Walking Two Worlds

by Joseph Bruchac, David Kanietakeron Fadden (Illustrator)

Overview

“Eee-leee! Master Parker,” Reverend Stone, headmaster at the Baptist school, called. “The answer, please.”

“Four,” Ely thought.

But he also thought something else. Why is English so strange? In Seneca every word always meant the same thing. But in English the same sound could mean different things. It could be four. Or for. Or fore.

So begins this inspiring story of the early education of a famous Native American who gained greatness in the white man's world while staying true to his Seneca people.
   Hasanoanda was his Indian name. But in mission school he became Ely. He encountered racism and deceit but, against all odds, did not give up on his quest to walk between two worlds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781939053107
Publisher:	Book Publishing Company
Publication date:	03/01/2015
Series:	PathFinders
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	4.50(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.38(d)
Lexile:	HL470L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 16 Years

About the Author

Joseph Bruchac is a Native American author from Greenfield Center, New York, and a citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. He earned his PhD in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio and began writing to preserve Native American stories and pass them along to his sons. Today, Joseph is a professional storyteller and writer and has received many awards and honors. His work is often drawn from his Native American heritage and the Adirondack region of New York State. Joseph has written more than 180 books, three for 7th Generation: Walking Two Worlds, Found, and The Long Run, with more in the works. He plays several instruments, including the hand drum, Native American flute, and the double wooden flute. He often performs with his sons, James and Jesse, and still lives in the house in Greenfield Center where he was raised by his maternal grandparents.

David Kanietakeron Fadden is an Akwesasne Mohawk artist who was born in Lake Placid, New York, and grew up in Onchiota. He is the grandson of Tehanetorens.

Read an Excerpt

“Eee-leee! Master Parker,” Reverend Stone, headmaster at the Baptist school, called. “The answer, please.”

“Four,” Ely thought.

But he also thought something else. Why is English so strange? In Seneca every word always meant the same thing. But in English the same sound could mean different things. It could be four. Or for. Or fore.

Editorial Reviews

04/06/2015
The true story of Seneca leader Ely Parker (1828–1895) inspires this fast-paced work of historical fiction, which joins the PathFinders line of books, written at a second-grade reading level. Ely, whose Seneca name is Hasanoanda, becomes a star pupil at the Tonawanda Baptist School, where he faces ridicule and prejudice as he learns English. He goes on to establish himself as an engineer and represents the Seneca in key treaties and land deals, before becoming a personal secretary to Ulysses S. Grant in the 1860s. Through brief chapters and vivid descriptions, Bruchac, who is of partial Abenaki descent, offers a full-bodied portrait of a dedicated young man holding on to the traditions of his heritage while adapting to an encroaching world. Ages 12–16. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

05/01/2015
Gr 5 Up—Bruchac tackles the struggles of growing up Native surrounded by people trying to deceive you. This series entry introduces readers to the early life of Hasanoanda, better known as Ely Parker. Four months before his birth, his mother dreamed that he would become an important liaison between the Native World and the White Man's World that was all too quickly encroaching on their Seneca way of life. This hi-lo book presents readers with a look at the struggles of a successful Indian man. Ely Parker's education proved to be a great asset for his people and he truly was able to walk both worlds. Bruchac tells the story from a Native perspective with accuracy and likable characters. The readability of this fictionalized account allows young teens to learn about the formative years of this influential historical figure and see how he came to be a significant Native leader. An afterword highlights the career and achievements of the young man's adult years. VERDICT Another great addition to the "Pathfinders" series, and a recommended title for all libraries.—Amy Zembroski, Indian Community School, Franklin, WI

School Library Journal

2015-02-16
Ely, a Seneca Indian, has been sent to a boarding school to learn the ways of white people in hopes that he can become an effective representative for his people.It's not an easy path to tread. He has to deal with ample prejudice in many forms: the less-troublesome lowered expectations of whites, the disdain and abuse of a group of unruly British soldiers, and rejection when he steps out of "his place" and shows interest in a white female classmate. Bruchac is especially effective when he depicts the period of time, around 1840, when Ely goes to live with an uncle who keeps his people's old ways. The tale is related in simple, straightforward language that persuasively portrays the boy's growing awareness of the complexity of his—and his people's—position. A brief, informative afterward provides factual information about the real Ely Parker, who became an ambassador for the Senecas and helped prevent further loss of tribal land to greedy whites. Notably missing are suggested sources for further reading about the historical Parker; the depiction of his teen years is so intriguing that many readers will want to learn more. Captivating and brief enough to be an easy sell for reluctant readers, this effort combines a snapshot of history with a skillful multicultural portrayal. (Historical fiction. 9-14)

Kirkus Reviews