Title: Yakimali's Gift
Author: Linda Covella
Publisher: L. C.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Yakimali's Gift" by Linda Covella

My Thoughts....

What a beautiful story that was well written about this Marquina family as they make their journey in 1775 from Mexico to California that dealt with the Spaniards and Indians. During this trips there will be hardships along this expedition a 'subtle history lesson' that deals with some well developed characters...[one being... Fernanda Marquina who was fifteen with her 'inability to accept the stifling constraints of her time'] while others [Nicolas, Miguel] to name a few who were so well drawn and believable that will gives the reader a rather interesting YA historical romantic read. The author did a wonderful job in giving the reader a detailed well plotted story in a visual way of actually making it is seem as though you are seeing the scenery descriptions [desert sand, beautiful horses]. The reader will feel 'the joys, family drama, emotions, choices, hope, friendship, death, fears and pains' of the read of its imagined reality. The story really presents a picture of how a teenager [especially a girl] could feel and in the end finding their way to make their dream come true. Now as this story all starts with the relationship with her mother and this is where this story will kick off and this is where I say you will have to pick up "Yakimali's Gift" to see how well this story is presented to the readers. Will Fernanda finally finds out about her mother's Pima heritage and will she choose whether or not she wants to be a wife? In the end will Fernanda be proud of her heritage and follow her heart and 'how to assimilate totally new cultures and concepts?' This was a good read that I would recommend to all! ( )