Jamake Highwater

In my research project, one of the authors I'm reading reviews of is Jamake Highwater. I sincerely hope someone writes a book about all of that someday-a media studies/history of print media person would surely find him the perfect subject. I went back and read many of the original interviews and it certainly didn't take a genius to figure out the pieces in his story didn't match up and were changed at his convenience.

I don't want to delve into that too deeply, but since he is still featured on bibliographies of American Indian children's literature, that's the point when I feel compelled to respond. His work isn't condemned just because of his deceit but because it simply isn't good. Is it nostalgia or laziness that keeps him in the public eye? The Newbery honor for Anpao is a big part of that, but certainly that doesn't explain why so many of his other works are still included. I think there is so much else out there right now-time to move on. Of course, I would say the same thing about ...Little Tree but that was just featured on one of the most popular homeschooling blogs as a recommended work. Not to be cynical, but based on the statements of many commenters, I doubt many of these people picked up a book with an American Indian character since. Some brave publishers, writers, and librarians have a lot of work cut out for them...

Speaking of writers, I was talking with a patron about ideas for encouraging teenage Native writers. I spoke with her about many of the oral history projects that have been done, but I like her idea of bringing in Native writers and storytellers to not only speak to young people, but also teachers and education students. I think it's a promising idea for the future, especially on this campus where there is more funding for guest speakers.