Arctic Hunter

In an informative, thorough presentation, Migdale's photographs present varied and realistic glimpses of the ancient yet changing life of Alaska's Inupiat people. While contemporary critics may balk at the apparent sexism (women, it seems, don't hunt or navigate), there is nevertheless solidity in this strongly family-centered society in which each member has a task. In an unaffected text--befitting the authentic-sounding voice of 10-year-old narrator, Reggie--readers are taken through the diverse events surrounding a spring seal hunt. Telling details abound: in a photo of the family shopping expedition, kids can note many familiar grocery items. The seal hunt itself is handled very plainly, as Reggie comes of age upon killing his first seal. (Though some will object to a photo of the proud hunter standing before a freshly killed seal, an author's note explains that seals are protected by legislation and that hunting is done as a means of sustenance and not for commercial gain.) As with their previous works ( Pueblo Storyteller ; Totem Pole ), these collaborators offer in an accessible text and lucid photographs an arresting portrait of another culture--a culture that presents obvious differences from that known by most American kids, but many reassuring similarities as well. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)