Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom. Tim Tingle. Illus. by Jeanne Rorex Bridges. El Paso, Cinco Puntos Press, 2006. 40 pages. $17.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-938317-77-6. Grades 2-6.

Two worlds are separated by a river, but the passion of youth, beauty of music, and strength of faith join them together in this story of courage and compassion. “There is a river called Bok Chitto that cuts through Mississippi.” Prior to the Civil War, if a slave could cross that river they were free and their owner could not follow, for “that was the law.” In a quest for blackberries a Choctaw girl named Martha Tom crosses the river and is introduced to African American music, preaching, kindness and faith. A long lasting friendship blossoms during this journey between Martha Tom and slave boy named little Mo. When the threat of sale and separation is upon Mo’s family, he recalls the path to Martha Tom’s, and they make the journey to the river under the shield of faith; crossing with the help of Choctaw angels dressed in white. Tim Tingle blends the rhythm and beat of African American spirituals with the rich tones of Native American song to create parallel worlds that suddenly collide. Readers will get lost in the mix of emotions, suspense, and occasional rhymes and repetition. , The rich, double paged spreads depict the magic, adventure, and pain of the story, taking readers back in time to witness the mysterious crossing. This touching story also offers a brief history of storytelling and Choctaw culture, making it educational as well as engaging.  Highly Recommended