Wilma Mankiller: Chief of Cherokee Nation Written by Pamela Dell Describes the life of the Native American leader who made history in 1985 when she became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee, and later signed an agreement with the U.S. government granting the Cherokee Nation self-governance. The biography traces Mankiller's birth in rural Oklahoma, her adolescence and early adulthood in San Francisco, and discusses how she overcame many hardships to become an activist and leader of her people. The book, which includes source notes and a timeline, also features Mankiller’s more recent accomplishments since stepping down as Principal Chief, which include working to find jobs, improve education, and preserve the traditions of the Oklahoma Cherokee. [Grade Level: 4 - 8]
