kids encyclopedia robot

The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864
TheGirlWhoChasedAwaySorrow.jpeg
First edition
Author Ann Turner
Country United States
Language English
Series Dear America
Genre Young adult fiction
Publisher Scholastic Inc.New York
Publication date
1999
Media type Print
Pages 200
ISBN 0-590-97216-2
813/.54
LC Class PZ
Preceded by A Light in the Storm 
Followed by A Coal Miner's Bride 

The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow is a historical fiction book written by Ann Turner. It was published in 1999. This book is part of the popular Dear America series. The series tells stories through the fictional diaries of teenage girls. Each diary takes place during an important time in American history.

This book's full title is The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864. It shares the story of the Navajo (also known as the Diné). It focuses on their forced journey from their homeland. This journey was a 400-mile (640 km) forced winter march. It led them to a place called Fort Sumner.

The story begins with an older Sarah Nita and her granddaughter. They are sitting together in the shade of their hogan, a traditional Navajo home. The grandmother wants her story written down. So, her granddaughter uses a book given to her by a white teacher. She starts writing her grandmother's life story.

The first sentence of the book sets the scene. It says, "My mother bends over the plants near the red mesa..." The diary then tells how Sarah Nita's parents are worried. They are concerned about white men trying to take their Diné land.

About the Book's Story

The book is a fictional diary. It is written from the point of view of Sarah Nita. She is a young Navajo girl. Her diary entries describe her daily life. They also show the challenges her family faces. These challenges come from the U.S. Government.

The Long Walk of the Navajo

A major part of the story is the Long Walk of the Navajo. This was a difficult event in history. The U.S. Government forced many Navajo people to leave their homes. They had to walk a very long distance. This journey happened in the winter of 1864. Many people suffered during this march. The book helps readers understand what this experience was like.

Sarah Nita's Family Life

Through Sarah Nita's diary, readers learn about Navajo culture. They see how families lived and worked. The book shows their strong connection to their land. It also highlights their traditions and beliefs. The story focuses on how they tried to keep their culture alive. This was true even during very hard times.

Editions of the Book

  • The book was first released in 1999.
  • It has the ISBN number: ISBN: 0-590-97216-2.
kids search engine
The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.