Cuba 15, by Nancy Osa

Osa, Nancy (2003). Cuba 15. New York: Delacorte Press.

ISBN: 9780385732338 / 0-385-73233-3

Summary:  First time novelist Nancy Osa relates a light-hearted and entertaining coming-of-age novel about 15-year-old Violet Paz, whose Cuban grandmother insists on throwing a quinceanero—a traditional celebration to mark a girl’s transition to womanhood. Violet, whose father is Cuban and whose mother is Polish, initially opposes the festivity, feeling out of touch with her Cuban roots and reproachful of having to wear a fancy dress. But, she concedes to appease her abuela. 

Additional Comments:  Osa draws partially from her own experiences connecting with her Cuban heritage to create Violet, a spunky, comical American adolescent who is introduced to family customs and history and is developing a stronger sense of cultural identity. Female readers will particularly relate with Violet’s feelings towards friendships and family relationships while learning about Cuban culture and history.

Whale Rider (DVD)

Caro, Niko (2002). Whale Rider [Motion picture].  New Zealand:  Appollo Media.

Summary:  Set in picturesque New Zealand, Whale Rider tells the story of 12-year-old Pai.  Pai's twin brother died at birth along with their mother, which devastated Pai's grandfather who believed that her brother was destined to be the incarnation of a Maori hero and the chief who would save their traditional ways and beliefs that are disintegrating in modern times.  Pai yearns to please her grandfather by learning sacred traditions, but her grandfather only gets angry because the traditions are strictly for boys and her efforts offend the ancestors.   But, can her persistence and achievement of challenging feats make him change his mind?

Additional comments:  The beautiful cinematography, the visual capturing of Maori rituals, such as the haka, and the enchanting songs to the ancestors that are echoed by eery whale songs all combine to make the movie possibly a better option than the book (with exception of the Hollywood ending).  The strong themes of the "Whale Rider" are the loss of ancient cultures in modern, oppressive societies as well as the inequitable treatment of girls in a male-dominated culture.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

Alexie, Sherman (2007).  The Absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  New York: Little Brown and Company.

ISBN 0316013684 / 9780316013680

Summary:  Tired of being made fun of and beat up for his physical differences and tired of the poor education, resources, and opportunities around him, Junior makes the difficult decision to leave the school on the  Spokane Reservation to attend all-white high school.  Considered a traitor by the rez and ignored by his new wealthy, white class-mates, Junior persists to make the 20+ mile commute to school, often hitchhiking because there's not enough gas money without much hope that his situation will improve.

Additional comments:  Despite the humorous narration, the story is quite depressing.  The reservation is rife with alcoholism that is so severe to cause multiple deaths, and opportunities for employment are so few on the rez that the best bet for Junior is to leave. Junior's poverty becomes very clear to him when he switches to the privileged school where he tries to hide his difficulties in an attempt to fit in.  Readers will get a reality check about the dismal living conditions on Native American reservations and the deep sadness of losing one's heritage.