Bruchac, Joseph. Hidden Roots. New York: Scholastic, 2004. Print. ISBN-13: 978-0439353588; eBook: $2.99
Overview
A story of a boy in upstate New York during the 1950s. 11 yr old Sonny struggles through childhood with an angry father known for sudden rages caused by low self-esteem and a head injury. He is looked after by his loving mother and an Uncle Louis who really isn’t his uncle at all. As the story progresses Sonny learns more and more about his father, mother, Uncle Louis and the community’s well-kept secret past.
This is a well written book that the younger YA reader would enjoy. Learning about past injustice and racism towards the Indians that once lived in the area, we see through the eyes of an eleven year old boy who discovers that his own “hidden roots”, are the Indians themselves. A good lesson to be learned about accepting people that are different from ourselves for what they are and the things they can teach us.
Reviews
Joe Bruchac has written an honest, truth-telling story that may well be the most important book this prolific writer has ever produced. Thank you, Joe. You have done a good thing.
- American Indians in Children-s Literature (AICL), Debbie Reese
With skill and grace, Bruchac shows us a dark side of Amenrican history: its sterilization programs. Because of these state-sanctioned programs, many--like the family at the heart of HIDDEN ROOTS--hid their identity to protect themselves. Highly recommended! - Debbie Reese