Knots on a Counting Rope

by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, Ted Rand (Illustrator)

Childrens Book

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Native American, Cultural, Fiction, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1987

About the author

Bill Martin, Jr. (1916-2004) was an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer, and poet. His more than 300 books, among them the bestselling classics Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See ; Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear ; Panda Bear Panda Bear What Do You See ; and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom , are a testament to his ability to speak directly to children. Martin held a doctoral degree in early childhood education. Born in Kansas, he worked as an elementary-school principal in Chicago before moving to New York City, where he worked in publishing, developing innovative reading programs for schools. After several years, he devoted himself full-time to writing his children's books. He lived in New York until 1993, when he moved to Texas. He lived in the east Texas woods, near the town of Commerce, until he passed away in 2004.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/billma...

Reviews

[Carolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to review because on the one hand it is a moving and poetic account of a little boy's (formally named "By-Strength-of-Blue Horses") eagerly asking and prompting his grandfather to tell the story of the boy's own life, a story that, when it is completed, is marked by a knot on a counting rope. As the story is told, the boy's blindness is revealed, which makes more suspenseful the episode of a horse race among this boy and others. That is what makes the counting rope pertinent: when the rope is filled with knots, the boy will be able to his own story by heart. The watercolor paintings by Ted Rand are darkly evocative of families storytelling around a campfire.
On the other hand it cannot be considered an authentic portrayal of Indian storytelling. Archambault and Martin wrote several books together, and this the only one with a Native American theme. Archambault is from Pasadena and Martin is from Kansas, from a family with a storytelling tradition, but neither is Indian. There is no authors' note to suggest what if anything their research may have been although the publisher at one time claimed that the people pictured in the illustrations were Navajo and Hopi. The People pictured are not specifically identified in the book as part of any nation, and the story needs to be seen just as an emotional encounter between a boy and his grandfather, not between an Indian boy and his Indian grandfather. Viewed in that perspective, the language seems awkward and stilted. According to the review in _Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children_ by Beverly Slapin and Doris Seale (New Society, 1987), the pictures show representations of many different tribes, with faces like Plains Indians, braids like Mandan, Blackfeet and others, Cheyenne style earrings, and so on. They believe that the grandfather's assertion that the frail newborn would not die was insulting to the spirits, and that the family would name him immediately, not waiting for some spiritual revelation, in this case the mysterious appearance of blue horses. Furthermore, they say that the boy's repeated eager interruptions of the grandfather would simply not happen (pp. 182-184). Slapin and Seale write, "The romantic imagery of this book is no less a white fantasy than the bloody savages of more overtly racist titles. . . . It is a crass, and deliberate, rip-off--an insult to all of us, and most of all to the people of the Navajo Nation(p. 184)."
The lack of cultural authenticity in the text and illustrations certainly weaken its value as a multicultural story.

[Kireja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of storytelling, of the connection between grandfather and grandson, of passing wisdom and knowledge from one generation to another, of learning to live with and overcoming a disability, and of the strength of family. However, as an educator I found some aspects of this book problematic. I think that there are benefits in teaching multicultural literature but we need to be careful that we are not teaching and promoting stereotypes and inaccurate and inauthentic stories. Therefore I would like to direct you to this paper on the following site titled: Examining Multicultural Picture Books for the Early Childhood Classroom: Possibilities and Pitfalls.

http://ecap.crc.illinois.edu/pubs/kat...

There is a short paragraph regarding this book within this paper as follows:

In Knots on a Counting Rope, Ted Rand’s illustrations suggest primarily that the story is set in the Navajo nation, but his work reflects inadequate research into the culture. The book shows a mix of material culture from several different nations. For example, traditional Navajo men in the story are shown with hairstyles typical of the Atsina, Blackfeet, Mandan, and Piegan nations. Also, Pueblo people are shown at a horse race wearing traditional ceremonial clothing inappropriate for everyday wear (Reese & Caldwell-Wood, 1997, p. 177).

