I AM APACHE

This absorbing tale of a teenage Apache girl who becomes a warrior comes to readers from a British author fascinated by the subject. Landman did her historical homework well, her research including both primary and secondary resources and enabling her to tell the story not only of her protagonist, Siki, but also of the ultimately futile struggles of the Apache to save their homeland from encroaching invaders. She witnesses the deaths of nearly her whole family at the hands of Mexicans and vows revenge. More talented with weaponry than women’s work, she enters training as a warrior and is accepted by most, but not all, of her male companions. The lively narrative is peppered with action scenes, all loosely based on historical events, and with Siki’s speculations about her missing father. Her clairvoyant experiences become a vehicle for exploring the Apaches’ religious beliefs. Constantly engrossing, this offering will engage young readers in a way no textbook can. (historical note, bibliography) (Historical fiction. YA)