Reviews

Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story by Andrea L. Rogers

wilde_book_garden's review against another edition

4.0

CW: Grief, racism, forced family separation, sickness, death of child

steamy_earl_of_grey's review against another edition

3.0

Set in a rather shameful part of American history, Mary and the Trail of Tears is the tale of Mary, a young Cherokee lass, who is forced, along with her family, on the Trail of Tears. A simple read that introduces younglings to a historical event, written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

sydneyraereads's review

emotional informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bridgett's review against another edition

5.0

Written by a Cherokee Nation citizen, this #ownvoices middle grade historical fiction is full of thoughtful and accurate details, quietly showcasing Cherokee culture.

From the fingerwoven belts worn on the front cover illustration, to the characters’ matrilineal family structures, the sprinkling of the Cherokee language throughout the story, and much more, this book does a great job spotlighting the specifics of Cherokee experience of the Trail of Tears in the 1830s rather than being a generic “Native American” story full of cliches and stereotypes.

This would be a great resource for teaching American history to middle grade readers as well as an awesome gift for Cherokee children everywhere.

allisoncc's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Genocide and Racism

Moderate: Child death, Death, Gun violence, and Racism

Minor: Excrement, Slavery, and Vomit