Talking Leaves

Praise for Talking Leaves

*”A tale of depth and universal humanity. . . .This is a strong middle grade novel that offers a needed perspective on Cherokee history and the life of a key historical figure.” — School Library Journal,starred review

“Themes of preserving identity and culture through both spoken and written language will appeal to readers of all ages. A vivid retelling of a pivotal time for the Cherokee nation.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Although the particulars of the novel occur two hundred years ago, the universalityof fitting into a blended family and looking for love and acceptance from aonce-absent father feel strikingly contemporary.” — The Horn Book

“Based on historical events, Bruchac’s (Killer of Enemies) lyrical novel is filled with myths and fables that serve as guides for Uwohali as he comes to understand the importance of his father’s creation. Wrenching descriptions of the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend help transform an ostensibly simple story into a profound cautionary tale of what can happen without a language of one’s own.” —Publishers Weekly

“Uwohali’s voice is perfectly pitched as a boy whose certainty in his identity (as his mother’s son and a Tsalagi boy) is shaken by the arrival (or return, in this case) of a new dynamic that casts what he has previously believed in a different light. . . .This is as much a story about fathers and sons as it is about the legendary Sequoyah’s hugely significant work, and it offers multiple points of access for history buffs or fans of family dramas.”  —BCCB