Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom

Bibliography
Tingle, Tim, 2008. CROSSING BOK CHITTO: A CHOCTAW TALE OF FRIENDSHIP & FREEDOM. Ill. by Jeanne Rorex Bridges. New York, NY: Cinco Puntos Press. ISBN 9781933693200.

Plot Summary
Bok Chitto is a river in Mississippi that was a boundary line between the Choctaw Nation and plantation owners and their slaves. According to the tale, if a slave were to escape and cross Bok Chitto, they were free. The Choctaws were aware of a stone path they created throughout the river, however, they warned their children to never cross Bok Chitto. One day, young Martha Tom was sent to gather blackberries. Coming up short, she decides to cross Bok Chitto, to see if she will be able to find berries on the other side of the river. Not only does she find berries, she found a forbidden slave church. Quickly discovered by a kind African American slave, he sends his son to accompany Martha Tom back across Bok Chitto. What starts off as curiosity quickly turns into a strong friendship between two culturally different families, one that saves each others lives time and time again. 

Critical Analysis 
To begin, it is noted that Tim Tingle is a Choctaw storyteller and revealed Crossing Bok Chitto was originally a song. In September 1992, Tingle met with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and spent time with the tribal elder, listening to traditional wedding chants and visiting the old homes of the Choctaw Nation. Tingle wrote the story as a tribute to the Choctaw Nation and other Nations (Cherokees, Creeks, Chickasaws, Seminoles, etc.) that aided runaway slaves on their lands. The story begins by explaining Bok Chitto and who inhabits both sides of the river, at the time before the Civil War and the Trail of Tears. Martha Tom, a young Choctaw girl, is aware of the limits on crossing Bok Chitto, but knows her nation has created a stone path for traveling across the river. Once she crosses over the boundary line, she is shocked to have stumbled upon a slave church, kept secret from their plantation owners. Meaning no harm, one of the slave men offers their son, Little Mo, to accompany Martha Tom back across the river. This adventure begins a true friendship as Little Mo will end up seeking Martha Tom's help. When Little Mo's family has learned his mother was sold, the family plans to cross Bok Chitto to gain their freedom and keep their family together. The Choctaw people did not question or judge, they quickly sprang into action, gathering the women to hold a ceremony, ensuring the safety of the family as they crossed the river. This tale has storytelling elements that leave readers in awe of the strength both cultures hold and how they peacefully connect, wanting nothing but their friendship and freedom. It teaches readers to not judge by looks or cultures, but by their characters. At the end, there is an excerpt on current Choctaw Nation events and a note on Choctaw storytelling. Readers will gain not only a lesson on friendship, but will learn about Choctaw culture and elements. 

It is noted that Jeanne Rorex Bridges is an artist of Cherokee ancestry. Bridges supports the tale of Crossing Bok Chitto with these beautiful, strong illustrations that are similar to portrait paintings. The earthy tones capture the resilient nature of the Bok Chitto river in Mississippi and the quiet yet strong power the Choctaw Nation holds. She has captured the culture of both groups, as the Choctaw people have rich brown skin tones, long dark hair, long printed dresses with moccasins, while the African Americans have deeper skin tones, varying hair textures, strong builds, and clothes worn during the Civil War era. During the ceremony of Little Mo's family crossing Bok Chitto, the Choctaw women present as peaceful angels or spirits, using their strength and unity to guide the family towards their freedom. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- Native American Youth Services Literature Award, Best Picture Book
- ALA Notable Children's Book, 2007
- Jane Addams Peace Award Honor Book
- Once Upon A World Children's Book Award, 2007 Honor Book
- Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award
- Oklahoma Book Award, Best Children's Book, 2007
- Oklahoma Book Award, Best Illustrations, 2007
- Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
- Skipping Stones Honor Book
- Texas Institute of Letters Best Children's Book, 2006
- Teddy Award, Texas Writers League, 2005
Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "Bridges creates mural-like paintings with a rock-solid spirituality and stripped-down graphic sensibility, the ideal match for the down-to-earth cadences and poetic drama of the text." 

Connections
- Readers will enjoy this heartfelt story about two culturally different families building a friendship and working together. 
- Readers interested in learning more information about the Choctaws before the Trail of Tears will enjoy this tale.  
- Similar book recommendations:
Bealer, Alex W., 1996. ONLY THE NAMES REMAIN: THE CHEROKEES AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS. Ill. by Kristina Rodanas. ISBN 9780316085199.
Bruchac, Joseph, 2002. CRAZY HORSE'S VISION. Ill. by S.D. Nelson. ISBN 9781584302827.

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