Thunder On The Planes
It's been two years and middle-school student Danny Wind is still not over his father's death. When his mom marries a white man and they move to a new "white bread" neighborhood, Danny's life changes. The school principal considers him a troublemaker, and he has to avoid Willy, the school bully, who calls him "redskin" and "Tonto." After Danny acts out and gets suspended from school, his mom decides to send him to a summer survival camp for Native American teens.
Little Brother of War
Sixteen-year-old Mississippi Choctaw Randy Cheska has lived most of his young life in the shadow of his older football-hero brother, Jack. After Jack is killed while serving in Iraq, Randy's father puts even more pressure on Randy to excel in football. But Randy has no interest in sports and has never been good at them. Imagine Randy's surprise when he discovers stickball, a game he's immediately drawn to.
Son Who Returns
Fifteen-year-old Mark Centeno is of Chumash, Crow, Mexican and Filipino ancestry—he calls himself “four kinds of brown.” When Mark goes to live with his Chumash grandmother on the reservation in central California, he discovers a rich world of family history and culture that he knows very little about. He also finds a pathway to understanding better a part of his own identity: powwow dancing.
Standing Strong
Like some other Native American teens on Montana reservations, Rhonda Runningcrane attempted suicide. To her, life seemed bleak and pointless. But when she learns that donations are needed to support a large protest against an oil company running a pipeline through sacred Native land, something inside her clicks. Unlike her friends, Rhonda is inspired to join the fight, even though she knows it could be dangerous.
Native Actors and Filmmakers
Discover the unique lives and career paths of 12 Indigenous people who are actively working in the complex entertainment industry, either in front of or behind the camera. In addition to acting, their work includes motion picture, television and digital production in such roles as director, producer, writer, cinematographer and editor. Included in these biographies are real-world descriptions of what each member of a production team does, as well as advice on what it takes to get started in the entertainment industry.
The Other Side of History: The California Native Experience
Using primary and secondary sources, this non-fiction book examines California history from a Native American perspective, including the continuing impact of historical trauma. Commentary includes statements from cross-cultural psychiatrist Dr. Donna Schindler, tribal chairman Valentin Lopez and others.
Native Legacy: Indigenous Innovations and Contributions to the World
Intended for middle grade readers, this non-fiction book summarizes the inventions, innovations and contributions made by the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas that have been shared with other nations of the world. Topics include food, agricultural techniques, architecture, medicines, government, place names and vocabularies.
Honoring Native Warriors
This exhaustive examination of American Indian service in the United States military includes a history of that service from the Revolutionary War to modern times and an in-depth look at Native America "Code Talkers" in WWI and WWII. It also includes links to documentary films produced by the author that can be viewed on the Internet.
Billy Buckhorn and the Book of Spells (The Thunder Child Prophecy, 1)
An ominous message conveyed to sixteen-year-old Billy Buckhorn by the spirit of his deceased grandmother opens the door to astounding supernatural events. Struck by lightning and brought back from the brink of death, Billy must contend with extraordinary visions and psychic insights. These new “gifts” prove both challenging and necessary as Billy begins to understand the peril behind his grandmother’s words and realizes his calling to protect and defend his people.
Tribal Eye Productions Resources
Cindra Weber, SBCUSD Indian Educ. Dept. on Lands Of Our Ancestors
"These historical novels provide young readers with a
realistic view of California history as experienced by Native Americans. While studying Book One, many of our students couldn't wait for the next day's class in order to find out what happens to the Chumash characters."
Shelley Alden Brooks, PhD; California History-Social Science Project/US Davis.
on Lands Of Our Ancestors
"I want to say how much I enjoyed reading the books.
I was struck by how powerfully the author conveyed the devastating history on a level that young readers can engage with. I am thankful that Robinson went to the effort to write this history so students can have a fuller understanding of our state's history."
Kirkus Reviews
on Billy Buckhorn
"Robinson presents situations in such a way that readers can engage critically and make up their own minds. Copious exposition explains the world and the traditions of the Cherokee people, but this series opener keeps the action moving. A stellar adventure enriched with Cherokee tales."
Diana Terrazas, Outreach Manager, Autry National Center, Los Angeles.
on Thunder On The Plains
"An exciting coming-of-age journey for young readers!"
-Kirkus Reviews
on Son Who Returns
"Powwow drums call a modern teen to reconnect with his Native American roots. Following the lead of a newly met half brother who is a committed powwow dancer, Mark is irresistibly drawn both by the spectacular ceremony at events he attends and also a strong inner calling to become a dancer himself. A buoyant take on the theme of embracing one's family heritage."
-Kirkus Reviews
on Honoring Native Warriors
"These narratives form an amazing record of self-discovery and political courage, one in which people forcibly divested of their land and traditions continue to look for their place in the sometimes violent, sometimes hopeful, history of the United States. Recommended reading for anyone curious about military and Native American history."