Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Anastasia Suen's BookTalking.

For Nonfiction Monday --  "A boy named Beckoning: the true story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American hero" adapted and illustrated by Gina Capaldi.

Dr. Carlos Montezuma was a Yavapai Indian born in the Arizona territory, kidnapped by an enemy tribe, and sold as a young child to Carlo Gentile.  Gentile, an Italian photographer, took the boy to Chicago changed his given name (Wassaja) to Carlos Montezuma and raised him as a son.  Carlos, in addition to being the first Native American to become a medical doctor at an American University, became an activist for his people.  One of his most famous speeches "Let my people go..." was read in the United States Senate in 1916.  Carlos died in 1923 and the following year Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act making all Native Americans United States citizens.

Capaldi's thoroughly researched book provides readers with a depth of understanding for both the man and his time.  She utilizes Carlos' letters and personal accounts to infuse the text with the voice and emotions her subject.  Author's notes and a comprehensive list of resources offer abundant resources for further reading.