MODULE 4: INDIAN SHOES

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2002. INDIAN SHOES. Illus. by Jim Madsen. Harper Collins Children’s Books: New York. ISBN 0-06-029532-5.

PLOT SUMMARY

INDIAN SHOES is a series of vignettes about a young boy named Ray who lives with his grandfather. Ray’s parents were killed by a tornado when Ray was very young so he lives with Grampa Halfmoon, who is Seminole-Cherokee. The two share a special relationship that one sees in each vignette. In the first story, Ray wants to buy Grampa a pair of moccasins that they see in an antique shop. Ray trades his own “Indian Shoes” for the moccasins for this grandfather. In another story, Ray is the ring bearer at a wedding when his pants turn up missing. He and his grandfather must improvise to avoid embarrassment. In the final story, Ray realizes the true reason his grandfather goes out fishing so early in the morning and what he is really looking for. These touching stories will warm the heart and show the special relationship between a boy and his grandfather.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

INDIAN SHOES is a collection of vignettes about a young boy who is being raised by his grandfather. Each chapter is a short story showing some aspect of the special relationship this boy shares with his primary caregiver.

This book is a contemporary novel. It is set in a non-descript time period. There are no detailed descriptions of the time period. This is an excellent way to keep books from becoming dated. These events could happen at any time. This makes the events timeless.

Instead of writing a Native American novel set in the past or in the forest, Ms. Smith chooses to write a story about two individuals who happen to be Native American. They do not live on a reservation. They live in house in Chicago. Their heritage is important because it influences their actions and attitudes, but it is not an overwhelming aspect of the story. This is a story about a family. They could be anyone’s neighbors or friends. Their culture is important, but it doesn’t separate Ray and Grampa Halfmoon from society or the readers. These Native Americans are contemporary individuals.

Even when Ray and Grampa Halfmoon travel to Oklahoma, the reader is greeted with other contemporary views of Native Americans. No one lives in a teepee or is skinning a deer. Ray’s Aunt Wilhelmina and Uncle Leonard live in a house near a lake. A simple illustration on page 57 shows a glimpse into their home. They are wearing contemporary clothes. Their kitchen has modern conveniences, such as a toaster, a griddle, and a microwave. They are not without electricity or other modern conveniences.

The readers do see that they are also interested in tribal items and matters. It is casually mentioned to the reader, but it is included in the text. Ray is sleeping under a “Cherokee Seven Clans” quilt. Uncle Leonard is reading a copy of the CHEROKEE ADVOCATE on his laptop. This is an excellent example of Ms. Smith bringing Native Americans into the 21st century and out of that stereotypic teepee on the reservation.

The characters are well developed and entertaining. They are likeable. The reader enjoys their adventures and the love that they share. Ray and Grampa Halfmoon are close. They do many things together. They share many touching moments. Grampa Halfmoon accidentally gives Ray a terrible haircut. In an effort to fix it, Grampa Halfmoon dyes Ray’s hair the colors of his baseball team. Then Grampa Halfmoon colors his own hair to match Ray’s. The crazy hair style distracts the opposing team’s pitcher, and Ray can get to first base. This act of silliness shows the deep connection that Grampa Halfmoon and Ray share.

The importance and love of family is the theme of this book. In every chapter, the reader is greeted by the love and bond that Ray and his grampa share. In the final story, the readers see the love that Grampa Halfmoon felt for Ray’s father. Grampa wants to take Ray to the same fishing site that he and Ray’s father used to share. Grampa tells Ray that he can still feel his father there. It is not anything mystic or eerie. Ms. Smith seems deliberate in her choice to avoid making this interaction too spiritual and mystical. Stereotypically Native Americans are in tune with the spiritual aspect of the world. She makes this a special moment for Ray and Grampa Halfmoon, not about Native American ceremony or supernatural feelings.

There are a few illustrations in this novel. They are black and white pencil drawings. They are simple and concise. The pictures provide extra insight into Ray’s world. Ray and Grampa Halfmoon are wearing contemporary clothing and doing ordinary activities. Readers see them at a Chicago Cubs baseball game.

The first story is an interesting investigation into the meaning and culture. Ray and his grandfather see a pair of moccasins at an antique shop. Ray sees how his grandfather looks at them and wants to purchase them for him. When he returns to the store with his money, a woman is in the process of purchasing the moccasins for a library display. Ray devises a clever trade with the woman. He trades his high top tennis shoes for the moccasins. His reasoning is that it is unknown whether those moccasins were really worn by a Native American but he knows of one pair of shoes that have been for sure worn by one. He can guarantee that those shoes were worn by a Native American. The librarian agrees to the trade and creates a display with the tennis shoes. The placard at the display reads “TRADED FROM RAY HALFMOON, CHEROKEE-SEMINOLE HIGHTOPS, NOT INDIAN MADE, BUT INDIAN WORN (GUARANTEED)”.

This type of display will create new pictures in the general public’s mind about what Native Americans wear. It is not only feathers, paint, fur, and moccasins. Native Americans are not extinct. They are alive and well and wearing high top tennis shoes. Ms. Smith does an excellent job destroying a stereotype about Native American clothing.

INDIAN SHOES is an endearing tale of love and support. The Native Americans in the story are contemporary people living contemporary lives. This novel would be an excellent addition to any library.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

From BOOKLIST: “The stories' strength lies in their powerful, poignant evocation of a cross-generational bond and in the description of the simple pleasures two charming characters enjoy.”

From KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Pleasing...from its funny and tender opening...to its heartwarming closer. Language is spare, clean, and rhythmic... an excellent choice."

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "[Indian] Shoes is a good book for any elementary-aged reluctant reader, and a necessity for indigenous children everywhere."

From KIDSREADS: "short stories are written for younger readers who like rhythms and repetition in what they read."

CONNECTIONS

Students will learn about the tribes that Ray is a member of and create presentations about the food, clothing, traditions, and current residence of the tribes.
Cherokee: Cherokee Nation
Cherokee - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
History of the Cherokee

Seminole: Indians - Seminole Tribe of Florida - The Official Home of the Florida - Seminole Indians
Seminole - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Seminole


Students will learn the significance of the moccasin in Native American cultures. Then s/he will design his/her own moccasins. Students should be prepared to show moccasin to the class and describe its symbolism.
Native American Moccasins
Moccasin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


As a teacher resource, refer to Cynthia Leitich Smith’s website for bibliographies and other materials.
Children's and YA Author Cynthia Leitich Smith
Students would perform an author study on Ms. Smith. They would need to read the biographical information on the site. Students would need to select one other book by Ms. Smith and create a Paper Bag book report on the book (This type of report includes a summary as well as a review and items that would tell other readers about the book using visual aids.)