Publishers Weekly
Pulling from rich source materials and including selections from Thocmetony Winnemucca’s writings, Ray honors the remarkable Native American activist from the Paiute tribe of Nevada. When white settlers colonize Paiute land, Winnemucca’s grandfather, Chief Truckee, advocates for her to learn English and white customs. But as Paiute people are massacred and forced onto reservations, Winnemucca (1844–1891) uses her skills as an orator, writer, and dramatic performer to spread awareness about the unjust treatment of natives. Powerful language and blazing orange, earth, and jewel-toned chalk drawings create a stirring testament to one individual’s conviction. Ages 8–up. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (May)
From the Publisher
...will assist readers in developing a broader context in which to place Winnemucca's personal struggle.” —BCCB
“An essential purchase, providing a new perspective on westward expansion and insight into the life of an inspiring but little-known civil rights crusader.” —School Library Journal, starred
“Powerful language and blazing orange, earth, and jewel-toned chalk drawings create a stirring testament to one individual's conviction.” —Booklist
“Powerful language and blazing orange, earth, and jewel-toned chalk drawings create a stirring testament to one individual's conviction.” —Publishers Weekly, starred
“A compelling introduction to an extraordinary leader.” —Kirkus
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 3–6—Ray's biography (Farrar, Straus, 2012) provides a compelling look at a lesser-known historical figure. Sarah Winnemucca of the Paiute tribe was a determined advocate for her Native American people in the mid- to late-1800s. With gripping detail, the atrocities and injustices committed by military leaders and tribal agents are presented. In stark contrast, characters sympathetic to Sarah's cause are also introduced. Set against the backdrop of the forty-niners and the silver mining stampede, the story is presented with rich detail and direct quotes. The use of two narrators—Christina Moore and Angela Lin—effectively emphasizes when Sarah's actual words are used. Sarah's aptitude for languages and learning at a young age enabled her to straddle the white man's world and her Native American world. Motivated by her grandfather's efforts to connect peaceably with "the newcomers," Sarah wrote persuasive letters and made powerful speeches on behalf of her people. Ray's beautiful chalk drawings bring listeners into a time often overlooked in history. The book includes archival photographs, a timeline, maps, and author's notes. This inspiring story of a woman of conviction deserves a space on every library's shelf.—Terri Perper, Middletown Public Library, MD
School Library Journal
Gr 3–6—Ray's powerful picture-book biography vividly depicts the life of a Native American woman whose efforts to seek justice for the Paiute tribe deserve greater attention. Born in 1844 in present-day Nevada, Winnemucca found that her tribe's traditional way of life was in danger of disappearing under the onslaught of settlers, miners, railroad workers, and ranchers descending upon the American West. Organized chronologically, the book depicts her journey as she became "a child of two worlds": she had a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate white culture and to learn English, but continued to cherish her heritage and resisted the brutality and oppression visited upon her tribe by the burgeoning reservation system. Winnemucca's unusual upbringing contributed to her varied achievements as an adult. Ray covers her accomplishments as a performer, interpreter and scout for the U.S. Army, educator, and spokesperson and activist, highlighting particularly dramatic moments with expressive, poignant illustrations. Well-chosen quotations from Winnemucca's autobiography, the first written by a Native American woman in English, allow her own voice to drive the narrative and bring "Princess Sarah" to life. Detailed back matter makes it clear that Ray chose to end the book on a hopeful note that may be most appropriate for the intended audience, but does not portray the despair Winnemucca felt at the end of her life. An essential purchase, providing a new perspective on westward expansion and insight into the life of an inspiring but little-known civil rights crusader.—Kate Hewitt, Far Brook School, Short Hills, NJ
Kirkus Reviews
Sarah Winnemucca's fearless determination along with her talent for languages and her commitment to education for her people made her a striking spokesperson, lecturer and educator. Ray's biography encompasses Winnemucca's life from childhood through her work with the Peabody School she founded in 1885 in Lovelock, Nev. The heartbreak and challenges Sarah's Paiute people experienced as gold and silver mining brought English-speaking settlers in droves to the Great Basin of Utah, Nevada and California form the core of the narrative. A picture-book trim size allows for substantial blocks of text to accompany Ray's luminous full-page paintings, each focusing on a chapter of Winnemucca's life. Quotations from Winnemucca's autobiography as well as from other contemporary writings augment the account. Extensive backmatter offers more information about Winnemucca's life (Ray explains that the term "princess" was conferred by white journalists) and her people, extending the range for this work well into middle school. The lack of page numbers or index is a slight problem for navigating back through the work, but the clarity of the narrative will make this an excellent read-aloud for older listeners. A compelling introduction to an extraordinary leader. (author's note, map, timeline, bibliography) (Biography. 9-13)
