If you are considering buying this book for your students or child first read the editorial review here by the American Library Journal. In a nutshell that is the essence of the book and it's unfortunate shortcoming. Hence the book might serve best as a book for an older student who wants to just learn about the diverse American Indian experience. The book is a little dry and probably is best for a young student who really enjoys reading and does not need much other further stimulation in the form of visual enhancement. Since students do enjoy being read to , even when they are older, it may be useful for a teacher to read this book , one chapter per lesson to enrich the students understanding of other cultures. There are questions and answers and expert commentary at the end of only some chapters to help the student fully grasp the ideas explored. The stories themselves are their own reward and fully entertaining but the presentaion is a little dry. This book is good for reports and teacher led reading. A students active imagination is a must for this book.