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Published on 06/05/1995 All articles from this issue

Book Review: New publications brings California history to life

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By Don De Nevi

Special to the Town Crier

Rarely do elementary school textbooks transcend themselves from classroom desks to children's shelves of bookstores.

Yet, a fledgling East Bay company, Magpie Publications of Alamo, has already produced three. In writing that is engaging, sometimes spiritual and poetic, Michele Lasagna and Gail Faber, two experienced elementary school teachers, have co-authored "Pasquala, The Story Of A California Indian Girl," "Whispers From The First Californians" and "Whispers Along the Mission Trail."

All three books are state approved supplementary texts for social science programs. Parents or teachers who want to know about early California and her indigenous people will be impressed by the scholarship and prose, which often borders on eloquence.

In "Pasquala, The Story Of A California Indian Girl," historical facts and the beauty of nature are woven into a wonderfully warm and human story set in the early 1800's against a background of Indian life in the San Joaquin Valley and the arrival of the Spanish.

"Whispers From the First Californians" and "Whispers Along The Mission Trail," invoke in skillfully organized narratives, an appreciation of the California Indians through their tales, food, clothing, homes, and customs.

At the same time, young readers learn about the lives, journeys architecture and hardships of the first European explorers and settlers in the state.

With rare clarity, Lasagna and Faber boldly re-define the traditional elementary school text. Anyone of the three books will provide the wonders of our rich multi-cultural heritage.

"Pasquala" retails for $9.95, while the two "Whisper" hardcovers sell for $17.95 each. Checks and purchase orders can be sent to Magpie Publications, P.O Box 636, Alamo 94507-0636.

To order, call 1-800-MAG-PIE5.