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AquaSabi
Aug 09, 2015AquaSabi rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
This is a good read. The author writes her ideas on the lives of the first two known Native American scholars to attend what would become Harvard University. This is seen through the perspective of Bethia who is a resident of English background living on an island settlement on the Great Harbor. Bethia is a strong-willed character who strives for an education. Along the way she picks up on a fair amount of knowledge. Later in the book she is able to even learn some of what the university scholars receive by working in the cook's kitchen and keeping an attentive ear to the door. Caleb (0riginally called Cheeshateaumauk), is in line towards becoming the next leader of his tribe but through his friendship with Bethia and her father (who seeks on converting the Native inhabitants of the island) he starts on an English education and soon eventually converts to Christianity. Joel is another Native inhabitant who takes a similar path. Even in the face of opposition from other people solely on their being Native people, Joel and Caleb obtains great successes in their English education. This story has it's share of tragedy but the characters and the story makes for an interesting read.