Corn Is Maize: The Gift of the Indians is fact-filled children's book by award-winning author Aliki. The book describes how corn grows, types of corn, and the scientific explanation for its origin. It is closely identified with the Americas and is explained as an important contribution from Native Peoples. Corn remains an important crop today and can be used in a variety of ways. Food products, farming practices, and growing conditions are described. The important role of Aboriginal Peoples in the development of corn (maize) is explored through simple text and cartoon-like illustrations. The author provides diagrams and drawings and instructions for making a corn husk doll. This book has been in print since 1976 and it remains an important source for scientific information in an easy-to-read format for primary and junior grades. Guided Reading Level: O; Lexile: 570L
