These dramatizations of seven traditional tales written by one of the respected storytellers and interpreters of American Indian lore contain a virtual “recipe” for anyone who wants to bring these tales to life on stage. The tales are “Gluskabe and Old Man Winter” (Abenaki), “Star Sisters” (Ojibway), “Possum’s Tail” (Cherokee), “Wihio’s Duck Dance” (Cheyenne), “Pushing up the Sky” (Snohomish), “The Cannibal Monster” (Tlingit), and “The Strongest One” (Zuni). At the beginning of each script, Bruchac lists the characters the play requires and details the necessary props. He makes practical suggestions for scenery and costumes. Stage directions are minimal. These are plays anyone can produce or adapt, whether they are young thespians, busy classroom teachers, or relatively inexperienced community group leaders. Notes at the end detail each story’s origin. (Age 9 and older)

From acclaimed Native American storyteller Joseph Bruchac comes a collection of seven lively plays for children to perform, each one adapted from a different traditional Native tale. Filled with heroes and tricksters, comedy and drama, these entertaining plays are a wonderful way to bring Native cultures to life for young people. Each play has multiple parts that can be adjusted to suit the size of a particular group and includes simple, informative suggestions for props, scenery, and costumes that children can help to create. Introductory notes and beautiful, detailed illustrations add to young readers' understanding of the seven Native nations whose traditions have inspired the plays.