Runaway Papoose by Grace Moon (published 1928) is one of the early Newbery books that just by its title alone seems questionable and suggests irrelevance for young readers today. The book itself actually was better than the title suggests. Although the title first reminds a modern reader of the racist connotations connected to the perjorative word “papoose” to refer to a baby Indian (Native American), the book is instead about a young native girl aged maybe 5 or 6 who has not “runaway” as suggested but has accidently been lost as she escapes a dangerous situation. With satisfactory writing, plotting and action, Runaway Papoose becomes an engaging read, if not for the fact that I know nothing about the author; the information and assumptions about a southwest Native American group could possibly have been completely fabricated by an uninformed white woman.
After Nah-tee meets a Moyo, a Navajo boy willing to help, they learn about a gathering of Native Americans planned soon at a nearby Mesa. Together, the two youngsters travel to the powwow gathering, only after they face some exciting adventures and some difficulties, where Nah-tee’s life is in peril. The readers get a glimpse of a special occassion in this contemporary (1920s) native culture (again, questionable as to accuracy), and the staisfactory ending not just reunites Nah-tee with her family but (spoiler!) also gives her a significant role as the daughter of an important person (a suggestion that she is the “royalty” of her tribe.)
So, although the title makes this honor winner sound like a pretty racist book (and I’m sure it is, to some extent), it actually didn’t read that badly. A brief search for information explains that Grace Moon and her husband Carl were well involved in the Southeastern U.S. and wrote (Grace) and illustrated or photographed (Carl) many traditions and stories about the tribes of that area. So, are the traditions and stories about the Native American group all fabricated? In a children’s novel of this type, written so long ago, I can only question the validity myself. The society probably was not completelty like it was described, but it was described pretty well and it was interesting to read. I’m not sure where to put that in my personal “ratings” system.
All that said, I don’t think Runaway Papoose is a book that is really necessary for us. In short, despite the okay plotting, characters, action, and writing, I think there are many better books today actually showing a native American’s journey as she seeks out her family and comes to know herself. A book decidedly written by a native herself and confrimed to represent the culture accurately should immediately rise above Runaway Papoose.
I rate Runaway Papoose, Newbery Honor from 1929, “pretty good” and say “don’t bother” for children and “maybe if you have time” for Newbery purists interested in reading, discussing, and finishing the list of winners and honors. I’d like your thoughts.
Newbery rating scale: FANTASTIC | REALLY GOOD | PRETTY GOOD | OKAY | BLAH
What to do with this Newbery: KEEP IT AND READ IT | MAYBE IF YOU HAVE TIME | DON’T BOTHER
