Shota and the Starquilt

by Margaret Bateson-Hill, Christine Fowler (Illustrator)

Shota is a young Lakota girl who lives in a contemporary American city. When the block that her family and friends live on is threatened by development, they use long-standing Lakota traditions to find a solution that saves their homes. In working together, they create a beautiful quilt that resolves more than just their problem. This story weaves together traditional folktale values with modern concerns for the urban environment and green issues. In addition to the beautiful folk-style native art illustrations, the complete text of the story is presented in Lakota as well as English.

Genres: Picture Books, Cultural, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a rich man wants to buy their home, Shota uses #art to save the day! #Heartwarming. The #Bilingual book in #Lakota and #English is a #rare find. #NeedDiverseBooks #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A made-up Lakota modern fairy tale about a star quilt bringing together a community. Good info on the importance of star quilts in Lakota culture

[Latosha Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, Margaret Bateson Hill, shows a community, which comes together to accomplish a very important task. A “Rich and powerful” man was threatening the people in the community’s homes. Shota’s best friend, who was from a different culture than Shota, went with Shota to visit her grandmother. The community comes together to save their homes. This book is not only written in English, but it is also written in Lakota. This is beneficial in that it opens doors for students to be introduced to the Lakota culture. As a teacher, I would use this book to discuss community (even classroom community), Native Americans, and the Lakota language. I would also discuss multicultural friendships. The illustrations are bright and inviting to the reader

[Salsabrarian]

A rich and powerful but unhappy businessman learns the error of his selfish ways when Shota and her friend share a homemade quilt with him and demonstrate that happiness is about families and friends.

[Artlab]

This book is located in the pattern box.