Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons

Module 2: Book Review 4 

Bibliography

Bruchac, J., London, J., & Locker, T. (1992). Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons. Philomel Books.

ISBN: 0698115848

Plot Summary

When you look at a turtle's back, what do you see? Some Native cultures see thirteen large scales, and each symbolizes a full moon in a year. Each of these full moons is given a name and a story from different Native tribes. These stories range from nature, animals, season changes, and the spiritual connection between Earth and her people. Each moon’s story is written in a poem to tell the different tribes' stories.

Critical Analysis

This book celebrates the beauty of Indigenous worldviews, storytelling, and respect for the cycle of nature. The poetic storytelling helps preserve the folklore and culture. The illustrations show the love and connection that people had to animals and nature. The painting is reinforcing the beauty in nature and the relationship to allow Natives to keep track of how the year changes. It is eye-opening for children because of our dependence on technology to know what time, day, month, and year it is.

Review Excerpts

"Unusual and intelligent...An exemplary introduction to Native American culture with its emphasis on the importance of nature." —Publishers Weekly

"This book instills a spiritual respect for our land and an appreciation for the people who were its first caring guardians." —American Bookseller

Connections

• This would be a great story to discuss seasonal changes, harvest times for certain foods, animals that hibernate, and more.

• In Science, we can discuss the Phases of the moon.