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Sarah Winnemucca
Recounts the life story of the influential Paiute woman who fought for justice and a better life for her people
32 pages, Library Binding
First published November 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 18, 2020
A good, basic biography of a woman who worked tirelessly for her people, the Paiutes. Suitable for young students.
December 22, 2025
Sarah Winnemucca was an ancestor of Deborah Jackson Taffa. This children’s book describes Sarah‘s fascinating life.
December 26, 2014
“Advocate for Justice for her People”
Despite being carefully taught to fear all white people this brave daughter of a Paiute Chieftain from the northwest became educated and ultimately served as a determined vocal advocate for her people in the East. There was often a social and economic relationship between Nevada and California which opened her eyes re interracial friendship.
Having learned English in a California Mission School and in the home of Maj. William Ormsby Sarah was convinced of the need to teach Indian children to read and write so as to improve communications with increasingly dominant Whites who coveted their native territory.
The story of injustice at the hands of many (although not all) unscrupulous Indian Agents who administered the Reservations was often repeated across the West, but the Piautes now had a spokeswoman who could elucidate their claims in fluent English. She realized that Congress itself could be improved by having women members; and she was inspired by the reform activities of two sisters with advanced educational goals themselves. Of the three books which I have read in this American Indian Series, Bronikowski’s illustrations are clearly the best and most authentic. As in all the books in this series the vocabulary is suited for elementary age children, with its unpretentious vocabulary and straightforward syntax. The last page is a biographical listing of the events in Sarah’s life--as juxtaposed with events in US 19th century history. It is important that school children learn that women played roles in both the Native American and white cultures.
December 26, 2014
Despite being carefully taught to fear all white people this brave daughter of a Paiute Chieftain from the northwest became educated and ultimately served as a determined vocal advocate for her people in the East. There was often a social and economic relationship between Nevada and California which opened her eyes re interracial friendship.
Having learned English in a California Mission School and in the home of Maj. William Ormsby Sarah was convinced of the need to teach Indian children to read and write so as to improve communications with increasingly dominant Whites who coveted their native territory.
The story of injustice at the hands of many (although not all) unscrupulous Indian Agents who administered the Reservations was often repeated across the West, but the Piautes now had a spokeswoman who could elucidate their claims in fluent English. She realized that Congress itself could be improved by having women members; and she was inspired by the reform activities of two sisters with advanced educational goals themselves. Of the three books which I have read in this American Indian Series, Bronikowski’s illustrations are clearly the best and most authentic. As in all the books in this series the vocabulary is suited for elementary age children, with its unpretentious vocabulary and straightforward syntax. The last page is a biographical listing of the events in Sarah’s life--as juxtaposed with events in US 19th century history. It is important that school children learn that women played roles in both the Native American and white cultures.
December 26, 2014
May 28, 2011
An important book for many reasons, especially since there are still too few books about those who didn't sit back but worked to make a difference. I liked that this book presented both those who helped and those who didn't, focusing on their character and actions rather than demonizing anyone's race. I want to find more about this interesting and strong woman who worked so hard to make life better for those around her.
Hopefully, this will be updated since many school libraries usually have to maintain collections that are not over 10-11 years old. Because it was published in 1990, this book is starting to be taken off many shelves. If other books about her are not purchased and made available, children may lose their opportunity to learn about her. That would be a shame, there is so much to learn from her story.
Hopefully, this will be updated since many school libraries usually have to maintain collections that are not over 10-11 years old. Because it was published in 1990, this book is starting to be taken off many shelves. If other books about her are not purchased and made available, children may lose their opportunity to learn about her. That would be a shame, there is so much to learn from her story.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews