Talking Leaves

By: Joseph Bruchac

Narrated by: Joseph Bruchac

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

A new work of historical fiction about Sequoyah and the creation of the Cherokee alphabet, from the acclaimed author of Code Talker.

Thirteen-year-old Uwohali has not seen his father, Sequoyah, for many years. So when Sequoyah returns to the village, Uwohali is eager to reconnect. But Sequoyah's new obsession with making strange markings causes friends and neighbors in their tribe to wonder whether he is crazy - or, worse, practicing witchcraft. What they don't know, and what Uwohali discovers, is that Sequoyah is a genius, and his strange markings are actually an alphabet representing the sounds of the Cherokee language.

The story of one of the most important figures in Native American history is brought to life for middle grade listeners.

©2016 Joseph Bruchac (P)2016 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"As Joseph Bruchac announces the cast of characters, his authentic pronunciations evoke the mood of an elder storyteller and the rhythms of Native American oral traditions." (AudioFile)

"A tale of depth and universal humanity.... This is a strong middle grade novel that offers a needed perspective on Cherokee history and the life of a key historical figure." (School Library Journal, starred review)

"Themes of preserving identity and culture through both spoken and written language will appeal to readers of all ages. A vivid retelling of a pivotal time for the Cherokee nation." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Although the particulars of the novel occur two hundred years ago, the universality of fitting into a blended family and looking for love and acceptance from a once-absent father feel strikingly contemporary." (The Horn Book)

History retold

This story relays an historical event of the creation of the written Cherokee language and let’s the reader hear and understand tales and traditions of the culture.
Well done! Plus the reading by the author brings the story even closer.

An Excellent, although Intense Book

"Talking Leaves" explores the history of Sequoyah's invention of the Cherokee Syllabary. Although this book is historical fiction, it is strongly based on real, documented events. The reader is the author, a skilled storyteller. He brings the story to life vividly. "Talking Leaves" honestly and insightfully brings to life the intense pressure Sequoyah faced while trying to give the great gift of a remarkable writing system to his people. The accusations of witchcraft, the serious danger, and the pressure to convince his people that he wasn't practicing evil witchcraft are, from what I have read, very real historical events. The evolution of Sequoyah's thinking which led to the syllabary is powerfully and eloquently described using a two trails metaphor. This metaphor will stay with me.,"Talking Leaves" is told through the character of Sequoyah's son. He is an appealing, thoughtful young man, struggling with the deeply disturbing, false information he has been hearing about his absent father. There are many vivid characters in this book, including powerful, thoughtful women, and Ayoka, Sequoyah's six year old daughter, a bright, sweet, lively young girl who plays a central role in the story. This is a wisdom story about 💧fear and 💧prejudice concerning ✨enduringly ✨helpful ✨ideas. Some young people may need thoughtful, kindly guidance absorbing its significance. Given that thoughtful, steady guidance, I strongly recommend this book.