SHE PERSISTED: WILMA MANKILLER by Cherokee Nation citizen and award-winning author Traci Sorell with an introduction by Chelsea Clinton; Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint. Wilma Mankiller grew up with the knowledge that, as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, her people had long suffered mistreatment at the hands of the US government. She dedicated her life to helping Native Nations and their citizens reclaim their rights and became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
80 pages 978-0593403051 Ages 7-10
Keywords: biography, women, Native Americans, Indigenous people, leadership, social activist, civil rights, 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, women's history
Also in this series: She Persisted: Maria Tallchief
***********
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Wilma Mankiller!
The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Traci Sorell, readers learn about the amazing life of Wilma Mankiller--and how she persisted.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Wilma Mankiller's footsteps and make a difference!
And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted!---from the publisher
**********
The biography of the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation has joined the titles in the She Persisted series. Author Traci Sorell traces Chief Mankiller's life from her birth in Oklahoma through her family's move to California, then her return to Mankiller Flats and her work with the tribe. Readers will learn how the family lived in Oklahoma and contrast that with the conditions in San Francisco. It may encourage children to read that someone who would grow up to lead her nation at one point lost interest in school and even ran away from home. They may also be inspired by her persistence in overcoming obstacles such as a serious car accident and several health problems.
It is also clear that her own experiences growing up with no electricity or running water made her aware of conditions that could be improved with help from the Cherokee Nation Community Development Department. Her work there and as deputy chief, then principal chief, gave her opportunities to help the people and "the hardships they faced." Besides personal details of Wilma's life, the history of how the Cherokee came to be living in Oklahoma is explained, as well as the later Indian Relocation Act of 1956, the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969, and other significant events.
As in the other books of the series, there is a list of suggestions on how readers show persistence in their own lives. A list of acknowledgments and references appear in the back matter, as well as an explanation of the seven-pointed star on the book's cover and a discussion of the various terms used "to describe the peoples how originally lived on this land and continue to do so." I especially appreciate that the book was written by an author who is also a member of the Cherokee Nation and has a personal connection to its history. Readers may also enjoy the Cherokee headings for each chapter.
Recommended by: Suzanne Costner, Teacher Librarian, Tennessee USA
See more of her recommendations: https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/2023/04/spring-reading-2023-she-persisted-wilma.html
