A Boy Named Beckoning
The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero
Age 8+
People & Places
The culminating portrait provides an inventive look back into history through the eyes of a Native American hero.
This story reveals the remarkable life of a Native American boy named Wassaja, or "Beckoning," who was kidnapped from his Yavapai tribe and sold as a slave. Adopted by an Italian photographer in 1871 and renamed Carlos Montezuma, the young boy traveled throughout the Old West, bearing witness to the prejudice against and poor treatment of Native Americans. Carlos eventually became a doctor and leader for his people, calling out for their rights. Gina Capaldi's exquisite paintings bring to life excerpts from Dr. Carlos Montezuma's own letters describing his childhood experiences. The culminating portrait provides an inventive look back into history through the eyes of a Native American hero.
Creators
As a freelance artist, Gina Capaldi has written and illustrated nonfiction, educational, and picture books. She lives in Southern California.
Reviews
Capaldi uses Carlos’ own words, throughout, to draws the reader close. Attractive watercolor paintings in desert colors are the backdrop for the text, but the design cleverly uses photographs placed in the margins, which make a strong visual counterpoint to the art. An extensive afterword, a source note, and a bibliography add much for researchers. Fresh and fascinating.
Booklist
Author Gina Capaldi does an admirable job of discussing the research process. This picture book for older readers will be a valued addition to the biography section of every public or school library.
Library Media Connection
Solidly researched, the well-written text follows Wassaja (later renamed Carlos Montezuma) as he was sold into slavery and purchased by a kind Italian photographer. . . This title should be promoted for Native American, multicultural, and biography units.
School Library Journal
