The Long March
By:
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- Synopsis
- Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, the author and illustrator, a native of Ireland, learned of a unique event that spanned the distance between an American Indian reservation in Oklahoma and her homeland where millions were starving because the potatoes they depended upon for survival had sickened and turned black and rotten. She traveled to the United States to learn more from the descendants of those Choctaw's who had heroically saved the lives of her ancestors in a little known incident in American history that will surprise children and adults and touch the hearts of all readers. Fitzpatrick has created a stunning portrait of Choctaw arts and culture, as well as a universal tale of a boy who must overcome bitterness and sorrow as he struggles to become an adult with adult tribal values. In this true short story Choona has heard of the Long March, when the U.S. government forced his Choctaw people to leave their ancestral home in Mississippi for the New Lands in the West. But as the tribe debates whether to send help to the Irish who are starving in the potato famine in 1847, Choona's great-grandmother tells him the full story for the first time. He learns about the many miles walked without blankets or food. He learns how families were forced to leave the bodies of their loved ones draped over forks in trees on the trail. He learns a great secret about his own family history. He wonders why his people who have suffered should help others he has never known, others not of the Choctaw community. His decision gives him peace, power and pride. After the story the author provides background information and a short list of Choctaw words and symbols. The pictures are described by the volunteer who scanned this book.
- Copyright:
- 1998
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- Excellent
- Book Size:
- 30 Pages
- ISBN-13:
- 9781885223715
- Publisher:
- N/A
- Date of Addition:
- 10/01/07
- Copyrighted By:
- Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Has Image Descriptions:
- No
- Categories:
- Children's Books, Nonfiction
- Submitted By:
- Jamie Yates
- Proofread By:
- Lissi
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.