"Alida, the daughter of a Taíno chief, lives in paradise. One day, she is startled by a boy from the opposing tribe, the Carib. Meeting daily in a hidden place, Alida and the boy, Taroo, soon become friends--and then their friendship blossoms into something more. What will happen if someone discovers their forbidden love? A retelling of the Taíno legend of how the hummingbird came to be, this story brings an ancient culture--and a youg love--to colorful life."--Page [4] of cover.
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I'm quite conflicted by this book. The story is accurate enough and the graphics/art is amazing but inaccurate.
There is so much that can be said about how we should respect the memory and legacy of a people that are gone in terms of an isolated culture and history. There is much that can be said about a people who continue to be ravaged by the outcomes of colonization, who have a history, a language and culture and who are constantly battling to tell their story, accurately and respectably.
The dedication in this read as the following: “To all my students: love your roots.”
I agree. With all my soul and heart, love your roots. With that said, I think it is important to be accurate in the details of the art. The artwork looked as if I was reading about the people who come from the actual country of India (the reason Eurpoeans gave the Tainos and other natives the name Indian). The clothing is not accurate and the mountains are kind of bare (grey). The mountains are green (think Te Fiti).
The rant stems from centuries of not being seen. It's important to respect all cultures, especially if it is not your own and you've taken onus to speak on it. If I've spoken out of turn and either of these folks are of Taino decent, my apologies on assuming you are not, but do better.
