Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom by Tim Tingle (Choctaw), illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges (Cherokee)(Cinco Puntos, 2006). Chronicles the important relationship between citizens of Choctaw Nation and those people held in slavery in Mississippi prior to the U.S. Civil War and the Trail of Tears. An evocative story, wonderfully told and gorgeously illustrated. End material includes “Choctaws Today: Two Prosperous Nations, One Strong People” and “A Note on Choctaw Storytelling.” Ages 9-up.

Cynsational Notes

Jeanne is a debut illustrator with this book. She lives in rural eastern Oklahoma.

Tim’s previous title, Walking the Choctaw Road: Stories from Red People Memory (Cinco Puntos, 2003) also is a must-read. He lives in Canyon Lake, Texas; and is highly recommended as a speaker and storyteller, especially to those seeking an authentic Native American perspective.

Native American Themes in Children’s and Young Adult Books from my website.