Audio of the Week--Charlie’s Raven
RSSFrom SLJ April 2005
Lisa D. Williams, Chocowinity Middle School, NC -- School Library Journal, 04/04/2005
(unabr.). 4 cassettes. 5 hrs. Recorded Books. 2004. ISBN 1-4193-0571-9. $39.75 (Rental: $11.50).
Gr 4-7–In the world of the Teton Sioux Indian tribe, the raven is believed to be able to cure illnesses. With this in mind, Charlie captures a baby raven to help his grandfather recover from a heart attack. The raven, named Blue Sky, helps Granddad feel better and leads Charlie on a scientific study of ravens and their affect on humans. As the seasons change, Blue Sky teaches the humans how ravens interact with their environment. With the help of his friend, Singing Bird, and encouragement from his grandfather, a naturalist himself, Charlie keeps an on-going log of the good, bad, and mysterious things that Blue Sky does. But there is trouble in his valley, and Charlie must protect Blue Sky and the other ravens from humans who distrust them. Ramon de Ocampo does an excellent job of narrating Jean Craighead George’s story (Dutton, 2004) about a boy who must come to terms with the cycle of life for both his raven and his grandfather. De Ocampo gives each character his own voice, especially when it comes to Blue Sky and raven speech. The description of Teton Sioux beliefs and customs, an integral part of the story, is well blended with details of raven habits and nature studies. Listeners will enjoy this story and should come away with a greater appreciation for the world around them. An excellent choice for public or school library collections.
