Editorial Review

Scott O'Dell won the Newbery Medal for Read more

Reviews (482)

Really Bad
I have got to say that is is one of the worst books I have ever read. I picked it to read off a summer reading list when i was 10 just because i liked the title. All it is, is a girl tries to save her brother when everyone is leaving their island, and they get left behiend. Spoiler ahead.
Island of the Blue Dolphins/Movie
I've always loved this movie; I guess the main reason is, I'm a big lover of dogs and when I first viewed Island of the Blue Dolphins, it was the dog (in it)which grabbed my interest. Maybe he reminded me of Walt Disney's Old Yeller; guitly as charged. Loved that mutt, too. At any rate..
Journey through the Island of the Blue Dolphins
This book offers an insight to the world of an Indian girl left to fend for herself on a deserted Island off the coast of California. She learns how to survive by going against her cultural traditions such as making weapons. She also had to learn survival techniques to be able to eat and take shelter. This was an interesting book and I would recommend it to students and teacher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - Survival Stories    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Indians of North America    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. People & Places - United States - Native American    11. Social Situations - General    12. Survival    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General    14. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

Cole Matthews is angry. Angry, defiant, smug--in short, a bully. Hisanger has taken him too far this time, though. After beating up a ninth-gradeclassmate to the point of brain damage, Cole is facing a prison sentence. Butthen a Tlingit Indian parole officer named Garvey enters his life, offering analternative called Circle Justice, based on Native American traditions, in whichvictim, offender, and community all work together to find a healing solution.Privately, Cole sneers at the concept, but he's no fool--if it gets him out ofprison, he'll do anything. Ultimately, Cole ends up banished for one year to aremote Alaskan island, where his arrogance sets him directly in the path of amysterious, legendary white bear. Mauled almost to death, Cole awaits his fateand begins the transition from anger to humility. Read more

Reviews (234)

Toching Spirit Bear, and Me
Cole has many problems. His dad beats him, his mom says nothing about it, so his anger towards his parents is taken out on the world, and specifically at a schoolmate, Peter. Peter tells on Cole, so Cole smashes his head into the sidewalk, causing severe damage both emotional and physical. When Cole is put into a detention center, Garvey, a man working at the detention center, tells Cole about a Tlingit Indian justice ritual called Circle Justice. Cole will do anything to get of prison. He agrees to his terms and is sentenced to a year of banishment on an island off the coast of Alaska. There he encounters a Spirit Bear. After almost being killed by it, Cole is left thinking about his life, his choices, and the healing ramifications of Circle Justice.
Touching Spirit Bear
This book is about a boy name Cole who always gets into trouble and oneday he stole from the store.The Peter told on him,and Cole beat him up and he had to choose between jail or the circle of justice.He choose the circle of justice and for the first time he will be scared.

BEST BOOK EVER!!!!
I'm in sixth grade and this was the best book I have ever read. I read it twice over the summer and I am getting readey to read it again for my book report. Thls book is on my sixth grade reading list and I have recomended et to all of my friends and all of them are reading it.This book also teaches everyone a great lesson. This is a great book and you will be up all night and read it over and over again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Animals - Bears    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Forgiveness    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile delinquents    9. People & Places - United States - Native American    10. Rehabilitation    11. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    12. Social Issues - Violence    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Editorial Review

Nineteenth-century American pioneer life was introduced to thousands of young readers by Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved Read more

Reviews (46)

1847 from the Perspective of an Ojibwa Child
The Birchbark House (originally published in 1999) is the story of a year in the life of a seven-year-old girl and her Ojibwa family, living on an island in Lake Superior in 1847. The book was written by Louise Erdrich, herself a member of the Turtle Band of Ojibwa (former name: Anishinabe). The Birchbark House takes place during the same time frame as Little House on the Prairie, and the two books share certain similarities. However, The Birchbark House illustrates that time frame from the perspective of the Native Americans, who fear being pushed ever Westward by white people. It includes many Ojibwa words and customs, and Ms. Erdrich does a wonderful job of conveying the sense of harmony that the Ojibwa share with their surroundings.
2 Thumbs up
Interesting piece of literature to do a multicultural lesson if you are a teacher.
A Very Good Read!
The Birchbarck House was a fun quick read.I needed it for a Native American class and the book was a wonderful and factual sorce for information on North East Native Americans!I would say that this is a good read for anyone who wants an interesting read along with the historical backround! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Historical - General    6. Indians of North America    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Ojibwa Indians    9. People & Places - United States - Native American    10. Social Issues - Values    11. Superior, Lake, Region    12. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Editorial Review

