Why Buffalo Roam

While the origin of buffalo is a common theme in the oral traditions of Plains peoples, this book contains not an indigenous tale but the result of a third grade creative writing assignment. Kershen, nine years old when he wrote the story, recasts the sacrifice of Isaac: the role of Abraham is assumed by Whitewolf, who prays to the Spirit ``for many moons'' to relieve his people's hunger. The Spirit tells him to offer up his ``most precious thing''--which turns out to be his son. The Spirit does not accept the sacrifice, instead rewarding Whitewolf for his loyalty by giving his people the buffalo (this formulation does not sit well with traditional Native American beliefs about humans' relation to the earth and its other creatures). Judeo-Christian and European values similarly dominate the art, which combines traditional forms with a depiction of the hand of God. Kershen's writing is admirable for a schoolchild, but the other merits of this book are dubious indeed. Ages 6-12. (Sept.)