Wablenica (Tale Of A Lakotah Orphan)

By Mary Kay Thill

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974390801
• ISBN13: 9780974390802
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Balance Books Inc.
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A gentle and engaging story

A gentle and engaging story about a young girl forced into orphanhood while finding her true home at the same time. Rose is your typical preteen, concerned with her appearance, boys and her grades. When Rose was 10 her father passed away and one year later her mother died of cancer. Rose is shifted from foster home to foster home, discovering herself along the way. With the help of an ancestrial friend, Ruli, Rose is guided to learn her Lakotah heritage. Geared toward children ages 10 and up, this is an excellent fictional supplement for the child studying Native American culture. You can allow your child to read independently without worrying about offensive content.

Extremely well done!

"Rose" Marie Lamar lived in Chicago. At the age of eleven years, her mother died of cancer. Her father had died the previous year. The story opens up at the funeral of Rose's mom. Rose feels as though her life has shattered. She is now an orphan. She is sent to live with her Dad's Aunt Gloria in Iowa. Rose ends up struggling in several foster homes, none last long. Some people were good to her, others were bad. A Lakotah guardian angel is sent by God to help Rose deal with all that is happening in her life. The angel is called Ruli (Running Under Lightning). With the help of Ruli and the heritage box Rose's mom left her, Rose begins to learn about her Native American family from the Pine Ridge reservation. These things go a long way in helping Rose through the foster homes. During her last two foster homes, Rose attends the same school. In this school, Rose meets Megan Riley. They become close friends. The time Rose spends with Megan is wonderful and very special to both of the girls. Rose hopes that at the end of her long and lonely journey she will, somehow, find the new family she dreams of and a place to belong. ***** Anyone from age ten and up will find themselves enthralled with Rose and her strength as they read the tale of her hard journey. The book cleverly tells of the government systems, foster homes, and the harsh conditions, all the while entertaining the reader. It also gives much information on Native American heritage including ceremonies, some of the actual language, and traditions. You do not have to be Native American to enjoy this wonderful story. I am proud to highly recommend it to everyone! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Sweet Heartwarming Story

I was very pleased with the book as I was recommending it to a friend of mine (15 years old) that has been feeling displaced within her own family. I wanted to show her that even though I'm not related to her, I could still be a part of her family without her having to give up any of her relatives. She is of a different nationality and the story helped her realize as I hoped it would that she does not have to give up anything of her own heritage to be loved by me. It is an easy and fast read and is great for all ages. I was especially touched as I have lost both of my parents and sometimes feel orphaned even at the age of 40.

A heartwarming, deeply moving story

Wablenica: Tale Of A Lakotah Orphan is a young adult novel about an eleven-year-old Lakotah girl who loses her mother and father. Entrusted to the Chicago foster care system, she struggles and founders in foster homes. A Lakotah guardian angel comes to her and teaches her the importance of taking pride in being Lakotah, aiding her in her search of a family and discovery of true friendship. A heartwarming, deeply moving story that intertwines the importance of tradition and faith in oneself with the yearning to connect and share the bonds of family love.