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.

Resource format: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Pre-K - Grade 3

Keywords: Haudenosaunee, Iroquois, oral tradition, storytelling, Hiawatha, Peacemaker

Year of publication: 2015

Publisher information: Abrams Young Reader