Sunday, June 19, 2011
Awards
NCSS Honor Book Awards for A Boy Named Beckoning On November 14, 2009, my book, A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, was honored by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) during their annual convention in at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
I cannot tell you how honored I am to have received this award. The NCSS's mission is to 'engage and support educators in strengthening and advocating social studies... humanities...and, to promote civic competence.' The NCSS acknowledges exemplary researchers, educators, supports projects that improve social studies education, and promotes effective citizens 
through grants...and, promotes outstanding social science books, and much more!
My day began by being warmly greeted by Mr. Patrick Westcott, chair of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award Selection Committee. He acted as the moderator in a panel with myself and two other honorees, middle-grade author, award winner-Dr. Robert H. Mayer, author of When the Children Marched: The Birmingham Civil Rights Movement (Enslow Publ., Inc.); and, John Wukovits, author of Booker T. Washington and Education (Lucent Books).
We spoke on various subject related to our books and the process of creating them. Afterward we were asked various questions from the audience. Once our panel ended, we were escorted to do a book signing. It looked as if Dr. Mayer's books sold out...Not surprised, his book is magnificent!
After a short break, we met in the International Ballroom of the Omni Hotel, where we were presented with our stunning crystal awards. Once again, Mr. Westcott introduced us to the audience. I was twice honored by his introduction of my book, Mr. Westcott stated, "The National Council for the Social Studies established the Carter G. Woodson Book Award for the most distinguished social science books appropriate for young readers that depict ethnicity in the United States. The purpose of this award is to encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social science books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and relations sensitively and accurately.
This year's Elementary Level Carter G. Woodson Honor Book is A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero, adapted and illustrated by Gina Capaldi, published by Carolrhoda-Lerner Publishing Group."
While I shy away from most public display's, I felt as if I was 'Queen for a Day.' This moment was a culmination of many years, with many people to thank. So, in the spirit of gratitude I have written my little 'acceptance speech' that I gave.
"Good Evening, I'd like to begin by offering my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Sue Blanchette, Mr. Isaac Larison, Mr. Patrick Westcott, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award selection committee, and all members of the NCSS. What an incredible organization! I am so grateful and amazed to receive this Honor. I would also like to congratulate the other honorees. You are my heroes and my inspirations.
One night about 12-14 years ago, I cane across a letter written to the Smithsonian Institution in 1905 by a 'Dr. Carlos Montezuma'. It explained his painful young life with such profound dignity, poise and strength that it captivated me. I had found my hero. I sought to learn more about this man and discovered that Dr. Carlos Montezuma was one of the foremost Native American Civil Rights activists of his day. His powerful words were read on the senate floor.
I wondered why Dr. Montezuma was not 
recognized as an equal to other well-known activists. Over time, I eventually unearthed information on him that not only confirmed his place in history...but, also made him come alive.
A Boy Name Beckoning, touches the surface of this extraordinary human being. It is a biography. It is also a story that reveals history, time, place, Native American assimilation, and self-determination, Finally, A Boy Named Beckoning is an emotional story. It tells of rising above insurmountable circumstances, bigotry and ignorance.
When I began marketing my manuscript, I was told that Beckoning, was an 'admirable' project. But, no one would take the chance on publishing it because they had never heard of Carlos Montezuma. It took another 5 or 6 years to find an editor and publishing house that had the vision and foresight to publish my book. Therefore, I accept this honor on behalf of Carolrhoda, division of Lerner Publishing Group, and especially, my wonderful, insightful, and very brave editor, Jean Reynolds."
Review: Gr 2-5- Capaldi uses Montezum's own words to tell this gripping story of a Yavapai boy who was captured by the Pima in 1871 and grew up to become a prominent doctor and Native American spokesperson. 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. A full-page author's note addresses "Dr. Montezuma-The Activist," including his "Let My People Go" speech to the U.S. Senate in 1916. The illustrations are stunning, with multiple perspectives and rich gold and brown tones. Superimposed over basket imagery, side panels feature photographs and supplemental information. The detailed bibliography lists books, Web sites, letters, and speeches. This title should be promoted for Native American, multicultural, and biography units.
Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
Review: Gina Capaldi makes a substantial contribution with this book by raising children’s awareness of Dr. Carlos Montezuma’s long-term advocacy work for the rights of Native Americans in the United States.... The book is also a treasure chest of economics lessons about investing in human resources, the economics of education, jobs, work, discrimination, and land rights. Children will walk away with important lessons about how a small Yavapai boy became a reservation doctor who courageously fought to strengthen the civil rights and improve the economic opportunities of Native Americans.
Librarybooks.com
Review: At the end of his career, Dr. Carlos Montezuma tells his life story in the form of a letter that the author has pieced together from his writings....The illustrator is a multi-media artist, and she has skillfully integrated her own paintings with Mr. Gentile’s photographs of Carlos to give us a fascinating view of another era.
A Patchwork of Books
Review (by Amanda Snow):
The book includes photographs and original letters, as well as diary entries and small tidbits of Native American facts along the sidebars. Also included are author's notes and an excellent bibliography for future research. The illustrations are beautiful and help to tell Dr. Montezuma's story in a fluid and strong manner. I'm ashamed to say I had never heard of Dr. Montezuma before I read this book, but was intrigued to learn as much as I could once I did complete his story, especially because I live so close to where his birth and kidnapping took place in Arizona. This is great for classes studying Native American history or for those studying great men in history. Dr. Montezuma certainly qualiies as a great man.
Text book on Children's Literature features:
Boy Named Beckoning
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
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