Genre 2 - The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin, Illustrated by David Shannon

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Martin, Rafe. 1992. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL. New York: PaperStar. ISBN 0698116267

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A traditional Cinderella story told through eyes and culture of the Algonquin Indians, THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL offers the customary components of good versus bad through a tale of sisters and their search for marriage. Only “she” who can see the great Invisible Being may marry him. While those with harsh hearts and selfish intentions make shallow attempts at being worthy brides, the Invisible Being’s wise sister knows better, testing them with brutal honesty. It is the kindred soul of the “ugly sister” that is truly worthy of the Invisible Being’s love, and it is her humble quest that leads her to her destiny. A tale of love and acceptance, THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL teaches readers that beauty truly lies within.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Martin creates a beautiful retelling of the traditional Cinderella story through his Algonquin Indian interpretation. Crafting characters that fulfill the expected roles of sister tales (“good sister,” “evil sister”), he ensures a recognizable symbolism. While the plot is simple and predictable, it lends itself to a forward momentum with readers seeking the final pages of resolution. Introducing the sisterly conflict through more permanent physical ailments than cinder and soot, Martin gives a more serious depth to the journey and obstacles of his protagonist. Contrasting the Cinderella versions that are more common in American society (i.e. Disney), THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL presents female characters that must seek out their groom, rather than the groom searching for the perfect fit of the coveted “glass slipper.” Readers may recognize an additional motif when, at last, the “rough-face girl” proves herself worthy of the Invisible Being—her scarred body and singed hair are transformed to outward beauty that reflects her pure heart. Set in an authentic North American Indian village, Martin is sure to include aspects of Algonquin culture through shelter, clothing, and lifestyle. He further emphasizes the importance of the natural world in this culture through his description of the Invisible Being’s bow which is made of “the curve of the rainbow” and his sled runner made of the “Spirit Road,” or Milky Way stars.

David Shannon carries out Martin’s story in each page’s strikingly detailed illustrations. Incorporating vivid color and soft brush strokes, he brings the Indian culture to life. Through facial features, expressions, and body positions, Shannon captures the true essence of each character, and he provides readers with a pictorial representation of Martin’s words. Each page contains elements of both beauty and truth, as the illustrations draw out the tale’s moral lesson.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in PARENTS MAGAZINE: “There are many versions of Cinderella, but none is more eloquent or affecting—or more strikingly illustrated.”
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A strong, distinctive tale with art to match.”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A splendid read-aloud.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Compare and contrast with other versions of Cinderella that students may be familiar with.
*Use THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL as a catalyst for exploring North American Indian tribes; specifically, study the Algonquin customs and heritage.
*After introducing students to several different versions of Cinderella stories, allow them to create their own versions through a writers’ workshop, ensuring publishing opportunities at the end.
*Discuss the lessons presented in the story (i.e. inner beauty, good vs. bad, etc.) and allow students to share their own experiences with these lessons, making connections to the book.