The People Shall Continue

A compact and rightly sobering overview of the history of native Americans, this begins with their story of Creation and continues through the white man's usurpation of Indian lands and, too often, lore. It is written in straightforward syntax and in the cadences of traditional oral narration; as such, it derives its power from direct, forceful statements and the repetition of phrases and rhythms that assume a quiet insistence. The accompanying illustrations are similarly unembroidered yet dignified; they contain simply drawn figures and shapes, strong, vivid colors and a minimum of pattern and detail. A self-described ``teaching story'' whose mission is to instill a sense of responsibility for life, this is necessarily expository rather than dramatic; its lesson is inarguably worthy. Ages 7-12. (Jan.)