From School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-According to an author's note about this story's origins, Charles endows her retelling with the strong, compassionate heroine of the Iroquois version rather than the passive girl of European renditions. Lelawala's Seneca tribe, situated by the Niagara River, has been prosperous for as long as memory. When sickness strikes, Lelawala's mother, wife of the chief, is among its many victims. Thinking that Hinu, the thunder god, is angry with them, the people send canoes filled with offerings over the great falls to his cave behind them. But the sickness persists. When Lelawala overhears the tribal leaders pondering sacrificing one of their people to Hinu, she volunteers herself. The depictions of people are inexpert, but the author/illustrator excels in capturing the roiling, pounding water, especially as the girl is thrown from her canoe and carried down the falls. She learns that the great god is powerless to fight a horned snake poisoning the river, and by appearing to her father in a dream, she is able to coordinate the efforts of men and gods to save her people. The dying snake, wedged into the boulders of the waterfall, creates the horseshoe shape that we see today. Even as his people celebrate their victory, the chief misses his brave daughter. He listens for her voice in the roar of the water-and hears it. This satisfying, unique pourquoi tale is well worth adding to most collections.
Susan Weitz, Tompkins County Public Library, Ithaca, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
In an author's note that's particularly useful for educators, [Charles] describes the history of the legend and how her version differs. The exciting drama of Lelawala's trip over the falls, and the engaging and realistic illustrations that show Charles's careful research, will keep young readers' interest. -Quill and Quire
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
