My Heart is on the Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux Girl (Dear America)

Rating:
Summary: An Inaccurate and Insensitive portrayl of the Indian schools
Review: Reading Rinaldi's book, I was utterly appalled. As an American Indian who is very familiar with the history of the boarding school era, I felt deeply insulted by her fictional "diary" of a Sioux girl. Historical and cultural inaccuracies aside, Rinaldi's book is repulsive in her simple effort to speak for these children. While she hit on some of the characteristics of the schools, one can only study that era as one of oppression, assimilation, and destruction, not as an adventure. Commenting on the actual Carlisle students in the school cemetery from whom she stole identities, Rinaldi states that from "whatever Happy Hunting Ground they now reside, they will forgive this artistic license and smile upon it". That statement shows her insensitivity and lack of common sense or research. For children to read this book "for fun" could be detrimental, and while this is a subject that children should be made aware of, another approach would be advised. For some excellent adult books about boarding school history and legacy, check out Brenda Child's "Boarding School Seasons", Lomawaima's "They Called it Prairie Light", or David Wallace Adams' "Education for Extinction".

Rating:
Summary: A moving story!
Review: I have read this book, and next to THE ROYAL DIARIES: CLEOPATRA VII, Daughter of the Nile this is my favorite book. It may not have very much historical background, but it was a good book with a nice story. I think it would be a good book for girls who are moving.

Rating:
Summary: Likable, but ultimately disrespectful book
Review: Having read this book, not being a Native American, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable, fun book. Unfortunately, after having read the reviews of this book, in addition to reading the heart-breaking book(''My Name is Seepeetza) laced with the actual CRUELTIES AND BRUTALITY of white-run Indian schools (Which is what this story is about), I must say I thank these reviewers for opening my eyes. There is a VERY INTELLIGENT review by a scholar, and an Indian who tells the truth about Indian schools, and the hate, while this book portrays a white fantasay, which is perhaps well-meaning, but extremely disrespectful. The school of Carlsie was NOT well-meaning, kind school where young Native American children were treated with respect- it was a school in which children's culture, heritage, and background was taught as something shameful. That is horrible- and it is even more horrible to try and portray the school as otherwise. My suggestion? Read this book purely for ENTERTAINMENT. It is FANTASY, and is UN TRUE. Indian schools were not like this, and should not be believed they were like this. Instead, read the informative, true to heart, and realistic '' My Name is Seepeetza'', by Shirley Sterling. Read this book for pure fun.

Rating:
Summary: Lovingly written, desperately sad
Review: Ann Rinaldi is known for her impecable historical research and this story is an age-appropriate version of a terrible part of American history. The author's notes at the end of the book explain how and why she chose to write this story, and I disagree with another reviewer who said Rinaldi's choice of character names was disrespectful. On the contrary, she makes it very clear that her characters were created out of gentleness and respect. This is very much a story of assimilation, culture clashes, and tragedy. It can be a springboard for many topics across the curriculum--social studies, English, geography, science, art. The story itself is thoroughly engaging and informative.

Rating:
Summary: A living book
Review: I call this book a living book because it has chunks of life in it. It is not like many other Dear America diaries. It does not end happily ever after. Although Nannie forgives Belle rain water in words I think she still feels bitter in her heart. I do not know if the information is historicaly accurate. Another reviewer brought to my attention that it is not. I do like the theme of the book and how Nannie is constantly torn between two traditions and customs that often oppose. At then end I think she settles on a compromise favoring her Native American ways. I also don't blame her. She has spent most of her life practicing Native American customs and all of a sudden is whisked away to a new lifestyle. it's simply not possible for her to favor new traditions some of which she has not even learned yet. Altogether the book has a good story line and a good undecided ending because in life there rarely is a perfect compromise and this book demonstrated that.

Rating:
Summary: Nannie Never Giving up Hope
Review: This Heart warming of a Souix Girl torn Between 2 cultures. One a Traditoin She knows and loves. the Other a Tradition which Fears And Hates, But Grows to Love. Learns a New Way Of Life But never Forgets Her life As a Souix

Rating:
Summary: IT WAS GREAT!
Review: I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A SUPER BOOK. IT WAS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT YOU NEVER COULD PUT DOWN. THE BOOK WAS ABOUT A SIOUX GIRL TRYING TO HELP HER PEOPLE. SHE IS ALSO TRYING TO GET ALONG WITH BELLE RAIN WATER. BELLE CAUSED THE DEATH OF ONE OF NANNIES CLOSE FRIENDS. ALSO THROUGHOUT THE BOOK NANNIE REFLECTS HER TRIBE WHICH NOW LIVES ON A RESERVATION. I THINK IT WAS AN AWESOME BOOK. I ALSO HOPE THIS REVIEW HELPED..............

Rating:
Summary: Disrepectful!
Review: This book does not even deserve the above required star. As a graduate student of education I had been looking for a book to present to intermediate grades on the Carlisle Indian School. I was talking about my quest to a friend, who proudly produced her daughter's copy of the Dear America Series book My Heart is on the Ground and figured I would give it a chance. First of all, after learning the bare minimum about what is appropriate and inappropriate when teaching about Indigenous Cultures I was able to tell by the authors note in the back of the book that this book would be in poor taste! I was uneasy about her use of an actual name from the cemetery, this poses the problem of having those children who do read the book think of it as an actual diary. Secondly, as a decendent of the Pa. area's first Anthracite miners, I felt as if I was reading a story about a Polish Immigrant child rather than a Soiux child. I would not recommend this book to anyone!

Rating:
Summary: I Loved It
Review: I loved this Dear America book because of all the detall and decription put into it.

Rating:
Summary: Depressing, but heartwarming
Review: This is one of my favorites, even though it was a little depressing. It depicted the hard sad times of the Native Americans and had some tragedy. It was however, also heartwarming with the way it depicted friendship, breaking the hate of our enemies, and goals. There was even some humor and happiness. It was also very historically accurate. Even though it is sad, it brings some happy feelings.