Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

James Rumford (2004), 32 pages

Translated by Anna Sixkiller Huckaby

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Rumford takes his readers on a walk through a forest of tall redwood trees. Gazing out at a Giant Sequoia, one might wonder about the name’s origin … the name “Sequoia” comes from a brave Cherokee man named Sequoyah “who was alive when the United States was new.” Looking up at these tall majestic trees, readers might speculate that Sequoyah was a strong warrior or leader, an imposing figure who fought valiantly. In reality though Sequoyah was a not a warrior or chief, he was a metalworker. Cherishing his people and the Cherokee traditions, he decided to preserve his culture by writing their stories, histories, and memories. Even though the Cherokee Nation did not read or write and he himself was illiterate Sequoyah decided to invent writing for his people. After several attempts Sequoyah’s ingenuity and determination paid off. He eventually fashioned a written language for the Cherokee Nation using symbols known as a syllabary (rather than writing each letter, the word is written in syllables). His people were able to use these symbols to write and read. Sequoyah even taught his six-year old daughter, Ayoka how to read. Later, the Cherokee Nation used these symbols to publish newspapers and books. This award-winning (Robert F. Silbert Honor) book tells the story of a courageous and brave man leading his people through words rather than war. A legacy which remains today. Anna Sixkiller Huckaby translates Rumford's text into Cherokee and provides a translation of the Cherokee syllabary; Rumford also includes a time-line of events as well more historical details between Sequoyah, the syllabary, and the discovery of Sequoia trees. A truly fascinating and inspirational read!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend by Jerrie Oughton, The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola, The First Strawberries or How Chipmonk Got His Stripes by Joseph Bruchac

Other books by this author: Don’t Touch My Hat!, Rain School, Silent Music, Tiger and Turtle, and Chee-Lin: A Giraffe’s Journey

Mama, Do You Love Me?

Barbara Joosse (1991), 24 pages

Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

An age-old tale of children testing parental limits and finding that a mother’s love is unconditional –even in the Arctic. Inuit mother and daughter charmingly demonstrate love, imagination, fear, and acceptance as the story unfolds. Native arctic animals, like the raven, whale, and puffin along with Inuit terminology such as “mukluks” give way to a culture-rich narrative. In addition, the back of the book includes historical/geographic information and a glossary of traditional terms.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: I Love you the Purplest and Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse or Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Other books by this author: In the Night Garden, Nikolai, The Only Bear