Alice Piper had a simple dream. All she wanted was to go to school. Not so easy when laws in the early 1900’s prevented Native Americans from attending white schools. As a Native Paiute (Nuwuvi) teenager in California Alice felt the injustice. Instead of accepting the way it was in 1923, she sued and won the right for herself and others with similar backgrounds to an equal education.

The layout of the book is unique. Each of the 11 chapters begins with a full page illustration followed by Alice’s story told in verse. Next, readers get several fact based pages that dive deeper into the events of the chapter. A question like HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOUR GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO CHANGE YOUR FAMILY’S NAME? is asked that provides a great start for a classroom discussion. Photos and a list defining unfamiliar words is also included.

Civil rights effect on families is brought forth here in an engaging way. There’s even an Alice Piper Day in California as a reminder of Alice’s life. Young readers will be motivated to learn more about the struggles endured by those who don’t fit into a supposed norm. A final chapter question: HOW CAN YOU BE LIKE ALICE AND FIGHT BACK INJUSTICE? is followed by many examples and resources.

ALICE PIPER SPEAKS UP is a welcome addition to the home and school shelves and perfect for ages 8-12. Alice’s story is one you won’t forget.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Loralee Sepsey is a writer and a member of the Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley. She currently works as a freelance content writer specializing in enterprise technology, financial services, semiconductor manufacturing, and personal injury law. Based in Santa Ana, California, she lives with her husband and their two cats. https://www.loraleesepsey.com/

Morgan Thompson is a Cherokee (Cherokee Nation) artist with a love for Indigenous stories. When she’s not working, she enjoys a bit of stomp dancing or some beading on the side. https://www.skadoodlin.com/

Sage Andrew Romero is from the Tovowahamatu Numu (Big Pine Paiute) and Tuah-Tahi (Taos Pueblo) tribes. The founder and director of the AkaMya Culture Group, a nonprofit dedicated to cultural revitalization, he lives in Big Pine, California. https://nama.media/sage-andrew-romero/

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Heyday: Heyday Books

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