LIGHT OF THE FEATHER: A Teacher’s Journey...

LIGHT OF THE FEATHER: A Teacher’s Journey Into Native American Classrooms & Culture by Mick Fedullo (Anchor: $12.95; 256 pp.). Fedullo recounts how he developed a widely adopted creative writing program for Amerindian students that stresses bicultural expression. Much of the success of his program stems from its emphasis on treating students with dignity and respecting tribal cultures. In many Indian societies, it’s considered disrespectful for children to speak out or look an adult in the eye; white teachers often demand these behaviors, alienating the students. Although he admits to committing gaffs before he earned the respect of various tribal leaders, Fedullo rails against instructors who either fail to respect Native American children or worship a romanticized notion of the Noble Red Man.