Introduces the customs, languages, and traditional way of life of several Native nations that lived on the Great Plains of North America. Bobbie Kalman is the author and publisher of more than two hundred quality children's library books. She has created many of Crabtree's most popular series, including "The Early Settler Life Series," "The Historic Communities Series" and "The Crabapples Series" of "starter" books for younger children. Bobbie's latest series include "The Science of Living Things" and "Sports in Action." Bobbie's series are extremely successful in schools and public libraries because she writes them with specific curriculum needs in mind. She works with a writing team of creative writers who thoroughly research each topic. Colorful, attractive covers and entertaining text make her books sell equally well in bookstores and museums. Bobbie holds degrees in English, Psychology, and Education. She has taught at both the elementary and secondary level. As well as being a teacher, Bobbie has worked as an educational consultant with several publishing companies. Community Support Life on the plains was difficult, but the groups to which Native people belonged helped them survive. Members of clans, tribes, and families supported one another. If a person or a family was suffering or did not have enough food, others in the band gave these people the things they needed. Native people put the needs of the community before their own desires. Their wealth was measured by the gifts they gave to others instead of the possessions they owned themselves.