For my Children’s Literature Final Project, I decided to focus on the Maya of Mexico. Indian lure and the ancient peoples often fascinate elementary school children. I recently researched material on the Mayan civilization and realized how important the civilization was and still is in history.

The Mayan were one of the first civilizations to grow crops from seeds. They also learned how to preserve their land for future plantings. Mayans sold or bartered some of the crops they grew along with handcrafted items.

The Mayan people built many temples and statues of their gods. They developed their own mathematical system and the concept of the number zero. Using the concept of the number zero helped the Maya keep an accurate calendar. The Maya used hieroglyphs to keep records.

Rhoads, Dorothy. The Corn Grows Ripe. New York: Puffin, 1993.

This book is about a boy of Mayan descent who has to take his fathers place working in the fields in order for his family to survive.

Novel/ Realistic Fiction Grades 4-7

Aliki. Corn Is Maize. New York: Harper Collins, 1976.

This book illustrates the importance of corn to Indians. It also shows how corn is grown and how it is used in many products.

Picture book/ Realistic Fiction Grades 1-3

Haskins, Jim. Count Your way Through Mexico. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1989

This book counts from one to ten in Spanish, and it explains different traditions, folktales, and myths held by the natives of Mexico.

Abc/123 Grades K-3

Linares, Fedrico, A Day With A Maya. Minneapolis: Runestone Press, 1996

This book has two parts. Part one has information with great color pictures that explain the Mayan way of life. Also, there are great pictures and drawings o f artifacts. Part two has a folktale about the daily life of a Mayan artist and how he uses his talents.

Informational Grades 3-6

Fisher, Leonard. Gods And Goddesses of The Ancient Maya. New York: Holiday House, 1999.

This is a great book that explains the importance of gods to the Mayan people. It also has great illustration of each god along with his or her power.

Folktale picture book Grades 3-6

Levchuck, Caroline. Kids During The Time Of The Maya. New York: The Rosen Group, 1999.

The book explains the Mayan culture in simple terms for younger students. It has pictures from the ancient city along with pictures of modern day Mayan children.

Information Grades 1-4

Kallen, Stuart. The Mayans. California: Lucent Books, 2001.

This book contains an abundance of information about the Mayan civilization. It includes pictures of artifacts, various responsibilities of the people, and an explanation of the Mayan number system.

Information Grades4-8.

Alvarado, Manuel. Mexican Food and Drink. New York: The Bookwright Press, 1988.

This book contains information about Mexican history. It also has the origins of some Mexican food that can be traced back to the Maya, along with great recipes that kids can make.

Informational Grades 3-6

Stroud, Virginia. The Path of the Quiet Elk. New York: Dial Books, 1996

This book walks through the forest, explaining nature in the eyes of the Indian "Wisdom Keeper" using the alphabet. It explores nature and demonstrates why Native Americans hold the earth sacred.

ABC book, Grades K-3

Wisniewski, David. Rain Player. New York: Clarion Books, 1991

This book is about a Mayan boy named Pik who plays a deadly game of pok-a-tok against the rain god. Pok-a-tok is a dangerous game and if Pik loses, he will be dead. However, if he wins, he will become a hero.

Fiction novel Grades 3-6

Houston, James. Songs of The Dream People. New York: Atheneum, 1972.

This book contains songs, poems, and chants of Native Americans and Eskimos. It compares their similarities of rhythm and love of nature.

Poetry Grades 2-7

Hood, Flora. The Turquoise Horse. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1972.

This book has poetry and songs displaying the importance of Native Americans becoming one with nature. The pictures are simple and capture the Native American spirit.

Poetry Grades 1-4