Cherokee Sister

by Debbie Dadey

Allie MacAllister knows better than to run through the woods without a hat. But the sun feels so good on her skin, she barely minds when her mother scolds her for getting as dark as her dog. And Allie knows better than to slip out of Sunday worship to visit Leaf Sweetwater. But she hasn't seen her best friend for days, with all the trouble brewing between the Cherokees and the white settlers. Her parents will never notice she's missed the boring sermon if she hurries back. When Leaf lets Allie try on her new buckskin dress, Allie couldn't be happier. But blind hatred shatters her happiness when army men come to round up Leaf's family, forcing them from their home--and taking Allie with them to walk the cruel Trail of Tears.

As conditions on the trail grow more desperate, the girls' hope of rescue fades away, and all that's left is a grueling nightmare of prejudice and terror. Throughout the harrowing journey, Allie and Leaf share each other's strength and courage, forging a bond of sisterhood greater than any blood tie.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2000

About the author

Debbie Dadey is the author and co-author of 162 books for children, including the Mermaid Tales series from Simon and Schuster and the beloved Adventures of The Bailey School Kids from Scholastic. Ms. Dadey is a former teacher and librarian. Please like her at Facebook.com/debbiedadey.

Reviews

[Mandy]

beautiful. moving. written easily for young minds
ty gma for this book will forever be a fav

[Daisy moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a beautiful story that i could read over and over and never be bored

[ireneekins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters a lot in this story but it was so sad.

[Claire VW · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 because it was too short! but I liked it and the story was good.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 4-6 118 pgs


1838, Georgia. 11 year old Allie and Leaf Sweetwater are best friends. Whenever Allie hears other white people making threats against her Cherokee neighbors, she worries about Leaf and her family. Leaf assures Allie that it is just talk and nothing will happen even when there are rumors that the Cherokee will be forced to leave Georgia. But one day, soldiers come and take the Sweetwater family away and Allie, with her sun-tanned skin and wearing a dress borrowed from Leaf, is forced to come along.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoyed "Remember My Name" by Sara H. Banks.

[Lynda (Suzie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed that this book clearly set aside some of the misinformation some of us have about Native Americans. In addition, it was a riveting tale that helps children better understand the Trail of Tears.

[Vikki]

This is a juvenile book but very good. Two young girls, one is Cherokee, get captured. This is the story of the beginning of the Trail of Tears.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aways keeps you in suspense. You can read it in one day.