“Through the Eyes of the Eagle” is the first book in the Eagle Book Series aimed at elementary school children, and it introduces the character of Mr. Eagle. Mr. Eagle befriends Rain That Dances, the primary child character in the book, to educate him about diabetes and how the lifestyles and health of the people have changed. Mr. Eagle has come to remind the children of the healthy ways of their ancestors so that they can be strong and healthy again.
Measures 16 in. x 19 in. This is the first book in a series of Eagle Books. By Georgia Perez. Illustrated by Patrick Rolo and Lisa A. Fifield.
Origin and Purpose of the Eagle Book Series
The Eagle Book series grew out of a single book, Through the Eyes of the Eagle, that had been written by Nambe Pueblo’s Georgia Perez (Native American Diabetes Project, University of New Mexico) and woven through the curriculum of the “Strong in Body and Spirit” program in the late 1990s. Ms. Perez found that when children heard the story of the eagle, they listened intently. Afterward, they were eager to take the diabetes-prevention information back to their parents and grandparents to share what they had learned.
The role of the eagle as “teacher” and the story’s success led to the creation of a series of children’s books whose purpose is to convey to children healthy ways of living. All of the stories reflect long-held values of American Indian / Alaska Native people – respect, gratitude, and generosity – while teaching the universal wisdom of healthy eating and physical activity. Throughout the series, a young Native boy and his friends learn about healthy habits from Mr. Eagle, Miss Rabbit, and Coyote.
Vividly brought to life by the colorful illustrations of American Indian artists Patrick Rolo (Bad River Band, Ojibwe) and Lisa A. Fifield (Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin), these stories by Georgia Perez have become the award-winning Eagle Book series:
Additional diabetes prevention books based on these characters for middle school children are also becoming available, starting with Coyote and the Turtle's Dream.
The purpose of the Eagle Books is to help children understand several important messages about diabetes and being healthy:
- Many Americans, including Native peoples, no longer eat traditional diets or practice vigorous physical activity.
- Type 2 diabetes can be a consequence of this lifestyle change.
- Returning to healthy diet and physical activity can help prevent diabetes.
- Friends and families can help each other to prevent diabetes by eating healthy foods and staying active.
Related Products:
Living a Balanced Life With Diabetes: A Toolkit Addressing Psychosocial Issues for American Indian and Alaska Native Populations (Kit) can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/017-023-00226-1
El Camino Hacia una Vida Saludable Basada en las Guias Alimenticias para los Estadounidenses = The Road to a Healthy Life Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Bilingual Spanish and English) can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/017-001-00564-9
Let's Eat for the Health of It(Package of 100) can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/001-000-04750-7
Deliciously Healthy Family Meals (Cookbook) can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/017-001-00572-0
Target audience are members of the general public, especially children and Native peoples, who want to learn about diabetes and health and lifestyle risks, as well as how to become healthy.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.com!
Product Details
- Perez, Georgia
- Eagle Book Series, Book 1 7/08
- Teaching Materials
- Diabetes
