Elan, Son of Two Peoples by Heidi Smith Hyde

Elan, Son of Two Peoples Reviews

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  Abigail

  Elan, whose name meant "oak tree" in Hebrew and 'friendly' in Keres, was the son of a Jewish father and an Acoma Pueblo mother. In 1898, the year he turned thirteen, Elan celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in San Francisco, and then traveled with his parents to New Mexico, where he also participated in the traditional ceremony and Eagle Dance whereby young men became Acoma tribesmen. As his mother told him, he was the son of two proud nations, whose roots were like the oak...
  
  Author Heidi Smith Hyde continues to impress in Elan, Son of Two Peoples, which is the fifth picture-book I have read from her. The narrative here is engaging, and the afterword gives more information about the true story which inspired the book. Apparently the character of Elan was a real person (it's not clear from the afterword if this was his actual name), the son of an Eastern European Jew named Solomon Bibo, who settled in New Mexico, became fluent in Keres, and married the granddaughter of an Acoma Pueblo chief. Although Bibo's wife converted to Judaism (as far as we know), and their children were raised Jewish, their eldest son did participate in the traditional Pueblo rites of passage. This fascinating background makes the story here all the more enjoyable, although I wish Hyde had given her sources, as I would love to learn more about Bibo, who was at one time a Pueblo governor, and who (according to the afterword) fought for Pueblo land rights. Leaving that aside, I thought this was an enjoyable tale in its own right, of a child with two great cultural heritages. The accompanying artwork from illustrator Mikela Prevost was just lovely, capturing the beauty of the world around Elan. I particularly liked the scene in which he dances in the Eagle Dance, as well as the one showing him on the train with his mother. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories with a Jewish and/or Pueblo cultural background, or for tales about children with mixed cultural heritage.
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  Annie MacPherson

  This is the kind of story that makes me proud to be part of the work we do. Everyone has a voice and so everyone needs a voice. History repeats itself, but it doesn't have to. Beautiful, honest, supportive... I like it a lot.
  
  And for anyone reading this outside of these two strong, proud cultures, I applaud you! This book felt so private, but let me in more and more with each page.
  
  Depressed 1950s American White Folks, I implore you... Give culture a chance ☮️
• 
  Alethea A

  Really lovely artwork by Mikela Prevost! Based on a true story about the son of a Jewish adventurer, Solomon Bibo, who married an Acoma woman and raised children who were both Jewish and Pueblo Indian. The story as told by Heidi Smith Hyde draws parallels between the Jewish Bar Mitzvah and the ceremony where the main character, Elan, becomes an Acoma tribesman. The text is informative and well-structured, and the story elements really shine as relatable and engaging when paired with the unusual premise.
  
  However, it's the artwork that really elevates this non-fiction picture book. With a smattering of watercolor, mostly textured acrylic and found paper collage, the illustrator brings the tale to life. Even with the muted color palette--lots of earth tones as they travel through the hard-angled mesa by train--the illustrations are joyful and evocative. It's a great picture book for sparking a discussion on cultural similarities, coming-of-age, symbolism, and family.
  
  Literacy cafe foods: peppermint candy, sarsaparilla, soup, baked beans, cornbread
  Literacy cafe crafts: I'd have to do more research to make sure any crafts aren't culturally insensitive, but I think it would be neat to ask kids to design their own prayer shawl (as in, Elan's mother Naya weaves a prayer shawl with symbols representing both of the peoples he identifies with). So the kids would just choose colors for the stripes on a letter-size paper, and decide on 4 drawings (not necessarily religious) that would symbolize their heritage. They could utilize the same media as the illustrator.
  
  50-States-PB: California, New Mexico
• 
  Riki Kellogg

  I like the way this book traces back into a time where heritage and culture were beginning to blend. People from all over the world were coming to America to seek their fortunes. Many of the travelers went westward and were intrigued by different cultures especially the different Native American tribes. This book shows how two very different cultures and religions can still be honored when people respect each other's heritage by teaching their children that they are part of both worlds and they don't have to pick just one way to live.
• 
  Ilana

  An interesting children story about the encounters between Jews and Native Americans in New Mexico , a topic I would be curious to explore more throughout further.
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  Kristi Bernard

  Elan is traveling with his family to New Mexico. He will learn about his culture and family roots. His parents are Jewish and Native American. He has already learned about the Tovah, in which he wears his own Tallit and chant the Bamidibar. In New Mexico he will share in the Corn Festival, eat peppermint candy and drink sarasparilla. The food will be different and he will listen to his grandfather tell stories by the fire. There is so much for Elan to learn and do in a short amount of time. By the time he leaves, Elan will become a member of Acoma tribesman.
  
  Kar-Ben books provides young readers with literature that will educate them on Jewish culture. Author Heidi Smith Hyde has shared a story that puts to great cultures together. Young readers are provided with a gentle story that tale of what life is like in both great nations. Beautiful illustrations filled with warm colors make this an inviting read. Parents and teachers will benefit from having this book in their library.
  
• 
  Meep

  I bought this book with the kindergarten year-long unit on celebrations in mind and it did not disappoint. I'm always happy to find Jewish books about something other than Hanukkah and I think this will introduce my students - many Third Culture and bicultural kids - to cultures new to them and different, but Elan's story will, I hope, resonate with them as he finds a happy place in both worlds.
• 
  Jen

  lovely muted collage/painted illustrations. little bit long, for older groups.
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  Jenny

  Interesting subject matter and lovely, quiet illustrations.
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  Hannah

  A unique perspective and lovely little story with a good historical note.