Between Two Worlds

by Candice F. Ransom

Following her Paiute grandfather's wish that she travel beyond their village, Sarah Winnemucca goes to live among and learn the ways of the white people while remembering her heritage, until violence erupts that forces her into the role of peacemaker.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1994

About the author

See also Candice Ransom

Ransom has published more than 150 books for children, and she is amazed every day that she's able to do this as her life's work. It's no small thing to discover at an early age (ten!) what one is meant to do, and then pursue that dream. For her, the best part of writing for children is that she can move between writing board books, picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, nonfiction, and biography. She is excited to move into picture book nonfiction with BONES IN THE WHITE HOUSE: THOMAS JEFFERSON'S MAMMOTH (Doubleday, 2020).

AMANDA PANDA QUITS KINDERGARTEN and the sequel AMANDA PANDA AND THE BIGGER, BETTER BIRTHDAY (Doubleday) are her first picture books with animal characters! She is proud of her easy readers featuring a brother and sister having fun throughout the year: PUMPKIN DAY, APPLE PICKING DAY, SNOW DAY, and GARDEN DAY. Look for more titles in this Level 1 series written in bouncy rhyme, plus the popular TOOTH FAIRY'S NIGHT (all Random House).

Reviews

[Kayllisti · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tried to find a new copy of this book, it was like it never existed. For whatever reason, Between Two Worlds fascinated me, and I read it over and over again as a child. I borrowed this from my teacher’s library shelf, and I never gave it back. (I’m sorry!) I still own the same copy with its thrashed cover from so many readings. The book follows a young Paiute girl, Sarah Winnemucca, and the changes her tribe goes through as they have increasing contact with white settlers. Sarah is educated in both her own tribe and in the white Christian community, and she feels as if she is a bridge between the two very different worlds. The book is based on a true story.

(Back of book blurb, since Goodread has no description)
Sarah Winnemucca is the granddaughter of a great Paiute Indian chief who believes in learning the ways of the white people and making peace with them. At his wish, Sarah travels, live with a white family, and goes to school. She learns English, and becomes fascinated with reading and writing. Yet, Sarah loves the ways of her own village as well: living close to the land, wearing soft moccasins on her feet, hearing her grandfather's folktales. Moving back and forth between the two worlds begins to rock Sarah's sense of identity. She is not white, and yet she is not typically Paiute, either. When violence arises between her tribe and the white people, Sarah must find a way to use the knowledge she possesses-- instead of bows and arrows or rifles-- to help her people. This beautiful novel is based on the true story of Sarah Winnemucca, a gifted teacher, a passionate peacemaker, a hero.

[Gayle]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/6712135

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always find books that are as true to life (a real life that actually happened) as is possible very interesting and this is one of those. Not really one of the people anymore and not white either was Sarah's cross to bear in this life. She did a wonderful job of it.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was really good. Candice really showed how the lives of Paiutes, as well as other Native Americans experienced during the 1800s. It's sad, yet bittersweet throughout it all. Definitely worth the read.