Suitabook

Native Americans in Florida

Kevin McCarthy

Reading: Read together in short sections, pausing to locate places or terms that are new. Use the paintings as prompts to ask what details are historical evidence and what remains an artist’s interpretation.
Themes: Native histories and Florida identity: The book presents information on nine Florida tribes and connects Native heritage with the state’s history. It offers an informational account of Native history as part of Florida’s cultural story.
Rights and historical hardship: The book includes inspirational leaders who fought for their rights and refers to Native peoples’ hardships and triumphs. Rights and hardship form part of the stated subject matter, but the book’s treatment of particular struggles is unclear.
People and environment: The book relates Native life to Florida’s environment and includes paintings of daily life and tribal ceremonies. The stated approach brings together cultural and environmental history, with artwork depicting people and activities.
Worth knowing: The book covers hardships and leaders’ efforts to secure rights. The nature and detail of those hardships are not specified, so a child may want context as they read.