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The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales (Folktales of the World)
Last updated Thursday, May 8, 2025
Author: James and Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Stefano Vitale
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 1402732635
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2025
Synopsis:
These legends come from Native American peoples across the U.S., and capture a wide range of belief systems and wisdom from the Cherokee, Cheyenne, Hopi, Lenape, Maidu, Seminole, Seneca, and other tribes. The retold tales, all with informative introductions, range from creation myths to animal fables to stirring accounts of bravery and sacrifice. Find out how stories first came to be, and how the People came to the upper world. Meet Rabbit, the clever and irresistible Creek trickster. See how the buffalo saved the Lakota people, and why the Pawnee continue to do the Bear Dance to this very day.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you have a special talent? Have you been asked to use that talent to help others? (For example, can draw and do picture for someone, likes dogs and may walk a neighbors to help.)
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Ask if anyone has heard a folktale before. If yes, who told it? If not, hearing the name "folktale", what kind of story would it be?
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Does anyone know any Native American people? Talk about the things they may have learned about them.
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Open the table of contents and show them all the stories found in the book, address some of the regions, and read the first three from the Northeastern region if time permits, otherwise, chose one and read "The Girl Who Helped Thunder". When reading, show the beautiful illustrations within the book.
Vocabulary
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Native Americans: n. a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere (American Indians)
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Seneca Nation of Indians: n. also known as the "Seneca", are a federally recognized Indian tribe and the largest of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy in New York State. They are also known as the "Keepers of the Western Door" due to their westernmost position within the Confederacy. The Seneca Nation has a rich history, culture, and government.
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Lenape Nation of Indians: n. also known as the Lenni, Lenape, or Delaware Indians, were an indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands, primarily inhabiting the Delaware River Valley and surrounding areas.
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folktale: n. a story made up and handed down by the common people
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story: n. to speak or describe something with words.
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wigwam: n. a tent with a round roof made by fastening bark and large tree branches over a framework of poles (as used traditionally by some North American Indian peoples)
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thunder v.: the loud rumbling or booming sound you hear after a lightning flash during a bad storm.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Can you tell what the difference is between a folktale and a story?
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In the reading "How Stories Came to Be", do you think the boy was afraid of the great stone? Why or why not?
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Do you think stories change over the years?
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Has anyone shared a family story with you? What kinds of stories can you share with your family members or friends today?
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In the reading "The Girl Who Helped Thunder", what was Pretty Face’s mistake? What was the snake to Pretty Face? How did she help thunder? Why could she not return to her family?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Have them think of a folktale or story they would like to share with someone and draw one part of the story. If they love a talent, sport, craft and want to share that story, have them draw, illustrate, color one part of that story. If there is time, have volunteers share their story with the reading club.
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Since it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, they may want to make a Mother's Day Card. They can use colored construction paper to draw daisies, tulips with grass and stems. If a card, get them to write something personal to their Mom/Guardian.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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