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found and read on Open Library, and yes, I do very much agree with those reviewers who consider Knots on a Counting Rope a difficult and also a problematic picture book to review and rate. Originally published in 1987 and with a flowing, often almost song-like text penned by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault as well as showing painterly accompanying artwork by Ted Rand, Knots on a Counting Rope is a textually evocative and movingly poetic account of a young (and indeed also blind as it turns out) Native American boy (named By-Strength-of-Blue Horses) eagerly asking and prompting his grandfather to once more orally relate the story of his life, a biographical tale that when it is completed is marked by a knot on the counting rope of the book title.

And as Knots on a Counting Rope progresses, the boy's blindness is gradually but never all that overtly revealed, which for one makes the episode of that horse race which By-Strength-of-Blue Horses competes in all the more suspenseful and exciting and for two also shows rather delightfully that everyone seems to simply accept By-Strength-of-Blue Horses even with his physical challenge of being sightless, that blindness has not made the boy helpless but rather resilient, that By-Strength-of-Blue Horses is being taught by his family and in particular by his grandfather to not consider his lack of sight as a handicap but just as a natural and integral part of who he is. But what actually makes the book title's counting rope so pertinent and important as a symbol of encouragement and positivity is that once the rope is completely filled with knots, the boy will then be able to know his own life story entirely by heart and will just like the grandfather is doing now be telling it to his own family and to anyone wanting to, wishing to listen.

Furthermore, Ted Rand's water-colour illustrations for Knots on a Counting Rope, they are delightfully visually evocative of families storytelling around a campfire and they certainly do a lovely job aesthetically mirroring the presented text, Rand's pictures very nicely and successfully reflect and also expand on Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault's printed words (and yes indeed, whilst reading Knots on a Counting Rope I actually first became aware of the young boy being possibly blind by looking at Ted Rand's illustrations of By-Strength-of-Blue Horses' face and noticing that his eyes are kind of blank and with no noticeable pupils, irises etc.).

However and in my opinion also importantly, Knots on a Counting Rope cannot in any manner ever be considered as an authentic portrayal of Native American storytelling, since the joint authors, since neither Bill Martin Jr. nor John Archambault are American Indians, and illustrator Ted Rand is not either for that matter, so that indeed both text and illustrations for Knots on a Counting Rope are thus completely and utterly not at all OwnVoices. And considering there are no authors' or illustrator's notes provided in Knots on a Counting Rope to show what possible research there may have been (albeit it has been claimed that the people pictured in Rand's illustrations are supposed to represent Navajo and Hopi) and that nowhere in the text any tribal afflictions are verbally identified, both story and artwork can and should thus only be seen as an emotional encounter between a young (blind) boy and his grandfather, and with the Native American contents and artwork simply existing as kind of textual and illustrative window dressing, perhaps trying to make Knots on a Counting Rope appear as something a bit ethnically diverse, but not really succeeding all that well with that and as such and for me definitely equally kind of making Knots on a Counting Rope rather potentially insulting to and for Native Americans, in particular with regard to their culture, dress and the like simply being taken out of context and superimposed on a random grandfather/grandson story. So indeed, and viewed from that perspective, not only do I find both Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault's printed words and Ted Rand's pictures rather awkward and uncomfortable, I also cannot imagine using Knots on a Counting Rope with or for young readers without some major discussions and lessons regarding cultural insensitivity (read massive inauthenticity) and appropriation.

But finally and sadly, while originally I was still considering a low three star rating for Knots on a Counting rope (as I did actually rather enjoy the presented story and also found the paintings aesthetically pleasant enough, their ethnic and cultural non authenticity notwithstanding), well, after reading Beverly Slapin and Doris Searle's (both of whom are Native American) review for Knots on the Counting Rope in Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children I have indeed changed my mind and am now only willing to grant a two star rating to Knots of a Counting Rope (and while I do of course not think Knots on a Counting Rope should ever be banned or removed from library shelves, I also would not really want Knots on a Counting Rope to be actively used in the classroom either and most definitely not ever for any units specifically about American Indians).

