From: Debbie Reese <debreese_at_illinois.edu>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:39:18 -0600

When the chair of the GOP used the phrase "Honest Injun," his remark became the topic of a lot of discussion amongst Native people via listservs, facebook, and, news media.

Curious as to its prevalence in children's books (apologies to CCBC subscribers who heard all of this on child_lit), I looked into it and was surprised to find the phrase in Calpurnia Tate. I blogged my finding(s) and thoughts at my site: http://tinyurl.com/injun

I'd love to hear from teachers, parents, librarians who read Calpurnia Tate aloud, or teach it. Specifically, I'd like to hear how children react to the word. Do they know "Injun" is pejorative? Akin to the N word? And, do you (teachers, parents, librarians) take time to discuss that word, in the same way you would with the N word?

Thanks, Debbie

Visit my Internet resource: American Indians in Children's Literature

Debbie A. Reese (Nambй O'-ween-ge') Assistant Professor, American Indian Studies University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Native American House, Room 2005 1204 West Nevada Street, MC-138 Urbana, Illinois 61801

Email: debreese_at_illinois.edu TEL 217-265-9885 FAX 217-265-9880
Received on Sun 31 Jan 2010 07:39:18 AM CST