Native American author draws on childhood for young-reader novel

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(Free-Press-Release.com) November 6, 2009 -- Stephanie always felt different — but she always believed in herself.
When a guidance counselor at Edgartown Elementary School told her, "Wampanoags don't go to college," Stephanie moved to Sandwich to attend high school, living with her dad and stepmother. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in African Studies from Rutgers University, along with two master's degrees.
Duckworth-Elliott recently wrote a young readers' chapter book based on her own experiences growing up.

"Poneasequa, Goddess of the Waters" is the story of McKenzie Jones, a Wampanoag girl looking for a place she can call her own and just be accepted the way she is.

About "Poneasequa."

Lauren: What was it like growing up as a Wampanoag on Martha's Vineyard? Were you the only Wampanoag at Edgartown Elementary?
Stephanie: Much like what McKenzie experienced in my book: being singled out as being the "only one" that was different due to my physical characteristics. It was a hard time for me (trying to figure out) where to fit because of my cultural background "¦ I was the only Wampanoag in the whole school.

Lauren: I can't believe the guidance counselor told you "Wampanoags don't go to college." What did you feel when he said that?
Stephanie: My guidance counselor told me: "Wampanoags don't go to college. Look at your family — your brother did not go; your mother did not go; maybe you should look at other options."
At this time I was living with my grandfather. My parents had divorced and both had left the Vineyard. I was determined to make something of myself. When the guidance counselor told me this, it made me want to succeed even more and show everyone on the Vineyard that I could be somebody — not just that girl from Chappaquiddick who is Wampanoag, but a real success.

Lauren: Is McKenzie completely based on you?
Stephanie: Yes. I had a very hard time growing up — i.e. divorce, being left with my grandfather for a long period of time — but have overcome obstacles that were so large that sometimes I could not see through them, around them or over them, but made it through.
I have always had a positive outlook on life and that life is for the taking if you want it bad enough.
Lauren: What do you want kids to get out of this novel?

Stephanie: That it's OK to be different. That you have to love who you are and be proud of where you come from. So many children struggle with identity and have issues about trying to fit in.

Lauren: What do you want educators to get out of this novel?

Stephanie: I want educators to use this book as a teaching tool for cultural competency, for historical value, such as the true story of Thanksgiving. This is a dream for an educator — it's contemporary, but at the same time can be used to cover social studies and history.

For more information on "Poneasequa, Goddess of the Waters," go to www.duckworthelliott.com.

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