Hiawatha and the Peacemaker

Publisher's description (Abrams Young Reader, 2015): 
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, musical icon Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of storytelling with a new generation. 

Hiawatha was a strong and articulate Mohawk who was chosen to translate the Peacemaker’s message of unity for the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century. This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves—a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the U.S. Constitution. 

Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with arresting oil paintings. Together, Robertson and Shannon have crafted a new children’s classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages. Author Robbie Robertson is First Nations.

Author Biography (Abrams Books for Young Readers): 
Robbie Robertson was born on July 5, 1943 in Toronto, Canada. He is most known for his work as lead guitarist for the music group "The Band", which began the Americana music genre. As a songwriter, Robertson wrote "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Broken Arrow" among many others. His talent was recognized when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He also worked as a soundtrack producer and composer when he teamed up with Martin Scorsese on the fims: The Last Waltz, Raging Bull and Casino. He also became an author with his titles Testimony and Hiawatha and the Peacemaker.  He is Mohawk and Cayuga. 

Resource format: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Pre-K - Grade 3

Keywords: Mohawk, Onondaga, Great Peacemaker, history, Nation building, social studies, evil chief, devastation, loss, family, revenge, survival, canoe, river, Great Law, wampum, clan mother, Cayuga, council, peace, love, unity, Seneca, Oneida, forgiveness, oak, pray, miracle, women, posession, purity, truth, medicine, light, heal, Tree of Peace, vote, eagle, Five Nations, Deganawida, Iroquois

Year of publication: 2015

Publisher information: Abrams Young Reader