From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-A distinct (and welcome) departure from the usual Indian Chief bio. From the 1500s to the present, in historical succession, Sherrow writes about 13 North American Indian leaders-including four women-discussing their political ambitions and achievements in clear detail. She points out that the Native Americans of this continent had a civilization suited to their needs and environment. She shows how these powerful individuals sought to bring peace and understanding not only between their people and the invading whites, but also among the Indian tribes. Black-and-white photos show the Native American leaders (and a few white leaders). For each figure, there is a useful annotated bibliography.
George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. Part of the American Indian Lives series, this profiles 13 important Native Americans who used their vision, oratory skills, and diplomacy to guide their people through times of deception, relocation, and often near annihilation brought on by land-hungry whites. From Deganawidah and Hayenwatha, founders of the Iroquois League--a democratic confederacy of tribal nations pre-dating the U.S. Constitution by more than 200 years--to Wilma Mankiller, the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, they all asked and are still asking for the right for their people to live with dignity and within their traditions. The text is well written, clearly organized, and packed with historical information that still isn't making it into the textbooks. Although the entire work is tremendously moving, each profile can stand alone as background for shorter reports or discussions. Black-and-white portraits accompany each biography. Some territorial maps and trees relating the various tribes and nations would have been helpful, but a detailed index and an extensive annotated bibliography make this an excellent reference source as well as a fascinating, instructive, eye-opening read. A must for multicultural units and collections. Jeanne Triner
