Dancing Leaf

by Charlotte Jane Ellington

Focusing on Cherokee folklore, history, and tradition, each chapter of this fast-moving novel begins with the retelling of an authentic Cherokee legend that is then woven into the adventures of Dancing Leaf, a character based on the unnamed, adopted daughter of Cherokee Chieftainess Nancy Ward. Fascinating regional history comes through in references to locales of significance to the Cherokee during the 1820's and characters who represent important figures of the era such as Five Killer and Longfellow.

183 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2007

About the author

Charlotte Jane Ellington is an English teacher who was first introduced to the stories of the Cherokee as a child while at the Trail of Tears State Park. She lives in Powell, Ohio.

Reviews

[Thomas Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not my typical read but impressed with how the author intertwined history and fiction to create a believable narrative. Well researched and written.

[Rose Klix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author beautifully integrates Cherokee folklore with an early twentieth century Cherokee life. Dancing Leaf grows into a beautiful Cherokee woman who has struggled with learning and accepting her life path. It is unique to her culture and yet universal for all young women.