New Book: Historical Fiction Adventure about the Birth of a Truly Original American Folk Tradition: “Clogging” in Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale

A new book using an historical fiction adventure story to uncover the multi-ethnic roots of a truly original American folk dance tradition, "Clogging," and the origins of the Southern Appalachian culture in which it was created.

Efland, NC (PRWEB) August 14, 2006

Steve Levitt uncovers the origins of a truly original American folk tradition, “Clogging,” and explores the roots of Southern Appalachian Mountain and North Carolina culture with the publication of “Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale.”

“Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale” takes the reader on an adventure filled with authentic historical and cultural details about: The Cherokee Indian Nation and “Trail of Tears;” The Irish “Potato Blight” and Emigration to America; The European Migration down “The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road;” The African Slave Trade and American Slavery; The Origins of North Carolina Southern Appalachian Mountain Culture; and The Roots of a surviving American Folk Tradition: “Clogging.”

The book uses four simultaneous and converging stories about the harrowing life journeys of the main characters to explore the history and challenges confronted by those who came to America and created the Southern Appalachian Mountain culture and the music and dance that represent it. The book is very carefully researched.

“Incredible story, wonderful history, eye opening, thought provoking and heart rending. What a connection,” writes Jessica Knorr, K-12 Reading Teacher.

This book supports Standard Course of Study Teaching Objectives in schools throughout the U.S. and can be enjoyed and inform readers from 4th grade to adult. An extensive Study Guide for School and Home provides many creative projects and resources.

“If you enjoy 'clogging' and want to learn about the true origins of this American folk dance tradition, or if you are a teacher or student interested in North Carolina and Southern Appalachian history, this book will interest you,” says Steve Levitt.

“Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale” is available for Preview and Purchase along with information about the author at LuLu.com/content/285625 the world’s fastest-growing provider of print-on-demand books.

Link to Publication: http://www.LuLu.com/content/285625

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Steve Levitt is a Southern Appalachian percussive dancer, choreographer, musician and storyteller who performs in schools in North Carolina where he has lived for more than 30 years.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Levitt 919-563-9527

###


Contact

Attachments

Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale

Front Cover of Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale


Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale

Back Cover of Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale


Author, Steve Levitt, School Show Author, Steve Levitt, School Show

Author, Steve Levitt, performing Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale for an elementary school audience.


Dancing "The Basic" Clog Step Dancing "The Basic" Clog Step

Cherokee girl, Scots-Irish boy, African American slave and English youth meet on a mountain and create "The Basic" clog step.


Irish Emigration on Queen of the West Irish Emigration on Queen of the West

Queen of the West was a packet ship used to help the Irish escape the Great Famine by traveling to America


Conestoga Wagon Conestoga Wagon

The Conestoga Wagon was used by early settlers to travel from Pennsylvania south along the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road to Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia.


Map of North Carolina Map of North Carolina

NC Map showing the main regions of the Coastal Plains, Piedmont and Southern Appalachian Mountains.


Trail of Tears Map Trail of Tears Map

Map showing the route taken by the Cherokee Nation as they traveled the Trail of Tears from North Carolina to Oklahoma


The Great Bird in Redbird's Dream The Great Bird in Redbird's Dream

The Great Bird in Redbird's Dream who told her of her special gift and responsibility to her people


Map of America and Europe Map of America and Europe

Map showing relationship of America to Europe


The Great Philadelphia Wagon Raod The Great Philadelphia Wagon Raod

Map of the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road


Ancient Celtic Warrior Ancient Celtic Warrior

Ancient Celtic Warrior that appears in a vision to inform Tommy of the challenge he must meet and the lesson he must learn.


Southern Appalachian Mountains Southern Appalachian Mountains

New home site for Tommy's family in the mountains of western North Carolina


Tommy's new log cabin Tommy's new log cabin

New log cabin built by Tommy's family with the help of others on a mountain in western North Carolina in 1849


African Slave Trade Route African Slave Trade Route

Map showing the "Middle Passage" route of the slave trade from West Africa to America


West African Drums West African Drums

Djembe, Denun and Talking Drum of West Africa


Jaw bone-Rhythm Instrument Jaw bone-Rhythm Instrument

The jaw bone, from a large animal, is a rhythm instrument played as a rattle or with a stick


Map of Africa-2nd Largest Continent Map of Africa-2nd Largest Continent

Most of the slaves that were brought to America came from countries in West Africa



Past News Releases Group Rss Subscribe