For in the review of Knots on a Counting Rope in Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children Slapin and Searle point out that Ted Rand's pictures actually show visually problematic representations of an annoying hodgepodge of many different American Indian tribes (faces like Plains Indians, braids like Blackfoot, Cheyenne style earrings and so on and so on) and that the family probably would generally name their newborn son immediately (in particular if he is frail and might not survive) and would thus not be waiting for some spiritual revelation, like the mysterious appearance of blue horses being described in Knots on a Counting Rope, so that yes, I simply could not and cannot still consider a three star rating (and have thus decided on a maximum of only two stars of Knots on a Counting Rope).

And furthermore, Beverly Slapin and Doris Searle also claim that the boy's repeated interruptions in Knots on a Counting Rope of the grandfather would simply not happen in real life, that it would actually be considered majorly rude and disrespectful to interrupt a grandfather, and basically any elder telling a story. Therefore and while I actually do not tend to think that Knots on a Counting Rope is in any way willfully racially intolerant, there is in my opinion and most definitely a huge lack of understanding of Native American culture present and an appropriation by both authors and illustrator that I for one have found and do find rather cringe-worth and majorly horrible, and that thus, I really cannot and will not recommend Knots on a Counting Rope without major, without huge caveats and reservations and as such also consider what Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault have written and what Ted Rand has painted in Knots on a Counting Rope majorly and sadly lacking both cultural authenticity and showing truly problematic and fantastical images of Native Americans that I for one am finding really impossible to ignore and also to forgive.

[Jennifer (JenIsNotaBookSnob) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't bother to finish this book. I was reading it to my 6 year old and the cultural inaccuracies were fairly blatant. The unfortunate thing is that this could have been a decent book had they just not tried to make it a Native American book. This is why the most commonly given book advice is, 'write what you know'. Additionally, if you are writing about something you do not know, research the heck out of it. That doesn't feel like it happened here. This book isn't a negative portrayal of Native Americans exactly, but, it is more the myth of the Native American rather than the reality. The illustrations are a mix of multiple groups and not coherent.

It is one thing to write a fantasy, but, if your story is a fantasy your people should be a fantasy too, not real people that you've turned into a myth. Definitely don't recommend for the classroom.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knots on a Counting Rope (Reading Rainbow Book) by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, illustrated by Ted Rand is a poignant yet controversial story of a young blind Native American boy, with the counting rope used as a metaphor for both the passage of time and the emerging confidence of the boy.

The text is spare and poetic. It promotes confidence and belief in oneself. It also is postive in the value of storytelling and the bond between a grandson and grandfather.

The illustrations are evocative and the use of shadow is impressive in the many illustrations representing firelight from the campfire.

Unfortunately, it is widely criticized in Native American circles and literature as being inaccurate in many areas. The storytelling is seen as inaccurate as well as the many interuptions by the boy, which would not occur. The lack of research notes as well as the inaccuracy of the illustrations are seen as reasons for banning the book. See oyete.com for details. I have lowered my rating after reviewing some of this literature.

While I would keep this in a public library collection because it is a Reading Rainbow book, and for its grandparent, blindness and self reliance themes, I would not use it as a recommended Native American title. If you have a Native American presence in your population, I would suggest considering its place in your collection carefully.

For Ages 4 to 6, grandparent, blindness, horses, self reliance, and fans of Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault and Ted Rand.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 1 out of 5]

Elementary. This book concerns me. It is very popular in the education world-- written and illustrated by two very reputable names in children's literature. Although well-intentioned, this book is offensive to native peoples (See the Oyate site), and unless you are a part of the culture you might not know it. The main problems: costume is not unique to any one tribe-- very general in grouping Native tribes together--and not appropriate, along with some of the imagery and behavior. There are better books out there to use. Check the Oyate site for recommendations. Do not perpetuate the inaccuracies.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A grandfather tells his blind grandson the story of the grandson's life.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was okay. It did get old how the boy kept asking him to tell him each line again, and I was searching for how the story got called knots on a counting rope, because the rope didn’t come in until the very end.

