She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper, Seminole Tribal Leader

Gr 26Young readers are introduced to the life and accomplishments of an amazing person: the first woman ever to be elected as a tribal leader of the Florida Seminole Tribe. As a young girl, Jumper demanded to learn to read, sought the education and training needed to become a nurse, and returned to her people to fight diseases and maladies that could easily be avoided with proper medical attention. Annino tells her story in free verse, but supplements the telling with a wealth of information at the back, including a time line of Seminole presence in Florida, an afterword by Jumper's son, and a more inclusive exposition of the woman's life. The book also contains an extensive glossary. The narrative itself has only a few headings that indicate specific years and places, which may lead to some confusion as to when a particular phase of her life ends and the next begins. The illustrations are richly detailed and bring attention to design elements found in traditional Seminole objects and cloth. This book will serve as a wonderful addition to studies of the contributions Seminoles have madeand continue to makeand will also add to the growing number of biographies of women whose strong leadership has made a difference in the lives of many people."Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.