Even As We Breathe facts for kids
First ed. cover
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| Author | Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Thriller |
| Publisher | University Press of Kentucky |
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Publication date
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2020 (first edition) |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 231 p. |
| ISBN | 1950564061 |
| OCLC | 1151802424 |
Even As We Breathe is an exciting American novel published in 2020. It was written by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle. This book is very special because it's the first novel ever published by someone from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Contents
Story of the Book
A Summer Job in 1942
The story takes place in the summer of 1942. A 19-year-old Cherokee man named Cowney Sequoyah is thinking about his future. He wants to work as a groundskeeper at the Grove Park Inn and Resort. This famous inn is located in Asheville, North Carolina.
Cowney's Big Decision
Cowney feels worried about leaving his grandmother. She raised him after his parents passed away when he was a baby. He also wants to get away from his uncle, who often makes fun of Cowney's foot. Cowney decides to take the job when he learns his crush, Essie Stamper, works there too.
Challenges at the Inn
After starting his new job, Cowney faces difficulties. Some of his coworkers treat him unfairly because he is Native American. However, Cowney tries not to let their unkindness bother him. During this time, World War II is happening. People staying at the inn are being watched by the government. They are treated like guests but are not free to leave.
About the Book's Release
Finding a Publisher
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle's first novel, Even As We Breathe, received good reviews. It even won an award. However, she had some trouble finding a publisher for her book at first.
A Historic Publication
This novel is very important. It is the first novel ever published by a writer from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Clapsaddle got help from the Great Smokies Writing Program to write her book. The University Press of Kentucky published it on September 8, 2020.
The Author's Thoughts
Clapsaddle shared that she did not realize her book would be the first from her tribe. She only found out after she signed the publishing contract. Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle is also part Appalachian white.
