Longhouses. (Aboriginal Homes series). Janet Gurler. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2013. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $23.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-77071-466-3 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-77071-462-5 (hc.). Subject Headings: Longhouses-Juvenile literature. Indians of North America-Dwellings-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Rachel Yaroshuk. *** /4
	Igloos. (Aboriginal Homes series). Judy Wearing. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2013. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $23.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-77071-467-0 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-77071-463-2 (hc.). Subject Headings: Igloos-Juvenile literature. Inuit-Dwellings-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Rachel Yaroshuk. *** /4

excerpt:

Igloos are very sturdy because of their shape. It takes practice to cut the blocks to fit together into a dome. The dome is strong because its shape spreads the weight of the roof to all parts of the walls evenly. The dome shape also keeps warm air inside the igloo. A low tunnel leading to the doorway helps to keep cold outside air from blowing into the igloo. (From Igloos)

Weigl Educational Publishers has expanded their Aboriginal nonfiction titles to include updated material in their “Aboriginal Homes” series. There are four titles in total: Igloos, Longhouses, Teepees, and Wigwams. The two offered for review are Longhouses and Igloos.

     While the material provided in the “Aboriginal Homes” series is detailed, the information is presented in simple language that may be easily grasped by children. Any use of complex vocabulary is defined in the “Words to Know” section located at the end of the book. The information in the text predominantly offers details on traditional ways of Aboriginal life; however, effort is made to acknowledge current Aboriginal practices as well.

     The text composition is well-balanced with numerous colour maps, illustrations, and photographs that highlight the topics presented on the pages. Each page is adorned with vibrant colourful backgrounds that attract the child audience. The books are also supplemented with an activity guide, located at the end of each book, which offers children a tangible connection to the material. The activities section provides details on the materials required to complete the project as well as step-by-step instructions on how to complete the activity. Finally, both books include an index for easy reference. The two books are fabulous resources to drawn on when teaching children how to engage with information texts.

     This series acts as an excellent classroom resource for children learning about traditional Aboriginal ways of life. I would recommend this series for children age seven to ten, both for school projects and general interest.

Recommended.

Rachel Yaroshuk is a Master of Library and Information Studies student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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