She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper, Seminole Tribal Leader

She Sang Promise is the compelling and inspiring story of Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, one of modern America's first female elected tribal leader. With its lyrical, poetic text, and rich, vibrant illustration, this is a book to charm and amaze young readers.

Betty Mae Tiger Jumper was born in 1923, the daughter of a Seminole woman and a white man. She grew up in the Everglades under dark clouds of distrust among her tribe who could not accept her at first. As a child of a mixed marriage, she walked the line as a constant outsider. Growing up poor and isolated, she only discovered the joys of reading and writing at age 14. An iron will and sheer determination lead her to success, and she returned to her people as a qualified nurse. When her husband was too sick to go to his alligator wrestling tourist job, gutsy Betty Mae climbed right into the alligator pit! Storyteller, journalist, and community activist, Betty Mae Jumper was a voice for her people--ultimately becoming the first female elected Seminole tribal leader.

Lisa Desimini's stunning folk-style artwork brings this gripping tale and the lush Everglades setting to life. The book has been vetted by the Seminole Indian Museum.

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Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Published: 03/09/2010
ISBN: 9781426305924
Pages: 48
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.74h x 10.88w x 0.35d
Award: Florida Book Award - Gold Medal Winner

Review Citations: Kirkus Review - Children 02/15/2010
Booklist 04/01/2010 pg. 37
School Library Journal 04/01/2010 pg. 143
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2010 - Recommended, Satisfactory

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 136246 / She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper, Seminole Tribal Leader
Reading Level: 4.6 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5