Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

Book Overview: Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

The story of Sequoyah is the tale of an ordinary man with an extraordinary idea–to create a writing system for the Cherokee Indians and turn his people into a nation of readers and writers. The task he set for himself was daunting. Sequoyah knew no English and had no idea how to capture speech on paper. But slowly and painstakingly, ignoring the hoots and jibes of his neighbors and friends, he worked out a system that surprised the Cherokee Nation–and the world of the 1820s–with its beauty and simplicity. James Rumford’s Sequoyah is a poem to celebrate literacy, a song of a people’s struggle to stand tall and proud.

ISBN-13	9780618369478
ISBN-10	0618369473
Publisher	HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date	2004
Edition	1
Language	en
Pages	32
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“The author writes with a concise eloquence that echoes the oral tradition and makes this one of those rare gems of read-aloud nonfiction.” — School Library Journal

“Textured full-page mixed-media illustrations…feature strong figures and spare scenes reminiscent of the Asian and Native American artwork Rumford cites as sources of inspiration.” — Horn Book, Starred

“Simple, declarative sentences take on the cadences of legend…the bright, textured illustrations take on the look of heavily outlined block prints, giving the whole the feeling of an old-fashioned children’s history.” — Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

James Rumford

James Rumford, a celebrated author and illustrator, has long captivated readers with his writing prowess and artistic talent. Born in Long Beach, California, his distinguished career has been built on the rich combination of his linguistics background, interest in world cultures, and passion for art. Rumford’s fascination for languages led him to study over a dozen, which subsequently influenced his signature multilingual books.

Starting his career in the Peace Corps teaching in Afghanistan and subsequently working in Africa and Hawaii, Rumford seamlessly entwines cultural depth and diversity into his narratives. His books, characterized by their intricate illustrations, profound linguistics, and bold themes, aim to bridge cultural gaps and build global perspectives in children. Celebrated works such as “Beowulf: A Hero’s Tale Retold” and “Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing” reaffirms his ability to craft meaningful, engaging histories alive with character.

Throughout his career, Rumford has accumulated numerous awards, including the Boston Globe Horn Book Award and the Prix Sorcières. Despite his successes, he remains committed to his craft, striving to tell stories that impart wisdom and foster a greater understanding of the world’s cultural tapestry. As an author, artist, and illustrator, James Rumford’s influence on children’s literature is unmistakable and will continue to resonate with readers of all ages.