![]() ![]() The illustrations remind us of the connection we have with one another and with all of creation. This is an important children’s book for any library, in that it portrays a Native American child and family beyond the traditional Thanksgiving storybooks. How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? Sherman Alexie has stated in interviews that he wrote this book to address the need for brown-skinned children in literature. ![]() ![]() For example, the boy wonders that if he was known for touching a wild orca, his name would be, “Not afraid of ten thousand teeth.” The illustrations from Mexican-American artist Yuyi Morales gives voice to Thunder Boy, his family, and the world around him. And the author employs great imagination on Thunder Boy’s part. ![]() Literary elements at work in the story: This lyrical text is expertly crafted, drawing on the rich tradition of names and the meaning of names in the Native American culture. Then, his father, recognizing Thunder Boy’s need, gives him a new name. What follows is an imaginative exploration into who he is and what his name could be. He would prefer a name that reveals who he is, instead of a smaller version of his father, Thunder Boy, Sr. Thunder Boy is a Native-American child who does not like his name. Summary: Sherman Alexie set out to write a children’s book featuring a non-white child. ![]()
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