Indian Shoes by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Bibliography
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2002. Indian Shoes. New York: Harper Collins.

Illustrator: Jim Madsen
ISBN: 0-06-029531-7

Summary
The book, Indian Shoes, is a story comprised of six chapters. Each chapter details the life of Ray Halfmoon and the grandfather he lives with. Ray, along with Grandfather Halfmoon's guidance, solve life's little problems.

Critical Analysis
Leitich writes a heartfelt story about a Native American boy growing up under the guidance of his Native American grandfather. In the first chapter of Indian Shoes, the relationship between Ray Halfmoon and Grandpa Halfmoon is clearly defined. Grandpa is clearly homesick because they are unable to spend the holidays with family in Oklahoma. Ray finds a way to cheer up grandfather. Through out the rest of the chapters, Leitich demonstrates the bond between the two, developing their characters and their relationship.

Through out the entire story, Native American culture markers are present. A very obvious marker is found in the third word of the story--Halfmoon. Ray and Grandpa's last name is "Halfmoon." Often times, Native American names are derived from nature. Another marker is found when Grandpa admires Seminole moccasins in the store. Grandpa explains the moccasins remind him of his grandfather. Also, during the baseball game, Grandpa tells Ray old Cherokee and Seminole stories.

Another marker is found when the character's hair color and style is noticed. On page 25, Leitich describes Grandpa has having a shoulder-length ponytail. The illustrations by, Jim Madsen, show grandfather's hair is as dark, possibly black or dark brown. Ray's hair is also noticeably dark, like grandfather's.

There are various mentions of Native American tribes or words. For example, Uncle Leonard reads the Cherokee Advocate (60). Ray is cozy in a Cherokee Seven Clans quilt (61). Ray wears a powwow t-shirt (62) and Grandfather wears moccasins (11). Each one these items are from Native American people.

There are three profound cultural markers identifying the Native American culture in this story that deal with relationships towards or with each other or animals. The first example is when Ray and Grandpa bring all the animals to their house when the other houses lose electricity. Ray and Grandpa show respect for each of these animals by keeping them warm and safe in their own home. Another example is seen in Ray's respect for Grandpa. Ray is upset when Grandpa does not ride with him to the baseball game, but "Ray waved good-bye and grinned so Grandpa wouldn't know how upset he was." Ray's respect for his grandfather is portrayed through Ray's actions. Native Americans have much respect for each other, especially for an elder. Lastly, at the end of the story Grandpa takes Ray fishing. While they are fishing, Grandpa explains to Ray that he used to take his daddy fishing like this and "I can still fell 'im here, now and again." Ray and Grandpa can feel Ray's father spirit. Each one of these examples demonstrate the reverence Native Americans have for animals and people.

The story of Ray and Grandfather Halfmoon is sweet and believable, with Native American cultural markers intertwined throughout the story, establishing the Native American background of Grandpa and Ray Halfmoon. Leitich uses the cultural markers to express the straightforward, Native American influences in the book without making the influences overtly glaring. Ray and Grandfather are proud Native Americans. Indian Shoes is a good, simple book about the bond between a grandfather and grandson.

Review Excerpts
Booklist reports, "The stories' strength lies in their powerful, poignant evocation of a cross-generational bond and in the description of the simple pleasures two charming characters enjoy."

Horn Book states, "The writing is warm and lively; the situations are sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant; and Ray and Grampa's loving relationship is depicted believably and without sentimentality."

Reviews accessed from Follet's Titlewave at http://www.titlewave.com/

Connections
Other stories by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Jingle Dancer
Rain is Not My Indian Name