The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood

 

Bibliography

Sneve, V. D. H., & Beier, E. (2011). The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood. Holiday House. 

Plot Summary

Virginia is badly in need of a new coat. When a new delivery comes in, she hopes for a beautiful coat that fits her, but it’s taken up but someone else in need. While Virginia is not happy about this turn of events, she learns that everything works out in the end. 

Critical Analysis

Virginia’s Sioux background is mostly implied through the illustrations, names of some of the characters such as Mrs. Little Money and Mrs. High Bear, and some events of the story. She lives in South Dakota on a reservation and dreams of one day having a coat that fits. All of the children are looking forward to the box from “Theast”, a name they’ve given the donations Virginia's father, the priest of the village, received every year from church congregations in New England. The author does a good job at implying at poverty in the village as Virginia desperately wants a coat that fits her and accepts a larger coat that will need to be hemmed before having to give it up to another child that is also in need. 

A mix of customs is shared within the book as Virginia’s family celebrates Christmas. The church congregation gathers for the scene of the baby Jesus with Mary and the Wise Men. When the Wise Men enter, they come in wearing headdresses. Their Christmas Eve supper is that of “corn soup, fry bread, and wojape, or chokecherry pudding…” And Santa comes by to visit with small gifts. 

The illustrator, Ellen Beier, does an excellent job at providing warm tones throughout the books pages that reflect on the feeling of togetherness during the holiday season. Not to mention the feeling of ickiness of having to walk out in the snow in the “gumbo” - which a reader from the South may need help defining. 

In the end, Virginia learns that good things come to those who wait when she receives a new red coat with a hood. This book is an excellent way to begin introducing indigenious titles in K-5 grade classrooms, talk about patience, and helping your fellow man when you have the opportunity. 

Review Excerpt(s)

American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Picture Book (2012)

"Virginia's personality shines through in this poignant story that entertains and informs without recourse to stereotypes.” - Kirkus Reviews

Connections 

-Activities

• Use this book for a theme activity 

• Using StoryJumper, have students design a picture book about their own memory of either a time when they learned to be patient or a memorable holiday. 

• Organize a clothing drive for the nearest reservation or peoples in need. 

• Foreshadowing example at the beginning of the book when Virginia wishes for a red coat that fits. In the end, that’s exactly what she gets. 

• A discussion on how different people celebrate holidays could take place. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and even those that do celebrate differently from one another. Have students share what may be considered different.