The Rough-Face Girl

The finest clothes, jewelry, and looks, all external elements, do not compare to the importance of a pure and kind heart. In other words, it is what’s inside that matters most, not the outside. I enjoyed how the book pushes the reader to think beyond their own perspective. For example, when we find out that the Rough Face girl is the only one who can see the Invisible being, I was confronted with many perspectives and questions - Is she the only one who sees the invisible being because there is something magical and good inside her? Is the invisible man a real man or is there spiritual meaning here? Is the invisible man a past-life lover of the rough face girl, reflecting that we always will find the ones we love? The book leaves the show more end up for many posing questions and interpretations which foster critical thinking. I also enjoyed how well-developed the characters were, for example, it was clear that the two sisters of rough face girl were very cruel, such as forcing her to feed the flames which contributed to the burned scars on her face and arms. This gives the reader a sense of remorse for the protagonist. But we also get a sense of bravery of the rough face girl who, despite being teased and laughed at for making her own clothes to marry the invisible man, she stood tall – “The rough face girl had faith in herself and she had courage. She didn’t turn back. She just kept walking right through the village.” These well-developed characters helped give greater impact to the theme of the book. show less

Mistreated by her two older sisters, and made to do all of the work, a young Algonquin girl becomes so singed and covered with scars that she is called Rough-Face Girl in this Native American variant of the 'persecuted heroine' tale-type, sometimes called the Cinderella story. When her sisters visit the wigwam of the Invisible Being who lives in their village, each hoping to become his wife, they use all of the family's finery, but find that after telling lies, and pretending to see the great hunter, they are sent home in disgrace. Rough-Face Girl then sets out, clothed in the finery provided by the forest, but unlike her sisters her kind heart allows her to truly see the Invisible Being...

Rafe Martin's The Rough-Face Girl is the third show more retelling of this seemingly widespread tale from the Algonquin peoples of native North America, following upon Terri Cohlene's Little Firefly: An Algonquian Legend and Robert D. San Souci's Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story, that I have read. I found Martin's telling engaging, and David Shannon's accompanying artwork beautiful, although I think I prefer the San Souci, by just a margin. I do find it interesting, when considering this story, that the heroine's prospective bridegroom seems supernatural, with his bow made of the rainbow, and his sled made of the Milky Way. Is he meant to be a spirit being? Does Rough-Face Girl's union with him have some greater significance, beyond the usual 'kindness is rewarded with connubial bliss' that one sees in this kind of story? I'd love to know more about Martin's specific sources for this telling, but unlike San Souci, he does not provide that information. Still, leaving aside these questions, this is an enjoyable story, one that is paired with strikingly beautiful artwork. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, and to readers interested in worldwide variants of the Cinderella story. show less

Native American version of the Cinderella story from the Algonquin tradition. As a teacher, I love sharing this story because it opens up discussions about cultural perspectives, inner beauty, and resilience. The language is rich and poetic, making it an excellent read-aloud that keeps students engaged. The story follows a girl who is scarred by fire while tending to her sisters' needs, yet her courage and honesty help her see the Invisible Being and win his love. I appreciate how this tale contrasts with the more familiar European Cinderella stories, providing students with a broader worldview and deeper appreciation for oral traditions. The illustrations are dramatic and help visualize the natural and spiritual elements of the story. show more It’s a powerful way to discuss storytelling across cultures and the importance of kindness and strength. show less

Summary: A young Native American woman lives in the village with her father and two sisters. Her sisters are very unkind to her and call her Rough-Face Girl from where she has been burned tending to the fire. But when her sisters try to marry the invisible being, a powerful hunter who can only be seen by those pure of heart. The sisters cannot see him of course, but the Rough-Face girl in her bark dress and over-sized moccasins proves that a beautiful heart means more than a beautiful face.

Review: I really enjoyed this story. It is a familiar trope that many are familiar with, a Cinderella-esque tale. But even better than Cinderella for the girl is not virtuous by way of her beauty, but beautiful by way of her virtues.

Craft show more Elements/Lesson: Compare and contrast the Rough-Face Girl with another Cinderella story. show less

I was prepared to dislike this but I liked it very much. The illustrations are incredible, I cannot believe this is the same illness strator as the No, David books.

Content Concern- if you prefer to search out voices that are Native American for these folktales- this is not that. But it is beautiful.

Heart-breakingly beautiful. This, Ms. Meyer, is how you write about "ugly" people.

Summary:
"The Rough-Face Girl" by Rafe Martin and illustrated by David Shannon is the Cinderella story with a Native American twist. In a village there is the Invisible-Being and no one can see him except his sister. All of the young women of the village want to marry him but it is only the young woman who can truly see him that can do so. However, there is a young woman with scarred hands and burnt hair who claims that she can see him, the Rough-Face Girl.

Personal Reaction:
I loved this book! I have always enjoyed traditional fairy-tales and this book is one of my new favorites. I am part Native American so it was really nice to see the incorporation of Native American culture into the traditional Cinderella story. I also loved the show more artwork in the book. The colors have the neutral tan colors with a little vivid color that most Native American art has. The one thing that I don't like about this book is the length; it's too short! I wanted more of this story.

Extension Ideas:
1.) This book is a great why to introduce Native American culture into learning especially since it has that typical Cinderella story line. This means that the majority of children will already be familiar with the story but they will get to hear it from a different cultural standpoint.
2.) This story also teaches the value of internal beauty and not judging a book by its cover. show less