Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca

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