THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED

1. Bibliography

Goble, Paul. 1993. THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED. Ill. by Paul Goble. New York, New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027365557

2. Plot Summary

This book is based on a Blackfoot Indian myth that explains the origins of the Pleiades stars. According to the myth, there were six Blackfoot children who were orphaned and alone. The children had little to eat, old discarded clothes, and no home in which to sleep at night. Instead of caring for these unfortunate youths, the village people mistreated them and laughed at their misfortune. One day, the kids decided to leave their misery behind and become stars. They were welcomed to the heavens by the Moon Woman and Sun Man who punished the tribe by causing a drought. The myth ends with a moral lesson by saying, "all little children are gifts from God."

3. Critical Analysis

Goble's retelling of this Blackfoot myth is very simple and direct. As in the fashion of all myths, the purpose of this tale is to explain the existence of something in nature- in this case, an unusual grouping of stars. Also, the presence and power of the Sun Man and his ability to punish those on Earth adds credence to this mythical story. Throughout this tale, Goble has remained loyal to the symbolism and meaning originally imbued in this ancient myth.

In order to illustrate this book, Goble researched the Blackfoot Indians and has, therefore, created an accurate depiction of artwork that might have been found in an actual Blackfoot camp. The colors are bright earth-tones and the artwork, especially on the renderings of the tipis, have an ancient, symbolic look. The colors as well as the pattern found within the illustrations (especially the picture of the Sun Man and Moon Woman) remind me of a bright colored quilt. I would also like to note that the paper and bindings are all made of recycled materials which adds to the natural, environmentally friendly nature of this ancient tale.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: "Goble's work [...] is notable both for its graphic design and for the narrative it adorns"
Publisher's Weekly: "Goble tells this story with earnest simplicity, a gentle cadence to his words imbuing the text with particular significance."

5. Connections

- Read about the Blackfoot Indians and discuss other myths/beliefs

- Read other books by Paul Goble
* THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES
* DEATH OF THE IRON HORSE
* ADOPTED BY THE EAGLES: A PLAINS INDIAN STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY