lacapa has used traditional Indian designs in his beautifully stylized gouache and pen-and-ink illustrations; their derivation is explained at the book's end, along with Indian beliefs and terms incorporated into the text. A well-designed effort, this title is for all children of multicultural marriages who struggle to find an identity. It serves not only to illuminate Indian culture, but also as a gentle celebration of mixed heritage.Judy Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LACopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.