| From the Dust Jacket |
Searching for Sarah Rector brings to light the intriguing mystery of Sarah Rector, who was born in 1902 in Indian Territory and later was famously hailed by the Chicago Defender as “the wealthiest colored girl in the world.” Author Tonya Bolden sets Rector’s rags-to- riches tale against the backdrop of American history, including the creation of Indian Territory; the making of Oklahoma, with its black towns and boom towns; and the wild behavior of many greedy and corrupt grown-ups.
At the age of eleven, Sarah was a very rich young girl. Even so, she was powerless . . . helpless in the whirlwind of drama—and danger—that swirled around her. Then one day word came that she had disappeared.
This is her story, and the story of other children like her, filled with ups and downs, bizarre goings-on, and a heap of crimes.
Out of a trove of primary documents, including court and census records, as well as interviews with family members, Bolden painstakingly pieces together the events of Sarah’s life.
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Praise for “Searching for Sarah Rector”
This handsome volume with its many photographs is carefully sourced and has a helpful glossary, illustration credits and index. Bolden admirably tells a complex story while modeling outstanding research strategy, as her insightful author’s note attests.
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
This book will be extremely useful to teachers and librarians seeking material to align with Common Core State Standards dealing with the craft of writing of informational text.
—School Library Journal, starred review
Bolden’s remarks on tracking down Sarah’s story will appeal to those who enjoy untangling historical mysteries.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
In this meticulously researched book, [Bolden] separates fact from fiction as she traces the relevant history of the Creek nation, land allotments in early twentieth-century Oklahoma, and Rector’s life. . . . Along the way, the book offers intriguing glimpses of American life during Rector’s time period. Handsome design and excellent production enhance the effectiveness of the many archival illustrations, which include photos, maps, and legal documents. . . [T]his handsome book illuminates the process of historical research as well as the enigmatic figure in the spotlight.
—Booklist, starred review
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Author Interview (School Library Journal)
“Searching for Sarah Rector: An Interview with Tonya Bolden”
Author Reading (TeachingBooks.net)
“Meet-the-Author Book Reading with Tonya Bolden”
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- A Best Multicultural Children’s Book, Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature
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NAACP Image Award Nominee
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California Reading Association Eureka! Honor Book
- Wisconsin State Reading Association Recommended Book
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Age 10-up | 80 pages
Hardcover | Abrams 2014 | ISBN:1-4197-0846-5 | EAN: 9781419708466