~Heart of the Chief ~
Can one boy make a difference?
Author Joseph Bruchac
Upper elementary-Middle school
Heart of the Chief: A Summary
This book depicts Native Americans today facing a society that does not understand their culture. Set on an intentionally fictional reservation in New England, a boy enters the local middle school and deals with the normal fears of growing up as well as with the difficulties of living in two worlds. Provides wonderful images of strong, activist teachers and administrators.
The main character successfully leads a drive to change the school mascot “the Indians” as well as fighting a proposed gambling casino on the reservation. A great follow up to Sign of the Beaver -same region and “tribe”.
Heart of the Chief Guiding Questions/Activities
Before reading:
- Think of some words that describe your heritage.
- Put them in the names of teams/jokes/catch phrases. [like Slovaks, Popes, Jews]
- Discuss whether or not you agree with their use
- Make a chart listing words the students think of when they hear the word Indian.
During reading:
Keep a running list of words that describe the native American characters in the book.
After reading:
- What gave the main character his inner strength?
- What makes a good leader? How did the main character show signs of leadership?
- Compare the original list of native American descriptor words with the descriptions of the characters in the book. Are any stereotypes revealed?
About the Author
Joseph Bruchac is of Native American descent and has written numerous books for children and young adults.
Visit Joseph Bruchac’s website at http://www.josephbruchac.com
Related reading
Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac
Warriors by Joseph Bruchac
Related activities
Have students select a state on the US Mascot map and graph some of the data. Have students share their graphs.
Find a local school or team that has an mascot that is disrespectful of native Americans and have students write letters to that group or to the local paper.
