The Sacrifice [Paperback]

Diane Matchek (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

When the twins were born, it was prophesied that one of them would grow up to be a great leader of the Apsaalooka (Crow) people. The boy was named Born-great; his sister, Weak-one-who-does-not-last. But Born-great was the one who died. Years later, his proud, defiant sister sets off on a forbidden journey to prove to the village--and herself--that she is the one destined for greatness. But her trek goes terribly wrong, and she is taken captive by the Pawnee. She has the courage to escape--but will she find the means?

"A stunning debut...Definitely an author to watch." --Booklist, starred review

"Matcheck's success lies in her thoroughly credible portrait of an arrogant girl's metamorphosis into a teachable, worthy woman, whom readers will believe is indeed capable of greatness." --Publishers Weekly

* A Puffin Novel
* 224 pages
* Ages 10-14

* A Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 1998
* An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This stunning first novel fuses breathless adventure, a bittersweet love story, and an intriguing role reversal--all played out in an unusual (and thoroughly researched) Native American setting. On the Great Plains in the 1700s a young girl yearns to prove that she, and not her dead twin brother, is destined to become the Great One. Among her people, the Apsaalooka (also known as Crow), women warriors are rare but not forbidden, a tradition that allows the girl to train fiercely and set out on a journey to prove her greatness. She finds it in Yellowstone--where the land itself steams--in a hair-raising battle with a grizzly bear that finally yields its hide and claws as trophies. But the fight leaves her wounded and weakened, and she is taken prisoner by a band of Pawnees. Strangely, they treat her with respect and tenderness. The boy, Wolfstar, who has been assigned to be her keeper, is especially kind, despite her harsh and angry rejection of him. Through a long summer of close companionship, love grows between the strong, fiery girl and the wise and gentle boy. Suddenly, her illusions of acceptance are stripped away when she discovers she has been groomed to be the Morning Star sacrifice. Can she escape? And can she trust Wolfstar to help her? The breathtaking conclusion will have young adults closing the book with tremulous but satisfied sighs. (Ages 12 to 15) --Patty Campbell --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

An 18th-century Apsalooka girl fights tribal norms to discover her destiny in this "thoroughly credible portrait of an arrogant girl's metamorphosis," said PW. Ages 10-14. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141306408
• ISBN-13: 978-0141306407
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,845,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, April 7, 2000

By 

[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacrifice (Paperback)

I decided to read The Sacrifice after seeing some of the reviews on Amazon.com, and being intrigued by the plot description. The book was even better than I'd expected. I liked the fact that the Native American culture stands alone without the author having to show the impact of the arrival of white settlers--I can't think of one other book that's simply about Native Americans with no Europeans in it. Originality is always good.

It's also an exceptional story, which should appeal strongly to readers of all ages: the writing's simple enough for young readers to understand, while no older reader will be bored with the story (I'm 16). The book is historical fiction, with maybe a very small bit of fantasy, but it can be enjoyed by readers of fantasy, adventure stories and historical fiction alike. I thought The Sacrifice was extraordinary, especially for a first novel. I recommend it highly, and I'll be looking forward to Diane Matcheck's next piece of work.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vivid and compelling, May 29, 2000

By 

Jennifer Mo - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sacrifice (Paperback)

Diane Matcheck has written an extraordinary first novel in The Sacrifice. It successfully combines elements of adventure, culture, and romance with vibrant and living settings and a fabulous main character. Weak-one-who-does-not-last is not an instantly likable character, particularly since in the beginning she is 'bad in the heart' and vengeful and angry towards her tribe, the Crow Indians. However, she undergoes a remarkable transformation from spiteful, inconsiderate child, obsessed with becoming the Great One at any cost. Weak-one's metamorphosis into a mature, admirable woman, although occasionally a little hurried, is exceptionally well done and the main focus of The Sacrifice throughout her journeys.

The ending, as suits this novel, is triumphant, if not castle-on-silver-clouds happy. It actually has more impact this way. By the way, the title, The Sacrifice, is very appropriate in many ways throughout the book, and it is through hers and others' sacrifices that Weak-one becomes who she does.

The Sacrifice is definitely recommended for everyone who enjoys survival-in-the-wilderness stories, Indian stories, or teenagers looking for a coming of age novel that says a lot about destiny and direction. Unsurprisingly, I can't think of another book similar enough to it to recommend. I guess I'll just have to impatiently wait until Diane Matcheck writes another novel.

Ailanna

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a very engaging . . .it's awesome., November 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sacrifice (Hardcover)

This book is a very fascinating, I love it! It is one of the best books I've read. Believe me, I've read a lot of books! I would recommend this book to female young adult readers . . .especially if you're interesting in Indians, and even if you're not! A great view inside the world of this girl. *****