Review: THE JOURNAL OF JESSE SMOKE: A CHEROKEE BOY by Joseph Bruchac

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bruchac, Joseph. 2001. The Journal of Jesse Smoke: A Cherokee Boy. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439121973.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Journal of Jesse Smoke is the story of the 1838-1839 Cherokee emigration known as the “Trail of Tears.” In this retelling, a sixteen year-old Cherokee boy shares his experiences from the time leading up to the forced emigration, their months trapped in a stockade camp, through his family’s travels to the new lands in the west. The story is one of hardship, death, and bravery as the bands of wagons travel across over 800 miles of wilderness.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book gives one young boy’s experiences during the times leading up to the forced emigration of the Cherokee people. The story of the “Trail of Tears” is in itself sorrowful and remarkable. Bruchac’s version as told through the journal of Jesse Smoke provides the reader with an inside view of the events. Jesse tells of the death of his father at the hands of white men and yet how he still holds to the Cherokee promise to harm no human. The love and commitment he feels toward his family is evident in his decision to remain with his mother and sisters instead of continuing his education and his constant concern for them throughout the ordeal of the emigration.

Many historical events are illustrated throughout the journal entries. Although not terribly informative, they do spark the reader’s interest and inspire further inquiry. There is a Historical Note at the end in which Bruchac does gives some further information regarding the “Trial of Tears.” There are also some photographs and drawings included to help provide a visual for the time period. Perhaps most useful to younger readers is the map of the routes traveled by the Cherokees on this long journey to their new land.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “Jesse thoughtfully presents issues from multiple viewpoints, but when recording the emigration and its factual brutality, his descriptions are sparse and short, which unfortunately mutes the Long Walk's historical and emotional significance.

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “The author spent years talking with the Cherokee people, researching their history and even walking The Trail of Tears. Real people and real events are included as well as historical notes and authentic pictures. It is a worthy addition to any collection.”

5. CONNECTIONS
A study of the “Trail of Tears” should accompany the reading of this book. The book hints to so many historically significant events that students need to research further to gain a deeper understanding of the happenings surrounding this unfortunate event in the history of the United States.

Other Native American stories by Joseph Bruchac:
Bruchac, Joseph. Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving. Ill. by Greg Shed. ISBN 1616810777.

Bruchac, Joseph. Code Talker: A Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two. ISBN 0142405965.

Bruchac, Joseph. Children of the Longhouse. ISBN 0140385045.

Bruchac, Joseph. Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back: A Native American Year of Moons. Ill. by Thomas Locker. ISBN 0698115848.

Bruchac, Joseph. Eagle Song. ISBN 0141301694.