Alice Yazzie's Year

From School Library Journal Grade 3-5-This new edition of a book originally published in 1977 (Coward; o.p.) and illustrated by Stephen Gammell chronicles a year in the life of an 11-year-old Navajo girl in spare, poetic language. Alice, who lives with her Grandfather Tsosie in a traditional hogan, starts her narrative in January. She describes the cold and how it affects their livestock, especially a lamb that must be brought inside for the night. Each month is introduced by both its English and Navajo name, followed by a passage that reflects Alice's reality. Many of her meditations are clearly influenced by the turning of the year, although others, like a visit to Disneyland and the accidental death of a friend, recount the events of her life. Clearly meant for older readers despite the picture-book format, the book compares a buffalo's eyes to "a drunk bronc rider's," which may make the intended audience even less certain. Begay's illustrations are wonderfully textured and infused with the colors of the Southwest. For some children, the artwork may be more revealing of traditional Navajo lifestyles than the pared down, almost stream-of-consciousness text. Purchase where supplemental materials on Native American culture are needed.