Hiawatha and the Peacemaker

July 6, 2015
Robertson, best known for his work with musical group The Band, collaborates with Shannon on a sadly relevant story about choosing peace over violence, recounting the story of how Mohawk warrior Hiawatha joined forces with a spiritual leader known as the Peacemaker to unite five warring tribes. It’s no easy task, as Hiawatha must overcome his own anger and desire for revenge—Tadodaho, chief of the Onondaga tribe, destroyed his home and killed his family. A departure from the playfulness of books like No, David and How I Became a Pirate, Shannon’s penetrating oil paintings expressively capture the initial tension and uncertainty with which these messengers of peace are met, and the tranquility that replaces it. As the unified nations finally approach the murderous Tadodaho, they find a man “Hunched over, withered, and twisted,” snakes coursing through his hair—yet not beyond the healing power of forgiveness. Extensive endnotes and a CD that includes a song written and performed by Robertson underscore the author’s evident emotional connection to this story and passion for passing it on. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Ryan Harbage, Fischer-Harbage Agency.

June 1, 2015
Robertson, widely known for his work in the legendary group The Band, crafts a legend-based tale about the unification of warring tribes into what would become known as the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. As a boy, Robertson, of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, heard an elder tell this story, which may date from the 14th century. It places Hiawatha, a Mohawk, into fresh cultural context and corrects Longfellow. After his family is killed in a raid by the dreaded Onodaga chief, Tadodaho, Hiawatha retreats in bereft solitude. A man in a glowing white stone canoe approaches. Stuttering softly, he shares his message of peace and reconciliation with Hiawatha, asking him to help carry and amplify this message during visits to warring tribes. The pair travels in succession to the Mohawk, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, and Onondaga tribes. With difficulty, they overcome resistance, laying groundwork for what would become, by 1722, the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. Hiawatha's first-person narration reveals his own transformation, from grief-stricken vengeance to self-forgiveness, from hatred to joy. Shannon adopts a palette of deep browns, red-golds, and blue-grays, with hints of green. Figures are broad-backed, solemn, and heroically posed. Tadodaho, disfigured by evil, is depicted as a scaly wretch, snakes entwined in his hair. Hiawatha prepares a curative medicine for him; Shannon portrays his recovery and eventual transmogrification as an eagle. Expressive, handsome, and well-documented. (historical note, acknowledgments, author's note) (Picture book/folk tale. 5-10)

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Starred review from August 1, 2015

Gr 5 Up-This long overdue and stunningly illustrated work tells the story of Hiawatha, the legendary historical figure who helped form the Great Iroquois Nation. Sparked by fear, anger, and revenge, the five Haudenosaunee Nations are constantly at odds with one another other, fueled by the evil Chief Tadodaho. The Mohawk warrior Hiawatha is consumed by grief and anger, but a Peacemaker appears and enlists him to assist in joining the tribes together under the Great Law. After traveling with the Peacemaker to the different tribes and working toward peace, Hiawatha finds forgiveness within himself. Best known for his work with The Band, Robertson offers a beautifully retold version of this tale, which has been passed down through North American Indian oral tradition. An appended note describes the Iroquois Confederacy and its impact upon the U.S. Constitution, adding authenticity and emphasizing the importance of this tale. The bright colors of Shannon's full-page spreads add depth and volume, giving readers greater understanding. VERDICT All students should know the history of the Iroquois Confederacy, and this book provides the perfect opportunity for them to do so.-Amy Zembroski, Indian Community School, Franklin, WI

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2015
Grades 2-4 *Starred Review* Though often softened in children's books, the path to peace is an arduous one, fraught with personal turmoil and external resistance. In this stunning retelling of the ancient Iroquois legend of Hiawatha and Deganawida (the Peacemaker), this concept is made very clear. Consumed by grief at the destruction of his family by evil Chief Tadodaho, Hiawatha is chosen by the Peacemaker to override his own feelings and bring an end to violence by uniting the five warring Iroquois nations. When the nations' chiefs join Hiawatha and confront Tadodaho, the Peacemaker reminds everyone that where there is darkness, we must bring light, and that it is by forgiving that we are set free. The story of Hiawatha is a timeless allegory that honors the fact that the Great Law of Peace is based on consensus and shared power among men and women. Accompanying this deep message are Caldecott Honorwinning Shannon's (No, David! 1998) vibrant oil paintings, which pay homage to traditional Native American art and are filled with light, brilliantly capturing the texture of Hiawatha's emotions. Musician turned author Robertson concludes with historical and author's notes, as well as an original song on CD. This adds a much-needed, authentic Native American voice to children's literature. The message of peace and Shannon's incredible art make for a winning combination.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)