Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities for Children by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac Anyone teaching children about the natural world will value this interdisciplinary curriculum in botany and plant ecology that focuses on environmental and stewardship issues. Through 19 Native American stories and various activities, children learn the invaluable lesson that all living things are intertwined and fueled by the plant-growing energy of the sun. Keepers of Life provides studies in botany, plant ecology, and the natural history of  North American plants. Teacher's Guide and audiocasette also available. ISBN 1-55591-387-3    grade K  - 12 8.5 x 11, 288 pages b/w photographs, illust. $19.95  paperback Instructor's Book Club Selection Keepers of Life Teacher's Guide Michael J. Caduto & Joseph Bruchac ISBN 1-55591-187-0 8-1/2 x 11, 68 pages bibliography, reading lists Paperback $9.95 This is the third volume in Fulcrum's Keepers Series of books teaching children environmental awareness. Presented here are 18 Native American stories from such tribes as the Huron, Seneca, Cheyenne, Cherokee, Mandan, Inuit, Pueblo, and Osage, covering such topics as botany, plant ecology, and the natural history of North American plants and plantlike organisms. Following each story is advice for parents, teachers, naturalist, or camp counselors on holding a discussion, asking questions, doing related activities, and extending the experience (reading, growing plants, writing and acting out a story, establishing a compost heap, taking a field trip, etc.). There is also a guide for using the books and a glossary and pronunciation key to Native American words and proper names.                                                    George Cohen    Booklist In the foreword to Keepers of Life, Marilou Awiakta says, "Everything in the universe is related in one family. All life is equal. And to keep life going, all these relationships must be kept in balance." The Keepers Series, by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac, are volumes that meld Native American culture and stories with the study of particular areas of the natural world. The books are written for adults to use in teaching children. Keepers of the Night studies the nocturnal world while Keepers of Life studies plant life. Both begin each chapter with a story from a different Native American tribe that is then used to introduce a variety of topics and/or issues. This approach, understanding the science of the natural world by combining Native American lore and culture with scientific facts, is valuable for parents and teachers who are looking for integrated studies. Be aware, however, that this is a complex combination and therein lies both the strength and weakness of these volumes. These are superb resources for the parent or teacher interested in doing a complete "unit" that combines science, history, culture, and philosophy. They are not easy materials from which to pick one activity or idea exactly because everything is so integrated. In a related vein, while activities are listed as being appropriate for both "younger children or older children," in reality it will take modification by the adult reading the material to make the activity actually appropriate for one level or the other. All in all, I recommend these books for teachers or parents who are either looking for ways to integrate science into units of other studies or for ways to integrate cultural studies into science. I do not recommend them if you are looking for science fair projects or quick age appropriate materials.                                           Leslie Hauschildt,                                                       Jefferson County Public Library                                                             Colorado Libraries magazine

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