Charlie and the Blanket Toss

K-Gr 3—Charlie, a young Iñupiaq boy, is joining the villagers for one of the most important celebrations of the year. After a whale hunt is successful, the entire community celebrates with a traditional feast, games, dances, and, most important, the blanket toss. While Charlie is very proud that his father was the captain of the whaling crew, he is nervous about the blanket toss, as it will be his first time being tossed so high above the ground—and in front of his entire town. Young readers will empathize with Charlie's fears in this sweet story. Illustrations show the Alaskan setting in a style that radiates joy and warmth. The text is a bit wordy for young children reading alone, and the pale images may not translate as well to a large group setting, but the content is a perfect way to introduce children to an this Native culture. Iñupiaq words are scattered throughout the book (with pronunciations), and a glossary and a helpful note on Iñupiat whaling tradition, including conservation efforts, appear at the end.—Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK