The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood

Summary of Book

Virginia's old coat is too small. The cold South Dakota wind blows across the Rosebud Indian Reservation, making her shiver as she walks to school. Virginia dreams of a new coat arriving in the Theast boxes--parcels of clothing from churches in The East. But, she knows she may not have a chance for a coat this year. Her father is the village Episcopal priest, so her family chooses last, and as Mama always says, The others need it more than we do. Generosity and unexpected joy remind Virginia of the importance of community within this story from the author s childhood.

Author Biography

Virginia's first book was published in 1972--now 27 books, numerous short stories, articles, and poems. Her topic and themes have been Native American culture and history with an emphasis on women and children's literature. A member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, she graduated from St. Mary's High School for Indian Girls, and received a B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from South Dakota State University. For thirty years Virginia was a teacher/counselor in Pierre, White, the Flandreau Indian School and the Rapid City School District. She also served as an adjunct professor of English for Oglala Lakota College.

Illustrator Biography

The book ""The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood,"" written by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, has been re-issued in a beautiful new edition by the South Dakota Historical Society Press. This book received the Smithsonian and the American Indian Library Association Best Picture Book awards. It is based on a true story set on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, winter 1945.

Please visit her website http://www.ellenbeier.com.