Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk. The Christmas Coat, Ill. by Ellen Beier. New York: Holiday House,
2011.
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2134-3
Plot Summary:
This is a story based on an event from the author’s
childhood. Virginia lives on the South
Dakota prairie and every day on her long walk to school, the frigid wind blows
through her too-small winter coat. The
children at the school depend on “Theast” boxes of donated clothes, shoes and
coats from New England (“the east”) communities that arrive every fall and
spring. Virginia and her brother never get first pick of the items, though,
because they are expected to consider the needs of others before themselves. Virginia
fears she will never get a coat that fits, but the generosity of others and a
Christmas surprise brings joy to her family.
Critical Analysis:
This is a beautiful, heartfelt story that will delight
readers of all ages. The text flows freely
and coveys the distress that Virginia feels as she realizes that, once again,
she will not have a coat that fits to keep her warm this winter. Since this is a story based on the author’s
childhood growing up on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, it is authentic in
detail and rich with traditions sacred to the Sioux tribe. The names of the characters such as Dan Reed
Buffalo and Mrs. Little Money add to the Native American experience of the
period. Reference is made to an
authentic Native American celebration meal of “corn soup, fry bread, and wojape,
or chokecherry pudding.” Virginia’s
family is very close-knit and caring with each other, as well as with the
community.
The illustrations by Ellen Beier add a poetic element to the
story. The double-page spread pictures
done in watercolor and gouache on Fabriano watercolor paper are breathtakingly
beautiful and propel the story while adding details not found in the text. Beier is able to depict the emotions of
Virginia and her family and friends. The
illustrations respectfully portray the beautiful dark hair and the rich olive
skin tone of the Native American characters. The details of the setting, a
schoolhouse on the South Dakota Prairie, the blowing snow of the harsh winter,
the festive Christmas Pageant - all are artfully drawn and give a feeling of
serenity to the story. The combination
of text and illustrations combines to make a lovely story of kindness and
selflessness.
Review Excerpts:
“Virginia’s personality shines through in this poignant
story that entertains and informs without recourse to stereotypes.” ~Kirkus (starred review)
“The author recalls a childhood when an act of simple
kindness ultimately became its own reward.” ~Smithsonian Magazine
Awards:
American Indian Library Association Best Children’s Book of
2011
Connections:
The Sioux (First
American Books) by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Enduring Wisdom:
Sayings from Native Americans by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (compiler) and
Synthia Saint James (painter)
Dancing Teepees: Poems
of American Indian Youth by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (author and editor)
and Stephen Gammell (illustrator)
Children of the
Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac
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