• Jan. 19, 2009
Comparing Jennie's Mandan Bowl to The Eagle Feather Prize
Comparing
Jennie's Mandan Bowl
to
The Eagle Feather Prize
Jennie's Mandan Bowl
By, Lyla Hoffine
Illustrated by, Larry Toschik
Published by, Longmans, Green and CO.,Toronto
Copyright 1960
The Eagle Feather Prize
By, Lyla Hoffine
Illustrated by, Earl Lonsbury
Published by, David McKay Company
Copyright 1962
In both of Lyla Hoffine's books, Lyla Hoffine had Jennie Youngbear and Billy Youngbear's Grandma talk and teach them about the Mandan Indian "old ways". They Youngbear children went to school and that is where they were taught more modern ways or "new ways". Both the Youngbear children were being taught the "old ways and new ways" of the Mandan Indians and Americans.
Jennie's Mandan Bowl is about a young Mandan Indian girl, named Jennie Youngbear. Jennie struggled with wanting to be an American not an Indian girl, Jennie was embarrassed because she was an Indian. She also was having a difficult time standing up in front of people and speaking. Her school teacher told her to make Mandan bowls with her Grandma over the summer. Then, when school started again in the fall, Jennie can try to stand up in front of her classmates and talk about her summer. Jennie didn't want to do any of it, one, because Jennie wanted to forget she was an Indian and two, Jennie was afraid to talk in front of her classmates.
The Eagle Feather Prize is about Billy Youngbear, Jennie's younger brother, a Mandan Indian who has always dreamed of owning his own Appaloosa. He dreamed of using his pony for roping cattle. But Billy's dad had a different idea. Mr. Youngbear also had a dream, his dream was to own a cattle ranch with Billy. Billy didn't know how to tell his dad he didn't want to raise Hereford cows. Billy often talked to his Grandma about his problem. Grandma Youngbear told Billy of the Mandan "old ways". Billy liked the old stories and old ways. He was proud he was a Mandan Indian. Grandma Youngbear told Billy if he worked hard she would give him the honor of owning an eagle feather as a prize.
Jennie and Billy are both dealing with the transition from "old ways to new ways". Jennie was ashamed that she was a Mandan Indian, but on the other hand Billy was prouder than ever that he was Mandan Indian. They both had to face some challenges but they got through them by using the advice from their Grandma and others. Or you could say both children used advice from the "old ways and new ways".
Jennie's Mandan Bowl and The Eagle Feather Prize are very good books. They talk a lot about the history of the Mandan Indians. The Eagle Feather Prize is a continuation of Jennie's Mandan Bowl but, The Eagle Feather Prize is not about Jennie, it is about Billy. I enjoyed Lyla Hoffine's books, it is interesting how things have changed since then. I recommend these books to anyone and everyone. Not everyone will love them but most will enjoy and like them! I know I did.
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Comments
• Feb. 6, 2009
Old Ways/New Ways
Posted by Miss Kirsten
What a great set of books to compare and contrast! You did a great job of citing and summarizing both books. I also liked how you pointed out the similarities and differences in the fourth paragraph and then added your own reflections in the fifth paragraph.
I do have one lingering question. Did Jennie ever change her mind and become proud of her Indian heritage or was she still ashamed when the book ended?
It must be very different to live in two worlds. Two of my cousins are Colville (Lakes) Indians in northeast Washington. They regularly participate in activities that would be considered both old and new. They enjoy both their Indian and non-Indian relatives and seem to effortlessly participate in both cultures. (Although I suspect it is more difficult that it appears.) One thing that I have noticed about my cousins is that they are very proud of both their white and Native America heritage.
Keep up the good work!
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