House of Adobe

Ray Doiron is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at the
University of Prince Edward Island and the Preschool to Grade 6
nonfiction reviews co-ordinator at Resource Links.

This latest addition to the Native Dwellings series has maintained the
same format, style of illustration, and overall quality as the previous
five books. Shemie has thoroughly researched the architecture of the
first people to inhabit the mountains and plateaus of the southwestern
United States. She presents that information in an interesting text,
which is supported by authentic architectural illustrations. What is so
compelling about this book is the sense of wonder the author conveys as
she reveals how the people built their homes and lived their lives. She
begins with the ancient, underground pit houses, then traces the
developing sophistication of the ancient architecture in the region. The
“great house” of Choco Canyon is impressive in size and complexity,
as are the cave dwellers’ homes of the Mesa Verde and the pueblo
houses on the Hopi mesas. As the story progresses, young readers learn
how architectural styles, locations of dwellings, building materials,
and engineering practices all provide clues to how the early Americans
lived.

The book’s ample text, attractive illustrations, and picture-book
format make it not only a useful research tool, but also an appealing
book young people will want to read. Recommended.