Gini Holland

Summary:

A biography of Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief for the Cherokee Nation and an advocate for Cherokee people and American Indians. Additionally this biography discusses the history of the Trail of Tears, the placement of Cherokee people on reservations and the attempted assimilation of Cherokee children into white schools and traditions.

Personal Reaction:

I am so glad I picked up this book, I did not grow up in Oklahoma and know very little about the history of this state and the people of Oklahoma. Wilma Mankiller devoted her life to helping other people, even in the face of great adversity she continued to rally for the rights of Cherokee people. Our nation's history has not always been good, and we need to learn more about what went wrong so that we never let it happen again.

Classroom Extensions:

1 - Wilma Mankiller was elected to the position of Principal Chief with 82% of the vote. In her honor, students can engage in a mock election. Students will nominate, campaign, and elect a student as Classroom Ambassador. Students will use math skills to count votes, and organize data from the voting process to determine the winner.

2 - Wilma Mankiller was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Students will research other famous women who were born in Oklahoma and do a short report on the woman they select. Information to include: Who is she? Where was she born? What does she do? When did she live in Oklahoma? And Why is she famous? Utilizes investigating and feedback skills.… (mere)