abigailbat's review
At the mountain's base waits a family, worrying and weaving, waiting for their daughter/sister/mother to come home safe from flying planes in a war. Though the illustrations are lovely, depicting a Cherokee family and utilizing woven strings to connect the family to their loved one serving, what blew me away was actually the author's note at the back of the book. It talks about Native American women serving in the US military and particularly mentions Millie Rexroat, an Oglala Lakota pilot and member of the WASPs in WWII.
This is a book that will definitely strike a chord in families of any ethnicity who have a loved one away serving in the military.
This is a book that will definitely strike a chord in families of any ethnicity who have a loved one away serving in the military.
mldavisreads's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
4.25
Picture book. This is a uniquely beautiful story about Native American women in the military. At the mountain's base, there is a cabin underneath a hickory tree where a grandmother weaves and the family worries. Meanwhile, far away there is a pilot praying for peace so she can return to said cabin. The text is inspired by Ola Mildred "Millie" Rexroat, the only Native WASP in WWII but is also left vague. I love the illustrations, with the threads appearing throughout as a unifying theme. The author's note lends a lot of context and should not be missed. This book would be at home not only in Native American heritage displays but also in Veteran's Day themes.
mshiiken's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another marvel by Traci Sorrell - Weshoyot Alvitre's art is a perfect accompaniment.
libraryrobin's review
3.0
A family of Native American women lovingly awaits the return of a pilot, who in turn, prays for peace so that she can return to them.
antlersantlers's review
5.0
So lovely! Beautiful illustrations and a lovely, very minimal text that builds up and down to tell a story about a family. They are praying and waiting for a pilot, a fictionalized version of Ola Mildred Rexroat -- the only native woman to fly as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. The gouache, watercolor, and ink illustrations are gorgeous, and the artist does an amazing job of portraying both the natural world and the multi-generational family. The text is that perfect blend of minimal and descriptive, poetic but not obtuse. Off the top of my head I'd say you could easily use it for a story time about families or airplanes. Absolutely recommended!