A Boy Named Beckoning

Starred review from March 1, 2008
Gr 2-5-Capaldi uses Montezuma's own words to tell this gripping story of a Yavapai boy who was captured by the Pima in 1871 and grew up to become a prominent doctor and Native American spokesperson. Solidly researched, the well-written text follows Wassaja (later renamed Carlos Montezuma) as he was sold into slavery and purchased by a kind Italian photographer. He demonstrated such a gift for learning that he graduated from the University of Illinois at 17. After becoming a doctor, Montezuma searched for his parents and siblings and learned the sad truth about their lives and deaths. A full-page author's note addresses "Dr. MontezumaThe Activist," including his "Let My People Go" speech to the U.S. Senate in 1916. The illustrations are stunning, with multiple perspectives and rich gold and brown tones. Superimposed over basket imagery, side panels feature photographs and supplemental information. The detailed bibliography lists books, Web sites, letters, and speeches. This title should be promoted for Native American, multicultural, and biography units."Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2008
In her authors note, Capaldi calls the story of Carlos Montezuma, a testament to the character, heart, and human spirit. And so it is. As a child in 1866, Carlos (then called Wassaja), a Yavapai Indian living in the Arizona territory, was kidnapped by an enemy tribe. Luckily he was purchased by Italian photographer Carlo Gentile, who renamed him and raised him as his son. Together, they travelled the West taking pictures. After settling in Chicago, Carlos proved himself so bright that he went to college at the age of 14, then attended medical school, eventually returning to Arizona to help his people and find his family. Drawing on a letter to the Smithsonian Institution and incorporating information from interviews, articles, and speeches, Capaldi uses Carlos own words to draw the reader close. Attractive watercolor paintings in desert colors are the backdrop for the text, but the design cleverly uses photographs placed in the margins, which make a strong visual counterpoint to the art. An extensive afterword, a source note, and a bibliography add much for researchers. Fresh and fascinating.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)