Crossing Bok Chitto - Tim Tingle, Jeanne Rorex Bridges

Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle, Jeanne Rorex Bridges
After reading Debbie Reese's review of Tingle's Saltypie a few weeks ago, I wanted to read it. Since it wasn't out yet I decided to check out one of Tingle's other books. I am very happy I sort out this wonderful story.

Many Native Americans helped slaves find their way to freedom. Bok Chitto is a river that cuts through Mississippi. On one side of the river the Choctaws people lived, the plantation were on the other side.

Martha Tom, a young Choctaw girl comes across a sercet slave church, while getting blackberries for her mother.

"The old man began to preach and the people began to sing. Martha Tom had never heard music like this before, but it touched her deeply. Then something else touched her - on the shoulder. She looked up to see the biggest man she had ever seen, his chest so big it was about to pop his buttons off his shirt! " You're lost, little girl?" he said in a deep voice that seemed to smile. "You're Choctaw, from across Bok Chitto? Martha Tom nodded."

The preacher gets his son Little Mo to take Martha Tom back to the river. The two become very good friends. Little Mo's mother is sold to the auction block. The family runs toward freedom and gets there thanks to the Choctaw people.

Tingle's has written a very entertaining and informative story. Bridges illustrations are beautiful.
Professional reviews and Honors via the publisher's site

Saltypie is scheduled to be released on May 1st. Another Cinco Puntos Press title, I am looking forward to is Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush by Luis Alberto Urrea