Walking on Earth and Touching the Sky

Walking on Earth and Touching the Sky is a poetry anthology featuring works by students at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The collection presents poems written by young Native American voices, accompanied by original artwork from students at the school. The poems cover themes of identity, family relationships, tribal traditions, and life on the reservation. Students write about their experiences through free verse, capturing both everyday moments and significant cultural observations through their distinct perspectives. The book includes contextual notes about Lakota culture and history, providing background information for readers. Artwork by the students appears throughout the pages, creating a visual complement to the written expressions. This anthology represents a convergence of contemporary Native American youth experience with traditional cultural elements, offering readers insight into the authentic voices of young people navigating between two worlds.

Readers appreciate this poetry collection for giving voice to Native American students at Red Cloud Indian School. Teachers and librarians note its effectiveness in introducing children to both poetry and Native American perspectives. Readers highlight: - The authentic student artwork accompanying each poem - Personal stories that connect to heritage and family life - Accessibility for young readers (grades 5-8) - Inclusion of both English and Lakota languages Main critiques mention: - Limited context for some cultural references - Desire for more extensive translations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (34 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (12 ratings) From reviews: "The combination of art and poetry creates a powerful emotional impact" - School Library Journal "Helps students see themselves in poetry" - Teacher review on Amazon "Would benefit from more background information about Lakota traditions" - Librarian on Goodreads

Rain Is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith This coming-of-age novel incorporates Native American poetry and spirituality through a contemporary teen's journal entries.

I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner Indigenous traditions blend with poetry to tell the story of a mother preparing for her child's arrival.

Apple Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth Poems and prose fragments weave together Onondaga family history, boarding school experiences, and cultural identity.

When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through by Joy Harjo This anthology collects Native American poetry spanning generations and tribes across North America.

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women by Lisa Charleyboy, Mary Beth Leatherdale Poetry combines with art and personal essays to present contemporary Indigenous female perspectives.

🌟 The book is a collection of poetry and prose written by students from Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. 🎨 The anthology features striking original artwork created by S.D. Nelson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. 📚 The writings explore themes of cultural identity, family traditions, and the natural world through both English and Lakota languages. 🏫 Red Cloud Indian School, founded in 1888, is one of the oldest Native American educational institutions still in operation. 🗣️ Timothy P. McLaughlin taught at Red Cloud Indian School and developed innovative methods to help Native American students express themselves through poetry while honoring their cultural heritage.