Sootface
Type: Folktale
Country of Origin: Native American
Main Character Hero or Heroine: Heroine
Recommend?: Yes!
Once, there lived an Ojibwa man whose wife had recently died and he was left with his three daughters. The older daughters were cruel and lazy and they would often mistreat their youngest sister by making her do all the dirty work around their home. The youngest daughter was later called "Sootface" due to her being forced to cook near the open flames, where the fire singed her hair and burned her skin. One day however, a powerful warrior wanted to take a wife and decided that in order to find the perfect wife, the woman must be able to see him while he's invisible. That way, it would show the mighty warrior that the woman who can see him in his invisible form has a kind and honest heart. So all the women in the village, including Sootface all go to the mighty warrior to pass his test, but only one woman with a heart of gold can pass this impossible test!
I was so happy to see a Native American version of the classic "Cinderella" story and this story was so unique in showing how the prince of this story tries to test the kindness of the woman he wants to marry by seeing if any of the women can see him while he's invisible. I loved the fact that this story focused on the importance of kindness and honesty as it's a great lesson that kids should learn and it makes the story both inspiring and creative to read!
1. How would you feel if you have siblings who are cruel to you?
It would definitely traumatize me for life, that's for sure.
2. How do you define true beauty?
I believe that true beauty lies within and a person who has a heart of gold and is willing to do the right thing is a wonderful indeed!
The Rough Face Girl by Rafe Martin; illustrated by David Shannon
Sootface by Robert D. San Souci; illustrated by Daniel San Souci
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