Book details
We Are Mesquakie, We Are One
Description
This book tells a true story from Native American history through the voice of a young native girl. Hidden Doe is coming of age in the 1840s, at a time when the United States government is forcing her people, the Mesquakie, to leave their homeland in Iowa and make the long and bitter journey to a Kansas reservation. Hidden Doe faces these hardships and shares moments of hope with Gray Gull, her courageous grandmother; with the kind white woman she calls White Gull; and with Bright Eagle, the young man who will win her love. She joins her people's struggle to preserve their proud heritage until they can find a way to return home.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
128 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: Reading 'We Are Mesquakie, We Are One' provides a deep understanding of the Mesquakie culture, traditions, and way of life, offering readers a chance to learn about and appreciate a Native American community that has often been overlooked in mainstream history and literature.
- Historical Perspective: The book offers a historical perspective on the struggles and resilience of the Mesquakie people, highlighting their efforts to maintain their identity and sovereignty in the face of external pressures and challenges.
- Human Connection: Through its narrative, the book fosters empathy and human connection by telling a compelling story of individuals and a community striving to preserve their bonds, values, and sense of self amidst changing times.
- Literary Merit: Hadley Irwin, the author, is known for their skillful storytelling and ability to create vivid, memorable characters. Reading this book is not only an educational experience but also an enjoyable one, as readers are drawn into the world of the Mesquakie through rich narrative and emotional depth.