Pushing Up the Sky: Seven Native American Plays for Children

Filled with heroes and tricksters, comedy and drama, Native American tales have entertained children from their ancient origins in the oral tradition to the present day.
Now renowned Native storyteller Joseph Bruchac has adapted seven traditional tales from Native peoples around North America as delightful plays for children themselves to perform.
Each play has multiple parts that can be adjusted to suit the size of a particular group, and includes simple suggestions for props, scenery, and costumes that children can help to create.
From “Gluskabe and Old Man Winter”, a battle of wits between an Abenaki hero and the frosty ruler of the Winter Land, to “The Strongest One”, a Zuni tale that offers a dazzling procession of characters, children are sure to enjoy presenting these lively pieces.
Introductory notes and Teresa Flavin’s beautiful, detailed illustrations add to young people’s understanding of the seven Native nations whose traditions have inspired the plays.