Book Review
A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero is a picture book about the early life of an influential Native American advocate at the turn of the 20th century. Wassaja lived peacefully with his family and the Yavapai tribe, until he was kidnapped during a raid and sold into slavery. However, the man who purchased him was kind and good, and eventually after being renamed Carlos, this boy grew up in the white American world and became a medical doctor. As the author discusses in the afterword, his work as a doctor with Native American tribes inspired him to fight for Native American citizenship, and “became the Native American’s strongest voice.” The text of the story uses Dr. Montezuma’s own words, and the illustrations include both acrylic paintings and photographs of the people the story is about.
Gina Capaldi spent nearly twelve years researching and writing this book, after happening upon a biography of Dr. Montezuma and becoming inspired. She attempted to keep her book both historically accurate and culturally sensitive, even meeting with leaders of the Yavapai tribe to get their feedback on her artwork and text. Since the text she used to describe Dr. Montezuma’s childhood is in his own words, she uses artwork and imagery to breathe life into what is otherwise a fairly straightforward account. No characters are particularly developed other than Carlos himself, but this is a function of the material she was working with, rather than her limitations as an author! One characterization element that is particularly nice is the effective way she uses pictures to demonstrate the fear he experienced. The images are blurry when he’s frightened and overwhelmed, and more defined when he feels safe.
The title describes Dr. Montezuma as a Native American hero, but this is not covered in the part of the book that might be considered the main story. Instead, it is covered in an Author’s Note before the story begins, and in a brief essay at the end entitled “Dr. Montezuma—The Activist.” It is vital that readers do not skip these two pages, as they provide both context and closure to a story that is otherwise incomplete. Dr. Montezuma’s biggest achievements in advocacy happened after his time he spent writing about himself, and it is important not to skip this part.
This book is an excellent way to learn about issues regarding Native American citizenship, or the treatment of Native Americans during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is also excellent to read just as a story about an incredible person, which is what Capaldi said is her preferred function for it. Students with an interest in history will enjoy the historical sidenotes and photographs in the sidebar, and students who like adventure will find Carlos’s childhood thrilling.
CAPALDI, Gina. A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero. 2008. $16.95 ISBN 9780822576440.
Awards and Honors
- 2010 Eureka! Silver Medal (California Readers Association)
- 2010 PEN/USA Honorable Mention
- 2009 Carter G. Woodson Honor Book Award (National Council for the Social Studies)
- 2009 Orbis Pictus Award (National Council of Teachers & Children's Book Council)
- 2009 Gold Medal, Independent Publishers Book Award
- 2009 Skipping Stones Honor Award
Gina Capaldi spent nearly twelve years researching and writing this book, after happening upon a biography of Dr. Montezuma and becoming inspired. She attempted to keep her book both historically accurate and culturally sensitive, even meeting with leaders of the Yavapai tribe to get their feedback on her artwork and text. Since the text she used to describe Dr. Montezuma’s childhood is in his own words, she uses artwork and imagery to breathe life into what is otherwise a fairly straightforward account. No characters are particularly developed other than Carlos himself, but this is a function of the material she was working with, rather than her limitations as an author! One characterization element that is particularly nice is the effective way she uses pictures to demonstrate the fear he experienced. The images are blurry when he’s frightened and overwhelmed, and more defined when he feels safe.
The title describes Dr. Montezuma as a Native American hero, but this is not covered in the part of the book that might be considered the main story. Instead, it is covered in an Author’s Note before the story begins, and in a brief essay at the end entitled “Dr. Montezuma—The Activist.” It is vital that readers do not skip these two pages, as they provide both context and closure to a story that is otherwise incomplete. Dr. Montezuma’s biggest achievements in advocacy happened after his time he spent writing about himself, and it is important not to skip this part.
This book is an excellent way to learn about issues regarding Native American citizenship, or the treatment of Native Americans during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is also excellent to read just as a story about an incredible person, which is what Capaldi said is her preferred function for it. Students with an interest in history will enjoy the historical sidenotes and photographs in the sidebar, and students who like adventure will find Carlos’s childhood thrilling.
CAPALDI, Gina. A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero. 2008. $16.95 ISBN 9780822576440.
Awards and Honors
- 2010 Eureka! Silver Medal (California Readers Association)
- 2010 PEN/USA Honorable Mention
- 2009 Carter G. Woodson Honor Book Award (National Council for the Social Studies)
- 2009 Orbis Pictus Award (National Council of Teachers & Children's Book Council)
- 2009 Gold Medal, Independent Publishers Book Award
- 2009 Skipping Stones Honor Award