Helpful Score: 2
From School Library Journal
Grade 3 Up-- Simply, in the words of an oral storyteller, Martin retells an Algonquin folktale. The youngest of three sisters is forced by the other two to sit by the fire and feed the flames, which results in the burning and scarring of her hair and skin. Desirous of marriage to an Invisible Being who lives in a huge wigwam across the village, these cruel siblings must prove to his sister that they have seen him, but they fail. The Rough-Face Girl, however, sees the Invisible Being everywhere and can answer his sister's questions correctly. Comparable in presentation to Caroline Cunningham's ``The Little Scarred One'' from The Talking Stone (Knopf, 1939; o.p.; reprinted in Castles and Dragons , Crowell, 1958; o.p.), but different in detail, this is a splendid read-aloud.
Grade 3 Up-- Simply, in the words of an oral storyteller, Martin retells an Algonquin folktale. The youngest of three sisters is forced by the other two to sit by the fire and feed the flames, which results in the burning and scarring of her hair and skin. Desirous of marriage to an Invisible Being who lives in a huge wigwam across the village, these cruel siblings must prove to his sister that they have seen him, but they fail. The Rough-Face Girl, however, sees the Invisible Being everywhere and can answer his sister's questions correctly. Comparable in presentation to Caroline Cunningham's ``The Little Scarred One'' from The Talking Stone (Knopf, 1939; o.p.; reprinted in Castles and Dragons , Crowell, 1958; o.p.), but different in detail, this is a splendid read-aloud.
This book has the most beautiful message about compassion and what is important about people. I read it every year to my Brownie troops and they loved it. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
This is a beautifully illustrated Algonquin Indian folktale that somewhat resembles the story of Cinderella. Two older sisters are terribly mean and cruel to their younger one who is made to sit and tend the fire until her arms and face are scarred from the sparks that fall on her. And so the story goes on, telling how the Rough Faced Girl is finally chosen by the rich, powerful, and handsome "Invsible Being" to be his wife and live in great gladness with him forever more. It's a touching story, but I would recommend it for older kids who can understand that it's a folktale, meant to teach a lesson, not to be mistaken for reality in any way.
Beautiful Cinderella like story. Makes me cry every time I read it. It has a beautiful message about seeing the beauty within. I'd definately recommend for a young girls library, especially with all the hype today about being beautiful, this really speaks to the heart about what really matters.
Great book
