Review By Kathy Abalama

Sap'akigka
Written by Alice N. Fitka
Illustrated by Rosalie Lincoln, Greg Lincoln, and Agnes Kairaiuak
Published by Lower Kuskokwim School District
ISBN 1-55036-504-5

Summary: A little girl asks her uncle if he would still love her regardless of what she may do.

1. Is there ridicule in the book that may cause embarrassment for the Native American reader?
There is no ridicule in the book that may cause embarrassment for the Yup'ik Eskimo or Native American reader.

2. Are the characters depicted as horrifying or abusers of animals or humans?
No, the characters are not depicted as horrifying or abusers of any living animal or humans.

3. Are the pictures of faces, clothing and housing stereotypical of Natives in general?
No, the pictures of faces and clothing are not stereotypical of Eskimos in general. Each character's face has its own unique feature. The qaspeqs used by the characters are simple with no designs, a style that is acceptable for the Yup'ik Eskimo.

4. If it tells a story that comes from my people, does it use language that does not change the context or the meaning? In other words, does the author know exactly that what he is saying is accurate information?
The author, a Yup'ik Eskimo from the Kuskokwim area knows exactly what she is saying is accurate information. This book is about a girl who was named after a deceased loved one, in this case, after the uncle's mother.

5. Does it treat Native life as though it were simply a normal part of human existence? Does the writing have warmth and humor, and without any particular attempt to "sound" Native? Are there any particular values that the book brings about?
Yes, the book treats the Yup'ik Eskimo life as though it were a normal part of human existence, with the addition of the importance of naming children after a deceased one in the Yup'ik Eskimo culture. The value of naming children has always created a special bond among the Yup'ik Eskimo, and it is believed that the power of naming is very great.

6. Is the information accurate on the life and language on the people, with accurate phonetic spellings?
Yes, the information is accurate on the life and language of the Yup'ik Eskimo, with accurate phonetic spellings.

7. If it is a history book, does it tell how it really was for the People without any lies?
It is not a history book, but it tells an accurate example of how Yup'ik Eskimo, in this case, an uncle and aunt treat and love their niece named after their mother.

8. If written by a non-Native, does it mention in the preface that the author talked with any members of the People he was writing about to get the facts straight?
This book was written and illustrated by Yup'ik Eskimos who are knowledgeable about the culture.

9. Are Elders valued and respected in the book?
There are no Elders in the book, but in the back, there is an acknowledgement about how Yup'ik Elders of Alaska believe that the power of naming is very great.

10. Does the book respect the culture of the people it is written about?
Yes, the book is written in good taste and respects one of the many traditional values of the Yup'ik Eskimo. I would recommend the book to anyone that would like to read about one aspect of naming in the Yup'ik culture.

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