Hiawatha and the Peacemaker is an outstanding picture book that explains the essential knowledge about the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace retold for readers in grade 4 and up. Six Nations musician Robbie Robertson (formerly of The Band) teams up with American artist David Shannon to create a richly illustrated account of the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker who brought the message of peace, power, and righteousness to five warring nations (the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and the Onondaga). Bringing the message of healing, forgiveness, and peace to a distraught Hiawatha following the death of his immediate family sets up the story. Hiawatha was ready to seek revenge for his losses but the intervention by a man in a white stone canoe convinced Hiawatha to receive this great message of peace. With his slight stutter the Peacemaker clears Hiawatha's grief-filled mind with the powerful words of peace and reconciliation. The pair realize they must convince the other warring nations to join together and as a united front they can successfully bring this message of peace to the evil-filled leader Tadodaho. The unity is achieved after the nations approach Tadodaho with healing medicine. This unity created the long-standing Confederacy of Five Nations whose message of peace, consensus building, equality of men and women are universally known. The Confederation is said to have influenced the constitution of the USA. The powerfully bold oil paintings created by David Shannon combine with Robertson's storytelling to create this highly accessible book ideal for junior, intermediate and the general reader. In the author's note Robertson provides his personal understanding of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker and clears up the confusion surrounding the historical person known as Hiawatha created by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's inaccurate poem. Told in the first-person narrative Hiawatha becomes the storyteller about this pivotal point in Six Nations history as well as world history. Includes a CD featuring a new, original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson. Highly recommended
