Talking Leaves
Talking Leaves by Joseph Bruchac is a historical fiction work published by Penguin on August 1, 2017. This edition spans 288 pages and is presented in English. The narrative centers on thirteen-year-old Uwohali, who is eager to reconnect with his father, Sequoyah, after years of separation. As Sequoyah returns to their village, his unusual focus on creating markings raises concerns among the tribe, leading them to question his sanity and intentions. Uwohali soon learns that these markings are part of an innovative alphabet representing the Cherokee language.
Readers will find a rich exploration of family dynamics and cultural heritage as Uwohali navigates his relationship with Sequoyah, a pivotal figure in Native American history. The book delves into themes of identity and acceptance while providing historical context about the Cherokee syllabary. Additionally, the text includes a note on the historical Sequoyah, a glossary of Cherokee words, and suggestions for further reading, enhancing the educational value for middle-grade readers interested in Native American history and the 19th century.
Official synopsis Publisher
A work of historical fiction about Sequoyah and the creation of the Cherokee alphabet, from the acclaimed author of Code Talker
Thirteen-year-old Uwohali has not seen his father, Sequoyah, for many years. So when Sequoyah returns to the village, Uwohali is eager to reconnect. But Sequoyah’s new obsession with making strange markings causes friends and neighbors in their tribe to wonder whether he is crazy, or worse—practicing witchcraft. What they don’t know, and what Uwohali discovers, is that Sequoyah is a genius and his strange markings are actually an alphabet representing the sounds of the Cherokee language.
The story of one of the most important figures in Native American history is brought to life for middle grade readers. This text includes a note about the historical Sequoyah, the Cherokee syllabary, a glossary of Cherokee words, and suggestions for further reading in the back matter.
* “Bruchac has crafted a tale of depth and universal humanity in this fictionalized account of Sequoyah, the creator of the Cherokee syllabary, and his son, Jesse.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Although the particulars of the novel occur two hundred years ago, the universality of fitting into a blended family and looking for love and acceptance from a once-absent father feel strikingly contemporary.” —Horn Book
“A vivid retelling of a pivotal time for the Cherokee nation.” —Kirkus Reviews
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