You have to figure out for yourself that the boy is blind by using clues because it doesn’t come out and say that he’s blind or can’t see. I wasn’t crazy about the writing and the illustrations were just okay.

It was a nice message though that even though he was blind he saw things clearly and could still do things like race his horse because his horse could see for him. And his grandpa would still be with him after he was gone. He was preparing his grandson for being able to tell the story himself after he was gone.

[Megan Denney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knots on a Counting Rope is about a boy and his grandfather as they sit around the fire the boy begs his grandfather to tell the story about how the boy got his name. The grandfather tells the boy this will be his last time and he goes on to tell the story of how he got his name through the storm and rodeo. The knots on the counting rope are a metaphor for the boy's courage and his overall challenge of being blind.

I would definitely use this book in my class. The author does a great job of keeping the reader interested through his emotion and the adventure of why the boy was named Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses.

This book would be great to use during a Native American lesson in your classroom to share with how Native Americans told stories to their young. It would also be good for a class speaking on metaphors for the students to pick out at the end of the story.

[Kandace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Knots on a Counting Rope was the book I chose from the not recommended list on Oyate. Sitting around a fire, a young blind boy listens to his grandfather tell the story of the night he was born. From the pictures, the reader assumes they are some type of Native American Indians. Yet, neither the illustrations or text offer any clue as to the specific Native culture. The story unfolds as a conversation written in a jarring and disruptive form. I was actually confused when reading this book. The boy seems eagerly pleased by the grandfather’s abrupt and impatient manner. The focus seemed to be more about his blindness and touched on no element of their culture.

The Oyate review was scathing. From a cultural perspective I wholeheartedly agree with the critique. I do believe however that many of the negative or omitted cultural elements would go unnoticed by young readers. I think it is important to have culturally disrespectful titles like this unavailable for book selection. I found this book in my school library and have weeded it from my collection. I plan to keep it available for lessons on cultural ambiguity. By relating the omitted and vague aspects, students can learn what to look for when selecting culturally authentic titles. Sharing the negatives of this book can teach children how to become responsible readers.

[Nani Yanagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses, who is told of his life story by his grandfather. When Boy was born, he was very sick and ill. His parents didn’t know if he was going to make it or not. His grandfather took him outside where two blue horses were running and stopped by to see this little boy. Boy reached out to touch them and his grandfather could feel the blue horses giving Boy the strength he needs to live. This is where he got his name. Boy had a connection with the blue horses from then on. They taught him how to see in the dark and guided him through certain times. After his grandfather told him the story, he made another knot in the rope. Grandfather claims that when the rope is full of knots, Boy would know the story by heart and be able to tell it to himself. This book explains the storytelling of an Indian family and how their child Boy came to be.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son and I read this when he was in grade school. I read a little more about the origin of the story and found some conflicting inaccuracies that I hope others will be encouraged to research out and correct the misrepresentation found in this Native American story.

http://ecap.crc.illinois.edu/pubs/kat.
In Knots on a Counting Rope, Ted Rand's illustrations suggest primarily that the story is set in the Navajo nation, but his work reflects inadequate research into the culture. The book shows a mix of material culture from several different nations. For example, traditional Navajo men in the story are shown with hairstyles typical of the Atsina, Blackfeet, Mandan, and Piegan nations. Also, Pueblo people are shown at a horse race wearing traditional ceremonial clothing inappropriate for everyday wear (Reese & Caldwell-Wood, 1997, p.177).

