At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At the Mountain’s Base will inspire the reader to wait well for the return of loved ones who are serving in times of war. Even though we may worry about them, we wait with pride, in the strength of our faith and family. Waiting together in hopeful expectation for their safe return home. That’s exactly what the family does in their cabin at the base of the mountain. They are a Cherokee family. They cook together, sing together, and weave together. The story unfolds through grandma’s weaving. Each piece of it an important part of the whole; a family’s tapestry in progress. I appreciated this aspect of Weshoyot Alvitre’s illustrations.
A Native pilot whose safe return the family eagerly awaits is depicted throughout, and while the story does not reference her specifically, Traci Sorell’s Author’s Note shares some details about Ola Mildred “Millie” Rexroat, an Oglala Lakota pilot. “The only Native woman among 1,074 Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War II.” I am grateful to learn of her existence and service and am eager to learn more.
I agree with the recommendation of ages 4-8 but believe it would also be a good book to read with upper elementary age students too.
Shout-Outs
Traci Sorell | https://www.tracisorell.com/
Weshoyot Alvitre | https://www.weshoyot.com/
Kokila Books | https://www.penguin.com/publishers/kokila/
Borrowed from the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
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