She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller

Gr 1-4–One of the newest chapter book adaptations of the bestselling “She Persisted” series by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger features a trifecta of Indigenous notables: Cherokee Nation member Sorell, whose award-winning titles highlight Indigenous experiences for children, presents the life of Mankiller (1945–2010), the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation; Métis actor/producer Parenteau narrates with measured crispness. Clinton reads her encouraging introduction: “They persisted and so should you.” As a girl, Mankiller was called Pearl (her middle name). Her paternal ancestors survived the 1838 government round-up and forced relocation to Oklahoma. The 1956 Indian Relocation Act scattered her family again, resulting in removal from Oklahoma to San Francisco. Witnessing unrelenting injustices perpetrated on her people led to a life of dedicated activism and groundbreaking leadership.