CROSSING BOK CHITTO: A CHOCTAW TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND FREEDOM written by Tim Tingle and illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom. Ill. by Jeanne Rorex Bridges. El Paso: Cinco Puntos Press, 2006. ISBN 1933693207

PLOT SUMMARY

In this tale, a Mississippi Choctaw girl named Martha Tom wanders across the Bok Chitto River into the land of plantation owners and slaves. She ends up becoming friends with a slave boy named Little Mo and his family. After finding out that the boy’s mother is going to be sold, Martha Tom helps the family find freedom through the Choctaw’s secret path to get across the river.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This impactful picture book tells of the intertwining of cultures, set in Mississippi in the 1800’s. A bond is quickly formed between a Native American and an African American. In the end, this friendship has a way of unifying the cultures through faith, bravery, and freedom. This concept is especially ideal for reflection and further discussions. The writing contains rhythmic text, making it great for reading aloud. “You move not too fast, not too slow, eyes to the ground, away you go!” Written by a Choctaw storyteller and illustrated by a Cherokee artist, this book is filled with authenticity including characters that are individualized. For instance, the Choctaw language can be found as part of the wedding ceremony and also as Martha sings the song from the slave church.

The illustrations complement the text in this celebration of cultures reaching out to one another. The paintings in this story are done with acrylics, and scenes are displayed in a powerful, dramatic way. A particular example of this is the illustration of the seven slaves appearing to be walking on water. In this scene, the atmosphere around them is dark, yet the white clothing of the Choctaws and the light of the moon offer a glimpse of hope. Many other illustrations throughout the story are large, adding to the story’s effectiveness as a read aloud. Following the story, there is information provided about Choctaws today. There is also a note on Choctaw Storytelling, which includes insight into how Tim Tingle’s Crossing Bok Chitto was created as a tribute to the Choctaws.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Jane Addams Honor Book

From Booklist: "In a picture book that highlights rarely discussed intersections between Native Americans in the South and African Americans in bondage, a noted Choctaw storyteller and Cherokee artist join forces with stirring result…the story [has a] powerful impact on young readers."

From School Library Journal: "Tingle is a performing storyteller, and his text has the rhythm and grace of that oral tradition. It will be easily and effectively read aloud. The paintings are dark and solemn, and the artist has done a wonderful job of depicting all of the characters as individuals, with many of them looking out of the page right at readers.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Jane Addams Honor books to read such as:

Grifalconi, Ann. The Village That Vanished. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. ISBN 0803726236

Gather other Tim Tingle books to read such as:

House of Purple Cedar. ISBN 1935955241

How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story. ISBN 1937054551

Possible activities:

Seek additional resources about the Choctaw culture and storytelling to learn more.

Compare and contrast the experiences of African American slaves with those of Native Americans during this time in history.