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From Publishers Weekly
Smith, a mixed-blood member of the Muscogee
(Creek) Nation, convincingly juxtaposes cherished Native American
tradition and contemporary lifestyle in this smooth debut. Watching a
videotape of Grandma Wolfe performing a jingle dance, Jenna is
determined to dance at an upcoming powwow. But she lacks the
cone-shaped, tin jingles that are sewn on to dancers' dresses as part of
the regalia. The girl walks down a suburban sidewalk lined with modern
houses as she sets out to visit her great-aunt, a neighbor, a cousin and
Grandma Wolfe, all of whom lend her jingles for her dress. Smith's
language consciously evokes legend. For example, "As Sun caught a
glimpse of the Moon" indicates the time of day; and Jenna is careful to
borrow only a limited number of jingles, "not wanting to take so many
that [another's] dress would lose its voice." Van Wright and Hu's
(Jewels) lifelike renderings capture the genuine affection between Jenna
and these caring older women. Their easy integration of Native and
standard furnishings and clothing gracefully complement Smith's
heartening portrait of a harmonious meshing of old and new. Ages 4-10.
(Apr.)
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