Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Maria Tallchief!
A 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book! In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief--and how
she persisted.
Maria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Maria Tallchief's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.
And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Florence Griffith Joyner, Coretta Scott King, and more!
Covers may vary.
Praise for She Persisted: Maria Tallchief: "A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --
Publishers Weekly "Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --
Kirkus Reviews
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds-including Maria Tallchief!
Maria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!
In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief-and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton!
Series Overview: January 2021: Harriet Tubman || February 2021: Claudette Colvin || March 2021: Sally Ride || April 2021: Virginia Apgar || May 2021: Nellie Bly || June 2021: Sonia Sotomayor || July 2021: Florence Griffith Joyner || August 2021: Ruby Bridges || September 2021: Clara Lemlich || October 2021: Margaret Chase Smith || November 2021: Maria Tallchief || December 2021: Helen Keller & Oprah Winfrey
Praise for She Persisted: Maria Tallchief: "A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --
Publishers Weekly
"Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --
Kirkus Reviews"The Indigenous author provides a unique perspective on Tallchief’s story by teaching readers about the land and tribal nations of the regions where the dancer lived . . . interesting, straightforward, and easy to read." --
School Library Journal 
