Mary and the Trail of Tears

Mary and the Trail of Tears by Andrea L. Rogers is a middle-grade historical novel that follows a young Cherokee girl forced from her home during the Trail of Tears. Told from Mary’s perspective, it brings the brutality and resilience of this history to life in a way accessible to upper elementary and middle school readers. Parents and educators value the own-voices narrative and the opportunity to discuss U.S. history from an Indigenous viewpoint. It’s best as a read-aloud or literature circle choice, paired with maps and primary sources. Because the content is heavy, adult support and debriefing are important.