What could be better than a magic cupboard that turns small toys into living creatures? Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, so he gives Omri an old medicine cabinet he's found. Although their mother supplies a key, the cabinet still doesn't seem like much of a present. But when an exhausted Omri dumps a plastic toy Indian into the cabinet just before falling asleep, the magic begins. Turn the key once and the toy comes alive; turn it a second time and it's an action figure again. Read more

Reviews (110)

Indian in the Cupboard
This book was great. i had a fun time reading it out loud because you could feel when somthing good was coming. it was very exiting when it got to the climax. this boy named omri and his best friend patrick was having a birthday party at omris house because it was omris birthday. omris sister got him a cupboard for his bathroom. he decides to store some of his plastic toys inclueding a indian named little bear and a cowboy named boone. they come live if you lock it with the key that the cupboard came with. that was what omri and patricks suprise was. i would totally recamend this book. it was great.

Indian In The Cupboard
Indian In The Cupboard was an interesting book. Omrey liked his presents he got, but he finally found the present he actually enjoyed.
Mary Johnson's Review
I enjoyed reading this book.It was a good story and I loved the fantasy about the Indian. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Banks, Lynne Reid    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Classics    8. Fiction    9. Indians of North America    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Magic    12. People & Places - United States - Native American    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Toys    15. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    16. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (8)

encounter
this book is about when christopher colmbus came to america and first met the natives. It shows that they white explorers wernt really that great, and were not kind to the natives. I think that this book is ok, beacuse it shows the cruelty of the englsih exploers.

Not for childern.
This book was very descriptive. It had a theme, and stuck to it. It is historicallycorrect, but I don't think it's appropriate for younger kids. This book talks about dieases, and losing one's home and family. It's good for those kids in Kindergarden, but even then, that's pushing it. Overall, it's an okay book.

The True Meaning behind Encounter
The book, Encounter, was so astonishing because of it's vivid descriptions. Not only did it express the arrival of Christopher Columbus through another's eyes, but it was through a child that the story was told. No one believed him because he was so young and they believed that the dream that had been sent to him was just a nightmare. He could tell that they were evil and greedy ever since they set foot in his home. The new arrivers had treated his people like indians, believing that their gifts were to great for such lowly people. Their clothes were so colorful compared to the clothes that wore. After being accepted in a new territory they compensated by having people taken away from them to become slaves. But still no one listened to such a small boy. He escaped and that's how he was able to tell his tale to others, but it was too late. All the people he had once knew were taken away from him forever. I really liked this book because it was in the point of view from someone so young and innocent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    6. Historical - United States - General    7. Indians of the West Indies    8. Juvenile fiction    9. People & Places - United States - Native American    10. Taino Indians    11. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Exploration & Discovery   

Reviews (2)

Reflections from a Medicine Lake
I have never quite understood why Nancy Wood's poetry collections are classified as "young adult".Her deep wisdom and clarity are more likely to be more fully appreciated by adults.This is a wonderful gift book for transitions times: graduations, marriage, death of a lovedone, etc. Her poems are liking looking deep into a Medicine Lake where onesees the very fabric of life and all the its intricate connections. FrankHowell's paintings will fill you with awe and haunt your dreams.

"A precious collection of thoughts for everyone."
I first read Nancy Wood's Dancing Moons after visiting Santa Fe and seeing Frank Howell's gallery. The words and thoughts that Wood has shared with the reader are thoughtful and energising. I find myself going back to herwritings for guidance often,for myself and to share with friends and lovedones. I am appreciative of the emotions she has shared with us. Her talentsas an expressive writer are world class. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Ethnic - Native American    4. Indians of North America    5. New Mexico    6. People & Places - United States - Native American    7. Poetry    8. Poetry - General    9. Taos Indians    10. Fiction    11. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (6)

Jesse Smoke was a real boy.
Through the eyes of a young man, we were able to see the tragedy that the Andrew Jackson administration orchestrated in behalf of the Cherokee nation as well as many other Southeastern Indian tribes. We were able to feel the hurt and know the injustice of a peaceful people uprooted and driven, in the dead of winter, to a reservation in what is now Oklahoma. We were able to feel the hopes and dreams of a boy and a people shattered by greed, politics and military might. This is a classic which should be in every school library in the country. Yes, I have that drop ofblood in my veins that makes me a bona fide Cherokee. I am proud that the legend of a proud, industrious, creative people still remains in our hearts.

