Module 4 Jingle Dancer

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Smith, Cynthia L. 2000. JINGLE DANCER. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books. Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. ISBN 688162428.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
A young Muscogee Ojibway Indian, Jenna, borrows metal jingles from the dresses of several women in the community so she can perform the traditional jingle dance at the powwow.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDLING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Smith captures Jenna’s struggle to get enough jingles in a very honest and sincere fashion. Most students will relate to the themes of wanting something and being accepted as a young adult. Onomatopoeia like, tink tink and brum brum is used to enhance the sounds of the dancing. The book is a nice addition to any collection because it is the story of a modern day Native American child and family. Her relatives are professionals, like lawyers, in addition to dancers at a powwow. Jenna’s family lives in a suburban house that most students will be able to relate to.

Many Native American elements are seen throughout the story. Smith mentions many important Creek and Chippewa elements, like frybread, powwows, Indian taco and dancing regalia. Smith also uses phrases that incorporate nature into the story. For example, “As Sun fetched morning and as Sun arrived at midcircle” are used to help tell time. The importance of the celebratory powwow was also central to the story. Jenna was dancing to represent her family and her family members stressed this importance by saying, “Will you dance for me?” The number four is emphasized in the story. Jenna asks four women for help to create her dress.

The afterword by the author and the glossary are important for readers. She explains the significance for jingle dancing and the origin of jingle dresses. These explanations help the reader understand Ojibway culture better.

The illustrations are soft and muted with watercolorings. Native American elements are very abundant throughout the book. Jenna and her grandmother are dark skinned and their hair is very dark. When Jenna dances her dress and regalia are depicted accurately, according to the author’s note. Her hair is in one long braid and carries a feather and beaded belt.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS“…Watercolor paintings in bright, warm tones fill each page. In scenes where she is dancing, backgrounds of blurred figures effectively represent both the large audience and the many generations whose tradition the gathering honors. Seeing Jenna as both a modern girl in the suburban homes of her intertribal community and as one of many traditionally costumed participants at the powwow will give some readers a new view of a contemporary Native American way of life. An author's note and glossary tell more about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Ojibway origins of jingle dancing, and the significance of the number four in Native American tradition. This picture book will not only satisfy a need for materials on Native American customs, but will also be a welcome addition to stories about traditions passed down by the women of a culture.” SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Smith, a mixed-blood member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, convincingly juxtaposes cherished Native American tradition and contemporary lifestyle in this smooth debut. Van Wright and Hu's (Jewels) lifelike renderings capture the genuine affection between Jenna and these caring older women. Their easy integration of Native and standard furnishings and clothing gracefully complement Smith's heartening portrait of a harmonious meshing of old and new.” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

E. CONNECTIONS
Use media to view clips of jingle dancing.
Try to invoke legend into group writing assignment by telling time or phrases in the manner that Smith used.
Discuss the author's personal history and see the influences in the writing.