Source:Furbee, Mary R. Wild Rose

Summary

Reviews

Gr 6-9-Consulting numerous sources, Furbee has woven a linear, somewhat romanticized story that captures both the adventure and scope of her subject's life. Born during the 1737 smallpox epidemic that killed half of her people, Ward was given the name Nanye-hi for Nunne'hi, the legendary name of the Spirit People of the Cherokee, and seemed to be destined for something great. As an adult, she became a heroic and respected leader who was chosen by the clans as Ghigha, or Beloved Woman of the Cherokee. In that capacity she headed the Women's Council and sat on the Council of Chiefs. She later became a peace advocate who adopted the ways of the white settlers; they called her Nancy Ward when she married a white trader. The style is lively, engaging, and accessible, and the story is fascinating. Small black-and-white maps, line drawings, and spot art are included. Surprisingly, there are few biographies on this important figure. Pat Alderman's Nancy Ward: Cherokee Chieftainess, Dragging Canoe, Cherokee-Chickamauga War Chief (1978) concentrates on the tensions between Ward and her warrior cousin whereas Charlotte Ellington's Beloved Mother: The Story of Nancy Ward (1994, both Overmountain) is a much more fictionalized account. A useful addition to biography sections for middle and high school collections.

From School Library Journal - Dona J. Helmer, College Gate School Library, Anchorage, AK

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Users Data

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Publishing (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883846714
• ISBN-13: 978-1883846718

Link to the Cherokee Heritage Project Page