She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Maria Tallchief!\nIn this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief--and how she persisted.\nMaria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!\nComplete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Maria Tallchief's footsteps and make a difference!\nAnd don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Florence Griffith Joyner, Coretta Scott King, and more!\nPraise for She Persisted: Maria Tallchief:\n"A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --Publishers Weekly\n"Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --Kirkus Reviews\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 3–6—This chapter book in the "She Persisted" series chronicles the life of America's first prima ballerina Maria Tallchief. Readers are introduced to Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief, an Osage girl from Oklahoma. Day (Upper Skagit from the Pacific Northwest) provides details about the Osage tribe and their history to help readers understand Tallchief's roots. The Indigenous author provides a unique perspective on Tallchief's story by teaching readers about the land and tribal nations of the regions where the dancer lived. As the book progresses, Tallchief and her family move to California, where she changes her last name from Tall Chief to Tallchief. Then at the age of 17, Tallchief moves to New York City, and her name eventually becomes the one readers know best: Maria Tallchief. The book highlights the fact that Tallchief never forgot her Osage heritage. Black and white illustrations, while few, are impactful. The artwork depicts special moments in the subject's life, from dreaming about ballet as a young girl to starring in the New York City's Ballet's opening night of "Firebird," where the crowd cheered and chanted her name. In tandem with the text, the illustrations show Tallchief's growth and transformation from a little girl to a prima ballerina. The text is interesting, straightforward, and easy to read for the intended age group. Back matter includes, along with references, a list of ways readers can persist and help carry on Tallchief's legacy. VERDICT Recommended for all library collections. A great addition to the "She Persisted" series.—Danielle Burbank, Farmington, NM