Cynthia Leitich Smith
Cynthia Leitich Smith is a New York Times best-selling
author of fiction for children and young adults. A member of the Muscogee Creek
Nation, she writes fiction for children centered on the lives of modern-day
American Indians. These books are taught
widely by teachers in elementary, middle school, high school, and college
classrooms. In addition, Smith writes fanciful, humorous picture books and gothic
fantasies for ages 14-up. Regarded as an
expert in children's-YA literature by the press, she also hosts a website for
Children's Literature Resources. Smith is a former faculty member at Vermont
College of Fine Arts, teaching in the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA
program. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism as well as law degree from the University of Michigan. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and her cats.
Books She's Written
1) Holler Loudly
2) Santa Knows
3) Indian Shoes
4) Rain is Not My Indian Name
5) Jingle Dancer
6) Feral Nights
7) Tantalize
8) Eternal
9) Blessed
10) Tantalize: Kieren's Story
11) Diabolical
12) Eternal: Zachary's Story
Trailer for Rain is Not My Indian Name
Useful Links to Know More
Her Blog
Indian Shoes
Summary: This book is about Ray Halfmoon and his grandpa and the love they share. It is a collection of interrelated stories about both of them. They range from Ray's predicament of losing his dress pants right a few minutes before he has to be in a wedding to a bad haircut.
Personal Reflection: I enjoyed this book. It is written a tad differently than what I'm used to because of the short story format. These stories are very heartwarming and pretty funny. I can definitely tell Ray and his grandpa love each other. They take care of each other. This is a relationship that isn't often portrayed, normally relationships deal with children or children and parents. Relationships with grandparents are very special and should be celebrated, such as in this book.
Jingle Dancer
Summary: Jenna wants to dance in the powwow just like her Grandma Wolfe. The only problem is she doesn't have a dress that jingles. The book goes through her quest for her own jingles.
Personal Reflection: This book deals with a special part of Native American culture, the dancing during powwows. It was interesting learning more about it. I like how the book portrays her friends, how they are willing to help Jenna with her problem. It shows people are always there to help. The main relationship focus, is the relationship between Jenna and her Grandma Wolfe. Jenna idolizes her grandma dancing in the powwow. I think it is really touching that she wants to dance just like her grandma. Like I said, grandparent relationships are very special and should be portrayed more often.
Summary: Jenna wants to dance in the powwow just like her Grandma Wolfe. The only problem is she doesn't have a dress that jingles. The book goes through her quest for her own jingles.
Personal Reflection: This book deals with a special part of Native American culture, the dancing during powwows. It was interesting learning more about it. I like how the book portrays her friends, how they are willing to help Jenna with her problem. It shows people are always there to help. The main relationship focus, is the relationship between Jenna and her Grandma Wolfe. Jenna idolizes her grandma dancing in the powwow. I think it is really touching that she wants to dance just like her grandma. Like I said, grandparent relationships are very special and should be portrayed more often.
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