The First Strawberries, A Cherokee Story by Joseph Bruchac

Book Genre: Folklore

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA), June 1998

Summary:
This is a legend told by the Cherokee people of how strawberries came to be. This book tells about an innocent quarrel between the first man and woman on earth. The woman is out picking beautiful flowers instead of making her husband supper. He becomes angry with her and learns the impact that harsh words can do to someone’s feelings. When the man went to apologize to his wife, he found her eating these bizarre berries. When the man asked his wife for forgiveness she answered him by sharing her strawberries. The Cherokee people view strawberries as a way to remember friendship and kindness.

Personal Rating, ****Great. I am partial to books that depict and enlighten readers on diverse cultures from around the world. The illustrations were exceptionally authentic and really kept true to the Cherokee people.

Reading Level: 3 grade (A.R. Level 3.5)

Interest Level: K-5

Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study:

Math: Compare and contrast different berries by their shape, size and color. Make a class pictograph that shows which students like or dislike strawberries. Social Studies/Writing: Use this book to discuss how the Cherokee people are different from our own families. Make a list of all the things that are made from strawberries. Field Trip: Take a class field trip to a local strawberry farm.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: The story discusses how the creator made the first Cherokee man and woman. This may bring up questions about how man and woman were first created.