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Talking Leaves

By: Joseph Bruchac
Narrated by: Joseph Bruchac
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Publisher's Summary

A new work of historical fiction about Sequoyah and the creation of the Cherokee alphabet, from the acclaimed author of Code Talker. 

Thirteen-year-old Uwohali has not seen his father, Sequoyah, for many years. So when Sequoyah returns to the village, Uwohali is eager to reconnect. But Sequoyah's new obsession with making strange markings causes friends and neighbors in their tribe to wonder whether he is crazy - or, worse, practicing witchcraft. What they don't know, and what Uwohali discovers, is that Sequoyah is a genius, and his strange markings are actually an alphabet representing the sounds of the Cherokee language. 

The story of one of the most important figures in Native American history is brought to life for middle grade listeners. 

©2016 Joseph Bruchac (P)2016 Listening Library

Critic Reviews

"As Joseph Bruchac announces the cast of characters, his authentic pronunciations evoke the mood of an elder storyteller and the rhythms of Native American oral traditions." (AudioFile)

"A tale of depth and universal humanity.... This is a strong middle grade novel that offers a needed perspective on Cherokee history and the life of a key historical figure." (School Library Journal, starred review)

"Themes of preserving identity and culture through both spoken and written language will appeal to readers of all ages. A vivid retelling of a pivotal time for the Cherokee nation." (Kirkus Reviews

"Although the particulars of the novel occur two hundred years ago, the universality of fitting into a blended family and looking for love and acceptance from a once-absent father feel strikingly contemporary." (The Horn Book

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.