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We borrowed this book from our local library as part of a kit with an audiocassette. We enjoyed listening to the book narrated while we followed along with the book. I thought the story was a nice one, about a young boy who asks his grandfather yet one more time about the story of his birth and a retelling of an exciting horse race. I see here that the book has received scathing reviews about its inauthenticity and its characterization of Native Americans. I don't know about that, but I do know that we liked the story and I loved that the boy's disability was only gradually revealed; that it was so much a part of him that it need not be mentioned outright.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story of a grandfather and his blind grandson.

[Logan Savage]

Knots on a Counting Rope is a children’s book about a little boy who is blind. In the story, there is a Native American boy and his grandfather. The boy, “By-Strength-Of-Blue-Horses” was born blind and is searching for confidence in himself. In order to do this, he asks his grandfather to retell the story of his birth and life. Throughout the story, the grandfather tells of how the family didn’t think the boy would live and how he overcame many dark mountains in his life. He found a love in horses and tells about his horse races. The boys talks about how he has to count the steps the horse takes and feel how it leans in order to know where he is and which way to go during the races. During the story, the boy helps his grandfather tell the story by interjecting when he knows what's coming. At the end, the grandfather ties a knot in the “counting rope” and tells the boy when the last knot is tied, he will know the story by heart. Tying the last knot signifies the boys ability to find confidence in himself and his story.
Knots on a Counting Rope was written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. There was no author’s note or resources to show that the authors researched this topic. Although this story is a great read, it is not backed by any research. It was also written in 1966, so there was not as much research on blindness as there is today. Martin grew up in Kansas, while Archambault was raised in Pasadena, with neither of them having ties to Native American roots, so this book was written based off what they had learned or heard from other people. This was the only book they published with Disabled Native Americans. So while this might be a good book to teach students about being confident in who they are, there might be some portions that misrepresent the Native Americans or the disabled since it is so out of date.
This book could be used to teach students that people with disabilities can do anything they want. The boy had to adjust how he did things, but that did not stop him. You could use this to teach students with disabilities to be confident in who they are.

[Josef Alexandr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can truly appreciate the fact that I was thrown for a loop when the page flipped and the illustration revealed that the child "born with a darkness" was actually blind. It was handled succinctly and without fanfare, and that's what makes it amazing.
The Grandfather character chooses his words well, describing his grandson's blindness as a fact of life. He reminds the boy, and the audience, that the boy's existence is a miracle and that blindness isn't a curse. Despite his condition, the boy is able to participate in a horse race and prove his capability to all onlookers.
Perhaps my favorite moment is the Grandfather reminding the boy that he will not be around forever, with the boy merely asking the grandfather to repeat the story he was told one more time. The grandfather relents and ties yet another knot into the rope.
To summarize, a disability isn't necessarily bad. One can have a fulfilling life and even be strong in spite of their disability.
The illustrations are watercolor, and done to realistically portray the world the boy lives in. Nothing is exaggerated or softened. As the Grandfather tells it like it is, so do the illustrations show the setting as it is. The single detail of the boy's dilated pupils shift the tone once the reader truly understands what the Grandfather was referring to.

[Heather]

I didn’t like the lines of text separated, it made it sound odd to read with the sentences sometimes broken up on different lines. There was also no quotation marks for someone’s words.
“There will never be a last time
Promise me that.
Promise me.”

“I promise you nothing, Boy.
I love you.
That is better than a promise.’

I thought the grandfather was just calling him Boy, which sounded impersonal. But I realized it was part of his name: Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses.

I loved the pages of them riding horses up in the mountain, and the horse race. The blue sky, flowers, colorful outfits were so pretty!

“Don’t be afraid, Boy!
Trust your darkness!
Go like the wind!”

-“Who is that boy riding bareback…
racing the race with all of his heart?”

“That is Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses…
He and his horse are together like one.”

The grandfather added another knot on the rope. When it was full the boy would be able to tell the story to himself.
“Don’t ever leave me.
What will I do without you?”

