Plot Summary
The Christmas Coat is a narrative nonfiction picture book about Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve’s childhood. She shares with readers her struggles growing up on the reservation during the winter time. Virginia has one Christmas wish which is to find the perfect warm winter coat! Unfortunately, it is very hard getting what you want when your father is a priest and mother believes to put other people’s needs first. When a clothing donation comes, Virginia gets so excited that she found the perfect coat, but she has to let the other children go first. She slowly starts to become bitter because she is cold and tired of hearing her Mom say, “ The others need it more than we do”. Just as Virginia is about to lose hope in finding a new coat a special delivery comes! Virginia learns a valuable lesson of giving and receives the perfect Christmas gift and so much more!
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This award-winning book is a must-read for anyone that likes narrative nonfiction! Many young readers will be able to connect with the overall theme of obedience and giving. The illustrations add great meaning to the text allowing readers to empathize with Virginia as she struggles to stay warm during the winter time. After reading this picture book, readers will understand the importance of appreciating just the small things in life.
The fact that this is a memoir of the author’s childhood will make it easier for readers to understand that Native Americans are real!The beautiful illustration also allows readers to see the brownish skin tones of the Sioux tribe as well as the headdress they wear during their Christmas celebration. In addition, this book does a great job in revealing certain positive habits Native Americans believe in. For example, the importance of giving in the Native American community is found in this book because Virginia’s family believed that other people’s needs come first. The book introduces readers to certain Native American dishes including fry bread, corn soup, Wojape (sweet berry pudding). Some readers will be shocked to find out that they share the same Christian upbringing as Virginia’s Sioux Indian tribe. It is great to read about Indigenous cultures celebrating other holidays besides Thanksgiving!
REVIEW EXCERPTSHorn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012)
"It's a harsh winter in Virginia's Sioux village. When donated clothing arrives, Virginia (the Episcopal priest's daughter) gets last pick, and a flashy coat she covets goes to another girl. With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending, this is a quiet but affecting picture book."
Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2011)
"With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending (a final box arrives containing the beautiful red coat Virginia had dreamed of, a reward for her unselfishness), this is a quiet but affecting picture book."
Connections
Interview with the Author!
http://www.holidayhouse.com/spotlight_on.php?AUTHOR_ID2=sneve
Interview with the Illustrator!
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/guest-post-illustrator-ellen-beier-on.html
Here are some of Virginia's most delicious family holiday recipes.
http://thechristmascoat.blogspot.com/p/holiday-recipes.html
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