by Dorothy Ingersoll Zaykowski ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1997
In a volume that suffers from credibility problems and a patronizing tone, a collection of short biographies of six Native American women. Each of the introductory chapters to the sections covering the six lives offers an idea of the honored role of women in tribal societies; after that, the focus shifts, and the biographies themselves show the subjects in relation to the newly dominant white culture of the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. There's Pocahontas and Sacajawea, whose stories are known; Tekakwitha, a Mohawk who became a Christian ascetic; Cooh-coo-cheeh, another Mohawk, a medicine woman who, according to the author, is remembered ``for saving the life of a twelve-year-old white boy'' who had been captured by her people; Sarah Winnemucca, the daughter of a Paiute chief who became a lobbyist for Native American rights, but, like the others in this book, had one foot in the white world; and Susan LaFlesche, the first Native American woman to become a doctor. Although Zaykowski provides a bibliography, she includes quotes without indicating their sources, e.g., LaFlesche shouts, ``I'll be famous someday. I'll leave the reservation and go to the white man's city and do important work.'' In fact, most of the speakers use the portentous profundities found in bad Westerns, with one notable exception (again, without a source): When LaFlesche's father bids her farewell, he says, ``Keep in touch.'' (b&w photos, index) (Biography. 12-14)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1997
ISBN: 0-936389-49-4
Page Count: 139
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1997
Share your opinion of this book
by Livia Bitton-Jackson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999
In a sequel to the well-received I Have Lived a Thousand Years (1997, not reviewed), Bitton-Jackson writes of her life as Elli Friedmann in 1945, when she, her brother, and mother were liberated from Auschwitz and sent back to their former home in Czechoslovakia. Finding only a shell of the place they had known, they struggled to rebuild some semblance of life and waited for the return of Elli’s father. When they realized he was gone for good, their only hope through all their efforts was the prospect of obtaining papers that would allow them to emigrate to America. Through the long years that they waited, Elli found work teaching, and helping other Jews escape to Palestine, a dangerous and illegal undertaking. When they finally arrived in New York City, relatives welcomed them; an epilogue collapses most of the author’s adult life into a few paragraphs so readers will know the directions her life took. Interesting and inspiring, this story makes painfully clear how the fight to survive extended well beyond the war years; the discomforts and obstacles the author faced and articulates in such riveting detail will make readers squirm at the security and ease of their own lives. (Memoir. 12-14)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-689-82026-7
Page Count: 258
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
Share your opinion of this book
More by Livia Bitton-Jackson
BOOK REVIEW
by David R. Collins ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 10, 1999
Marguerite Henry died barely two years ago, after living the life of which most writers dream: She wrote from the time she was young, her parents encouraged her, she published early and often, and her books were honored and loved in her lifetime. Her hobby, she said, was words, but it was also her life and livelihood. Her research skills were honed by working in her local library, doing book repair. Her husband Sidney supported and encouraged her work, and they traveled widely as she carefully researched the horses on Chincoteague and the burros in the Grand Canyon. She worked in great harmony with her usual illustrator, Wesley Dennis, and was writing up until she died. Collins is a bit overwrought in his prose, but Henry comes across as strong and engaging as she must have been in person. Researchers will be delighted to find her Newbery acceptance speech included in its entirety. (b&w photos, bibliography, index) (Biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: March 10, 1999
ISBN: 1-883846-39-0
Page Count: 112
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
Share your opinion of this book
More by David R. Collins
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
by David R. Collins & illustrated by William Heagy
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.