Wilma's Way Home

Starred review from January 1, 2019

Gr 1-5-Rappaport's latest recounts the life of Wilma Mankiller. She grew up "dirt poor" in Oklahoma, and her family survived by following Gadugi, the philosophy of helping one another, trading for the necessities to live. She and her family were uprooted to San Francisco as a result of the Relocation Act. Kukuk's illustrations draw parallels between Mankiller's experiences and those of her Cherokee ancestors, who were forced to walk the Trail of Tears. Feeling alone and disconnected from her Native roots, she found belonging at the Indian Center in San Francisco. Mankiller took part in the occupation of Alcatraz Island, which set her on the path of activism, and eventually returned to Oklahoma, where she learned to help her people by listening first and working together to solve problems. She became the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation, not without resistance. Her legacy lives on through Native people as a strong leader who believed collaboration was the only way to govern. In an author's note, Rappaport discusses meeting with Mankiller's husband and friends; also included are a time line, a pronunciation guide, a bibliography, and source notes. Kukuk's artwork brings Mankiller to life, from her childhood days to her sunset. VERDICT An important read for all libraries, this work highlights a strong woman who left a vital message for future leaders.-Amy Zembroski, Indian Community School, Franklin, WI

November 1, 2018
This latest in Rappaport's Big Words series highlights Wilma Mankiller, the Cherokee girl who grows up to become "the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation."The opening text and accompanying illustration immediately place readers in "rural Oklahoma" on the Mankillers' farm, where Wilma spends her early years in her "family of eleven." Although poor in material wealth, the Mankillers are "rich in love and community," and Wilma is raised with the understanding of Gadugi, the Cherokee "philosophy of helping each other." When a new government policy relocates Wilma's family into urban life in San Francisco, Wilma experiences the threat of acculturation. Yet despite that danger and other challenges during her early adult years, Wilma finds a new community at the Oakland Indian Center and creates opportunities to help other Native people until she finally returns to Oklahoma, where she goes on to accomplish her most memorable work. Rappaport has produced a thoroughly researched biography enhanced by Mankiller's own words, and though it's heavy with text, readers should find that Choctaw artist Kukuk's detailed scratchboard and watercolor illustrations provide visual balance. The combined effect gives readers a sense of intimacy. A solid resource for a classroom or school library about a phenomenal Cherokee woman that feels a bit like flipping through a family photo album. (author's note, illustrator's note, important events, pronunciation guide, resources) (Picture book/biography. 6-8)

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January 1, 2019
Grades 2-5 Award-winning and prolific biographer Rappaport turns her attention to the indefatigable Wilma Mankiller. Told in straightforward blank verse with not a frill or fancy phrase in sight, the story begins with Mankiller's family's life in rural Oklahoma, where they were dirt poor, and ends with her leadership as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation via a long and difficult detour. Readers are provided with minimal details about Mankiller's childhood as most of the account is of her life as an activist and community leader. Direct quotes from Mankiller's autobiography are worked seamlessly into the narrative and give it authenticity and weight. Kukuk's realistic watercolor illustrations are notable for the emotions she captures on people's faces. This picture-book biography for older readers is an appetizer that will tempt kids to find out more about Mankiller. The author's and illustrator's notes are good places to start researching, followed by the additional resources listed at the book's end. For a global thematic connection, pair with I Am Farmer (2019), by Baptiste and Miranda Paul.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)