Eagle Boy: A Pacific Northwest Native Tale - Softcover

Richard Lee Vaughan has written more than twenty books for children and is an accomplished singer/songwriter. Vaughan grew up in the South Pacific and has traveled all over the world. He lived in Australia for ten years, where he counseled children with learning difficulties. He now lives on Vashon Island, Washington, with his wife, son, and dog.

Lee Christiansen has illustrated three picture books, including Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out! by April Pulley Sayre. His art has appeared in magazines, textbooks, and on book jackets. He lives in Red Lodge, Montana, with his wife and two sons.

Grade 1-5-Although most of the people in his village do not like eagles because they steal fish, a young orphan admires these great birds and always shares his catch with them, earning him the name Eagle Boy. Winter approaches and fishing becomes more difficult. In the hope of finding more food, the chief decides to move the village. The people board their canoes and leave Eagle Boy behind, telling him that there is no room for him. He is able to survive through the help of the eagles, and he honors them. Through his feathered friends, Eagle Boy sends dried fish to the chief's youngest daughter, who had befriended him despite the cruelty of her tribe. He is able to forgive the others and eventually rescues the starving people. "From that day on, the people of the Pacific Northwest coast and the eagles lived and hunted in harmony." Lavish double-page paintings evoke a sense of place and capture the majesty of these beautiful birds. In a brief note, the author states that several Pacific Coast Native groups-the Quinault, Makah, Haida, and Tlingit-have versions of this story. Unfortunately, no specific sources are cited. That aside, Eagle Boy is a satisfying, richly illustrated tale.
Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
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