“You will never be alone, Boy.
My love, like the strength of blue horses,
will always surround you.”

The illustrations were the best part. I wasn’t crazy about the writing. There were some good lines and moments though.

[Rachel Replogle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this historical fiction well written and attention-grabbing. It tells the story of a young Native American boy born with blindness, searching for confidence despite his disability. As the well-developed plot unfolds, readers will understand that confidence and how you view yourself is determined by internal qualities and not the physical attributes society so presses. The storyline is action-packed and filled with moments that will both intrigue and surprise young readers. The book is straight-forward about the boy's blindness and honest about the personal, internal struggles people with blindness may face. This story also offers a perspective on Native American beliefs and lifestyle, and teaches young readers that cultures within their own country are vast and plentiful. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and large. They do a great job of better developing the context and visually bringing the story to life. My only critique of this book is the text style. The formatting of the conversation between the boy and his grandfather may be mixed up if not closely followed. However, every other aspect of this story I found wonderful.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a native boy and his grandfather recounting the story of the boy's life and birth. This book's art was really pretty. It portrays the story in a really beautiful way. The story is told through a lot of dialogue which really helps reveal the personalities of both of the characters in a really cool way. And the fact that the boy was blind is revealed very subtly, which makes it extremely satisfying to realize. The way it was written, the book is excellent. The book would have been a really cool exploration of disabilities in native culture, but based on what I was able to learn, neither of the authors were ethnically native, and it seems like they may not have done much research on the topic either. This means that it's hard to say that it's a good book to use to teach or introduce native culture in the classroom. If I were to recommend it to teachers as a classroom tool I would suggest instead using it to teach about blindness or as a tool to introduce activities involving storytelling, perhaps an activity where students could tell the story of their own life.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knots on a Counting Rope is a read for classes k-3rd. I picked the book based on the title and the cover, the artwork brought mystery to my mind, and I wanted to see more. The book's theme is that as each day passes, we learn a new way to overcome challenges if we can feel with our hearts. A teacher could use this book to open up a discussion on how to overcome fears one might have due to a lack of ability and lack of confidence when it comes to doing a task. Knots on a Counting Rope shows the reader that if people put limits on us, we can prove we are limitless by doing our best. Children in a classroom could test this out by covering their eyes and learning how to use their other senses. I thought the story was beautifully written, and it reminds the reader to appreciate their abilities and have grit. It also made me remember to close my eyes feel the elements around me and be present when I am outside for a walk. Not to be distracted by technology which might dull my sense to hear and feel what is around me.

[Lou Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is about a young boy who's slowly going blind, and his grandfather who isn't far from passing on ; and unfortunately aware of it. They are discussing a touching tale of the young boys life. The illustrations are adorable. Watercolour- sweet.

----

I loved this book. But before writing my review, I checked other reviews. Then I double checked google, and a few cited sources- and whilst this is a brilliant book for children, who may not understand cultural significance, I think that it is very important, that we as readers; acknowledge when authors write inaccuracies about smaller groups in society.

It is however important that we discuss as readers, the inaccuracies within this book. Please check the top review for a more detailed discussion, about the contents of this book as they have wrote quite well the importance, the cultural significance, and cited trustworthy sources.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one of my 5th grade classes we did a unit on other cultures. I found Knots on a Counting Rope by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Ted Reed. I've been a fan of Bill Martin for years and used many of his books in my classroom. This one was an excellent as many of his other books.

Knots on a Counting Rope is a conversation between a young Native Amearican boy and his grandfather. It starts with the night the boy was born and how nature played a role in his life and his development. The boy was born blind but with the help of his grandfather he learns to ride a horse that he trains to be his eyes. He enters a race and finishes it and found joy and strenght in his accomplishment.

