Night is Gone, Day is Still Coming: Stories and Poems by American Indian Teens and Young Adults

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ochoa, Annette Pina, Franco, Besty & Gourdine Traci L. 2003. NIGHT IS GONE, DAY IS STILL COMING: STORIES AND POEMS BY AMERICAN INDIAN TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS. Introduction by Simon J. Ortiz. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0-7636-1518-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This anthology of poems, prose, and memoirs contains the voices of 58 American Indian teens and young adults ranging in age from 11 to 22.

3. CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 In a time when the United States has received its first African-American president, resulting in a sense of long-deserved satisfaction for that community, the Native American culture may seem to be often overlooked. They, too, were persecuted, and murdered, and forced to leave their homes. Here is an anthology of stories and poems from the youth of that culture.

The items within these pages were written by American Indian youths ranging from 11 to 22. They are very aware of their background, of where they came from, of where they stand now, and of where they want to be in the future. The words of these not-so-average teens and young adults should hit home with those of any cultural background.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “These are honest voices in a well-organized anthology that gives an excellent look into an important American culture.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “the teens' stories and poems convey a wide range of emotion and experience with an honesty that is as refreshing as it is sometimes breathtaking.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* Book discussion suggestions:

            Which poem stood out the most to you? Why?

            For those of Native American heritage, what does this book mean to you?

* Books containing fictional tales of Native American culture:

Carlson, Lori Marie. MOCCASIN THUNDER: AMERICAN INDIAN STORIES FOR TODAY. ISBN 0066239575

Alexie, Sherman. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. ISBN 0316013692

*More American Indian poetry and essays:

            Hirschfelder, Arlene & Singer, Beverly. RISING VOICES: WRITINGS OF YOUNG NATIVE

            AMERICANS. ISBN 0804111677