Bruchac, Joseph. Hidden Roots. New York: Scholastic Press, 2006. Print. ISBN 0-439-35359-9. Paperback. $5.99 USD.
Awards/Honors:
2006 American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book
Annotation:
Sonny knows very little of the Indian world. When his ancestry roots rise above, nothing could prepare him for what he is about to learn.
Book Review:
“And now, I too, had more words I couldn't say, more things
not to be talked about.”
11-year-old Sonny always felt as if he had to keep his head
down low and his mouth shut. He fears his father, who is an angry and abusive
man, and idolizes his uncle, who seems to know a little too much about Native
Americans and their heritage. Sonny was taught to never ask questions and to stay
out of trouble. He gets bullied at school and soon connects with the school
librarian who shows him books about Indians and adventures. His father works
long hours at the paper mill and is rarely home but eventually things start to
turn around. Sonny’s father has an accident at work, which begins to decrease
the abuse and anger. Through the sport of basketball, Sonny also begins to make
some friends and eventually the family secrets, the ones he has been wondering
about his entire life, begin to spill.
Based in the early 50’s, I believe that this historical fiction belongs in every library. The book fits perfectly within the young adult section, ages 12-18. Bruchac brings true light to Native American ancestry and opens young eyes to our world that is far from perfect. Abuse, dark pasts, miscarriages, bullies, and many other topics are brought to our attention and Bruchac teaches us how being from a different background can be extremely difficult. Readers can learn about the difficulties faced when raised as a Native American and why that heritage hid from their pasts. The book was an easy read, suitable for a 11 or 12-year-old, yet holds a story full of powerful topics that would be a great discussion for High School students.
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