Knots on a Counting Rope is a moving story with wonderful illustrations, a moving story and a unique way of telling the story.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this book seems to be an attempt at an authentic Native American story and I am not Native American, I checked other reviews. On it's basic story, it is compelling, a boy is blind, so he has things to overcome in his life ("dark mountains to cross"). The boy's grandfather tells the boy the story of the boy's birth. On it's overall presentation, it was originally published in 1987 when writers and publishing houses were not concerned with authentic cultural presentation. So in today's perspective, there are issues with this book. Several other reviews talk about the specific issues. At least one review said libraries should cull this book from their shelves. Personally, I would recommend including a listing of the issues with the book which would be a teaching point for people reading the book. Read by Bonnie Bartlett and Bill Daniels on Storyline Online.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, beautiful art!

I loved everything about this story. I loved the way the text was situated as to represent the back-and-forth conversation between grandfather and grandson. I loved that even though the grandson insisted, the grandfather would not promise to "be there always", but in a very gentle way. I loved all the indigenous costumes depicted. (This book seems to have been written pre-2000's, and I hope they did their research into those costumes.)
I love, LOVE that it's not until over halfway through that the child's disability is revealed. And I also (spoiler) love that he didn't win the race.

[Lumnis Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous jewel this book is!

A young grandson sits with his grandfather by the bonfire to hear him tell stories he already knows well - of how he was born, of how he got his name, of how he learned to ride a pony. But as the story progresses, we slowly discover details that make us change our perception of the boy and his grandfather.

By the time the book ends, we are left with moving lessons about life, courage, and everlasting love.

Only one warning: the pace of the story is slow, and the style is poetic, so even though the format is that of a picture book (and the watercolor illustrations are splendid!), it will not appeal to small children.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awards: None
Grade level: PreK-2
Summary: Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horse asked his grandfather to tell his story of his birth, his first horse and race. Every time his grandfather retells the the story, they tie a knot in a rope; when the rope is filled with knots, he will know the story by heart.
My Review I like this book because you can also follow the story through the illustrations. This book would be great in the classroom because it teaches about Native Americans, shares the special connection with grandparents, and it has the message of don’t let a disability stop you. I learned in another class that this book was criticized since it showed the Native American culture incorrectly.
In Class: One class activity can be to share special activities that the student does with a grandparent/aunt/uncle/cousin/etc and create a counting rope. Students can also learn about the meaning of their name through talking with family members.

[Taylor]

Title: Knots on a Counting Rope
Author: Bill Martin
Published: 1987
Age Range:
Summary: "A grandfather and his blind grandson, Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses, reminisce about the young boy's birth, his first horse, and an exciting horse race."
Review: I thought this book was really cute because it included a boy who is blind. I often feel like those with disabilities are often hidden, but this book embraces the diversity of disability. This book would be cool to include in a class library, or done as a read aloud.

[Brooklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Biography

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Book Review: I always get excited to find out one of the books I have chosen has a cultural theme! I strongly believe that American Indian culture is not taught enough in school. I also love the connection between the son and the grandfather. I would like to see more books like this! The metaphor for life is so interesting! I like how hopeful and excited the boy is. I believe this book can teach the lesson that sometimes things we think will limit us are just small bumps in the road.

Romeow & Drooliet

[Megan Gery · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some very valid points about cultural inaccuracies and blending many tribes into one, and I hear them. I don’t think I would use this book in the classroom. My five stars are probably mainly sentimental. My kindergarten teacher gave me this book and some of my earliest childhood memories were looking at the beautiful illustrations and retelling the story to myself before I could read. The storytelling grandfather reminds me of my own, the illustrations are gorgeous, and I cry every time.

[Melinda Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will be hard to ever read this book to my grandson as I can’t ever make it through without crying. The story told by a grandson and his grandfather…in conversation with each other. The time of his birth…his disability…his resilience…and his relationship with horses. Each time they have this conversation, a knot is added to the counting rope. The grandfather shares his love and time with his grandson as he prepares him for life without him. Beautiful illustrations. Though neither author claims to be native, Bill Martin Jr is a native Kansan from Hiawatha.