Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maiden

by Evelyn M. Brown

This book is from the famous line of Vision books of saints that are one of the most popular and well-told series of stories for young people. This is the inspiring story of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a holy young Indian woman who was converted to Christianity by the French missionaries led by Saint Isaac Joques during the 1600s. Kateri's mother was a very devout Christian woman who, after being captured by the Iroquois, was not allowed to baptize her daughter. Kateri's whole family died of smallpox, and she was adopted by a chief who was very anti-Christian. When she was baptized and converted by the missionaries, Kateri became ostracized from the tribe. With the help of the priest, she made a daring escape, and thereafter lived a life devoted to God. Denied her desire to become a nun, she declined marriage and lived as a single woman with deep faith, offering her sufferings and life to Christ. She died at the age of twenty-four and is affectionately known as the "Lily of the Mohawks." Kateri was canonized by Saint Pope John Paul II in 2012. Cover art by Chris Pelicano This book is now part of Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program . Quizzes are currently available.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Catholic, Childrens, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd forgotten how exciting these books could be. A quick read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks. While most of the book is factual, some of it was imagined by the author based on her discoveries of the customs, mentality, and folklore of the Iroquois people. Being of Mohawk descent, I wanted to learn more about this Christian Indian. I remember seeing the Kateri Tekakwitha Center on the St. Regis Mohawk Akwesasne Indian Reservation in Hogansburg NY when we would drive through the reservation from Malone to Massena, NY.

During the late 1600s: Kateri's mother, Kahenta was an Algonquin Indian who was captured by the Iroquois. She married the Tortoise Chief. They had two children, a girl and a boy. But Kateri's mother and father and brother all died from smallpox. Kateri's eyes were damaged from the illness. She was taken in by her aunt and uncle. Blackrobes (missionary priests) came to their village and taught about Jesus. Kateri came to believe and was baptized. She was mocked and stoned by others in her tribe. The priest helped her to escape to Canada. Kateri gave her body to starvation and suffering. She devoted her life to prayer and adoration of Jesus. Little children, the sick, the aged, and the sorrowful all found comfort in her presence. She died on Holy Thursday when she was 26 years old. After she died, her face, so marred by illness, changed. It became so white and so radiant and so beautiful that the priest cried out and all the Indians came running to see the miracle. Her coffin was built so that her face could be seen. The little crucifix that she wore, the bowl from which she ate, and the dust from her tomb worked miracles for the sick who asked her prayers. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2012.

[Lydia D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little novel about a nice, little-known saint. The author seems to have researched the cultural practices of the Native American tribes and adequately used this information to create a story that is both creative, yet faithful to the story of the saint. There is a good amount of creative tension at times as well. One cannot help be inspired by the faith of Kateri presented within these pages, somewhat reminiscent of St Therese's little way. My only reason for 4 stars is because this book is probably more for a pre-teen audience (limiting its appeal for those wanting to learn about this saint from a more 'academic/objective' perspective), but still an enjoyable read.

[Diana M. Caruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a Saint who lived through a very trying life. Her mother was captured by another tribe and instead of fighting it, she tried to find happiness and bring up her daughter in the faith. This saint was born with poor eyesight and it seemed like she was so misunderstood and at times persecuted for things she didn’t do. She eventually found a friend who was similar to her and wanted to pray like she did.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book. I like the way they take you beyond Kateri to get mother. I could feel and smell the woods and water while reading this book. Good intro in story form. It makes me want to read more about this saint.

[Kateri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. My mom had wanted a Catholic name and my dad had wanted a Native American name. My mom was raised Catholic and remembered learning about Kateri when she was little... so I was named after her.

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of the first Native American saint.

[Biblia Fyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the overall inanity of many Ignatius saint books, Kateri was a refreshing, honest reflection on the live of America's first canonized Native. The Mohawks are neither demonized nor idealized; rather, their struggle to live in the world of the French settlers is told without malice to either side. The authoress doesn't shy away from using Iroquios words, and did her research on the different Mohawk clans and the Five Nations of the Iroquios. Kateri ends up being a bit bland at times-- meek and mild, rather than Christ's meek and humble, which is different. However, still a good read for young children.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biography of Kateri Tekakwitha before she became a Saint. While it has some facts, the author does say there are some characters and parts she made up since there isn't too much known about Kateri's life.

With that being said, it is a good book even if some of it is made up. It's a good book to read to at least learn the facts that are known about Kateri's life. However, for customs and the actual lifestyle of Kateri's tribe, it might be best to do additional research to see if the author was accurate in her portrayal of the Mohawk people. Also, I would recommend reading other books about Saint Kateri to see what else could be learned about her.

[Michiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for my son to read, but I found that the style was too elevated for him to comprehend, so I read it to him. This could as easily be an adult book.

The author states that there is very little to go on factually, and that she added details to make it a story. Nevertheless, she did a wonderful job painting the picture of life in that setting. The characters are round, the story easy to understand, and I really grew to care about Kateri to the point that I broke down and cried at the end while reading it aloud.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a very simple book that read more like one of those children historical fiction books. It did have some facts about her, but the author's note in the preface said she made up some of the characters in the story because we don't know that much about Kateri's early life. I do admire the story of her, which is why I chose her to be my Confirmation saint (even though she is still considered Blessed), but this book does do her enough justice.

[Erin B · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is a poetic beauty in the prose, and I loved how the author described nature and Kateri's faith. But it absolutely hurt my brain to see Native Americans routinely called "savages" and all native women called "squaws." The tone and word usage was incredibly racist toward the Indigenous. Felt very 1950s Indian cartoon. I would love to see that updated for more enlightened times. It would not detract from the peace and love Kateri finds among the Christians.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good book that was quite refreshing to my tired soul. I lived how it started with her mother then worked its way to her. The reason for my 4 stars is that it was good, but it didn't leave me with the "wow. that was down right amazing." Still it is a good, solid book in its own right, and well deserving of 4 stars.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about this Mohawk maiden who has now been declared a saint...she never faltered in her faith and love for Jesus, even when she was being persecuted by her own people. A very inspirational story for me.

[Joann10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read for myself...but slow as a read aloud.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed it