Talking Leaves

May 16, 2016
The Cherokee villagers of Willstown avoid Uwohali’s father, Sequoyah—despite his artistry and storytelling skills—believing that his fascination with strange symbols indicates witchcraft. Although Sequoyah has been largely absent from his son’s life, traveling and starting a new family with a second wife, Uwohali braves the villagers’ ill will to visit his recently returned father and is rewarded with a devoted half sister and his father’s new invention, a Cherokee syllabary. Frustrated by false promises and loss of land due to treaties broken by the government, Sequoyah seeks power and community through the syllabary, which allowed the Cherokee to create their own texts, or talking leaves. Based on historical events, Bruchac’s (Killer of Enemies) lyrical novel is filled with myths and fables that serve as guides for Uwohali as he comes to understand the importance of his father’s creation. Wrenching descriptions of the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend help transform an ostensibly simple story into a profound cautionary tale of what can happen without a language of one’s own. An afterword and reproduction of the syllabary are included. Ages 10–up. Agent: Barbara Kouts, Barbara Kouts Agency.

May 15, 2016
A boy grapples with the return of his father, Sequoyah, and the creation of a Cherokee syllabary.Bruchac reimagines a pivotal moment in Tsalagi (Cherokee) history through the eyes of a boy on the cusp of manhood. Uwohali's father, Sequoyah, has returned from the West with a new wife and a daughter. Raised by his mother and uncles, Uwohali struggles between his longing to reconnect with his father and his loyalty to his mother's clan. Complicating matters are the rumors that Sequoyah practices black magic. Drawn by the desire to learn something useful from his father, Uwohali reacquaints himself with Sequoyah. His father wishes to save Tsalagi tradition by creating a syllabary similar to the whites' "talking leaves." Soon Uwohali burns with the same desire as his father. He and his family must work together to convince the Tsalagi to adopt Sequoyah's syllabary in order to preserve their culture and identity. Bruchac gives readers a vivid look into the life of a Cherokee boy in 1821. His extensive research is evidenced by details such as Tsalagi women's prominent social status and a survivor's retelling of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Themes of preserving identity and culture through both spoken and written language will appeal to readers of all ages.A vivid retelling of a pivotal time for the Cherokee nation. (cast of characters, afterword, printed syllabary, glossary, further reading) (Historical fiction. 9-12)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from July 1, 2016

Gr 4-7-Bruchac has crafted a tale of depth and universal humanity in this fictionalized account of Sequoyah, the creator of the Cherokee syllabary, and his son, Jesse. Struggling with gossip and whispers about his father, Jesse must decide whether to embrace the vision his father has for his people or to distance himself even further from his heritage. With an authentic voice, Bruchac weaves details of Cherokee customs, cultural stories, and language without any heavy-handedness. While explaining how the Cherokee language came to be written, this work also broaches the hard lessons of growing up: What does it mean to grow separately from your friends and family? Bruchac depicts complex characters and relationships. This is a strong middle grade novel that offers a needed perspective on Cherokee history and the life of a key historical figure. VERDICT An illuminating read for middle graders; purchase anywhere historical fiction is in demand.-Beth Dobson, Weatherly Heights Elementary School, Huntsville, AL

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2016
Grades 4-7 A veteran storyteller pairs Sequoyah, whom he dubs a true genius, with a fictional son troubled by his father's abandonment and strange behavior. Thirteen-year-old Uwohali is slow to approach his estranged father, Sequoyah, who is absorbed in creating his unique syllabary. When Uwohali finally steels himself to make contact, he receives, in addition to a warm welcome, a life-changing understanding of what his father's invention might do to preserve their people's culture and identity against the inroads of the Aniyonega (whites). The book's restrained tone and deliberate pacing may make it a slog for less patient readers, but Bruchac livens the proceedings with inset folktales, low-key humor, and a heartrending reminiscence of the brutal Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Sequoyah's life and achievements get fuller treatment in Rumford's Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing (2004), but Bruchac's portrayal of a father and son mending fences adds a more universal element. He closes with a complete chart of the syllabary's symbols, a glossary, and notes on his sources.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)