Literature of the Southeast Cultural Region

There are many books related to Native Americans of the Southeast that can help students better visualize and understand the people, their history, and their present. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.

The example used for this activity is Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom by Tim Tingle.

Here are some additional suggestions for literature relating to the Indigenous People of the Southeast:

Tim Tingle, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is a sought-after storyteller and award-winning author:

• When Turtle Grew Feathers: A Folktale from the Choctaw Nation
• Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light
• House of Purple Cedar

Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a modern story about a girl named Jenna of Muscogee-Creek heritage living in Oklahoma that wishes to honor her family tradition by jingle dancing in a powwow.

Indian Shoes, also by Cynthia Leitich Smith, is a modern tale about a boy named Ray, a Seminole-Cherokee boy and his Grampa Halfmoon. It's a witty story about what it is like to grow up between the big city of Chicago and rural Oklahoma and is an easy chapter book perfect for ages 6 and up.

The Good Luck Cat by Joy Harjo, a member of the Muscogee-Creek nation, is a modern Native American story about Woogie, a cat who seems to get into one misfortune after another and its loving owner.

Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears by Cornelia Cornelissen is historical fiction describing the true event of the brutal, forced removal of all Cherokee people in 1838 from the southeast from the perspective of 9-year-old Soft Rain.

Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story by Andrea L. Rogers is another historical fiction about the Trail of Tears from the “Girls Survive” series of books and tells the story through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl. It's perfect for ages 8-11.

A Walk to the Great Mystery: A Cherokee Tale by Virginia A. Stroud (Cherokee-Creek) is the story of Dustin and Rosie learning about their heritage from their Grandma Ann, a Cherokee medicine woman. This is a picture book great for ages 4 and up.

The World in Grandfather’s Hands by Craig Kee Strete (Cherokee) is a story about a young boy who moves into his Grandfather’s home. It touches on serious subjects including the U.S. government’s policies relating to Native Americans. The chapter book is perfect for ages 8 and up.

Wilma's Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport tells the story of Wilma Mankiller, an activist and the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.

The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George is a modern story about a Seminole girl named Billie Wind who gains appreciation for her community’s legends and lessons. It's great for ages 11 and up.

The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story by Joseph Bruchac, award-winning Native American storyteller, tells the Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be.

Due Date:

Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.

Student Instructions

1. Read the story.
2. Click "Start Assignment".
3. Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.