The Journal of Jesse Smoke
The Journal of Jesse Smoke Jesse Smoke's Journal
If you like historical fiction, then I think you should read The Journal of Jesse Smoke because it was very exciting.It was exciting when the soldiers came to take all the Cherokee and Creeke Indians.I thought that was interesting because then a white man came trying to steal the house when a soilder beat up.Then, they went to a lot of forts.Many died.The Cherokee and Creeke Indians called that journey the Trail of Tears.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cherokee Indians    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 19th Century    7. History    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Historical Fiction    10. People & Places - United States - Native American    11. Trail of Tears, 1838    12. American history: c 1500 to c 1900    13. Historical figures    14. Indigenous peoples    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    16. USA    17. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (5)

Sweet and educational
This is a gentle book, both the words and illustrations, whichguides the reader through the process of making a traditional Navajo rug.Told from the goat's perspective, humor is interwoven with facts. My 5 year old wants to add that the goat ate up some of the flowers the weaver had collected when she wasn't looking.
Kids book?I still love it at 30 years old!
I was raised on this book and it has always been a favorite of mine. The pictures are delightful and the story has stayed with me through the years. I love how Geraldine decides to eat all the yummy plants they were going to use to dye the wool.OOPS!Now I find it is on the school reading list and being used in the classroom! I highly recommend this book as a favorite for children and parents alike.

Goat's point of view
This is a very funny story about a goat that tells the story of how her fur becomes a Navajo rug.If you look close enough at the front cover, you'll notice the book is written by the goat herself.It's a wonderful book for all ages, especially Navajo children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fiction    5. Hand weaving    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Navajo textile fabrics    8. People & Places - United States - Native American    9. Rugs    10. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (21)

One of the Best Children's Books Ever Made
On one level, it's a Cinderella story in a different setting.But it's more than that.On a little deeper level, it's a story about true beauty being inside, but it's more than that.The book seems to have so many layers of meaning depending on how you look at it, all in what seems at first like a simple picture book.Confidence, ties to the Earth, insight into others, and more.I've read this book to my sons and daughters more than any other, and never tire of it.I hope they don't either, and more, I hope they come to understand the richness of the kind of lives lived by the rough face girl, and her sister-in-law to be, and husband to be.

The Rough-Faced Girl
This is a story about a girl who is not beautiful on her outside, but is beautiful on her inside. The story takes place on the shores of Lake Ontario. She and her hard-hearted sisters are three of many women who want to marry an invisible being. But only someone who can see him, can marry him. The lesson is on the importance of having a good heart more than beautiful clothes or looks. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Native American culture and people who need to learn the importance of having a good heart.

The Magnificiant Story of an Indian Girl!
The Rough Face Girl is a beutiful book.It had alot of description and many morals hidden in the words of the book.The young girl was despised by everyone in her village but she always stayed true to herself and others and she ended up with the best person that every girl wanted to marry.I learned that true beauty comes from inside and if you are honest then good things will happen to you.I also learned to be yourself because sooner or later people will start to accept who you are.And I learned to remember that there is always room for improvment.So in conclusion, I feel that this story can be enjoyed by young and old people! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algonquin Indians    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Cinderella (Tale)    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Native American    6. Folklore    7. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful!
I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide. A GREAT BOOK!
Another great book by Kate Waters.This book shows the daily life of a Native American child during the time of the Pilgrims.This book goes great with Sarah Morton's Day and Samuel Eaton's Day.Also, check out On the Mayflower also by Kate Waters.

This is a wonderful book !
We are big fans of Kate Waters' books about the Pilgrims (Samuel Eaton's Day, Sarah Morton's Day and On the Mayflower). When we discovered"Tapenum's Day", we were thrilled !I found the 'point of view'from a young Native American boy to be both fascinating and educational, asdid my children. We enjoyed seeing this historically accuate slice of life,written from a balanced perspective. I think this wonderful book rounds outthe collection, including the other four, that no study of the Pilgrimsshould be without. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. History    5. Juvenile literature    6. Massachusetts    7. New Plymouth, 1620-1691    8. People & Places - General    9. Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony)    10. Wampanoag Indians    11. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (7)

Kaya:An American Girl
I started reading the Kaya books to my 6 year old daughter a few months ago, and she loves them.I like how the author takes the reader into the world of Native American culture in a way that is interesting to adults and children.My daughter practices saying the Nez Perce words, which are so conviently located in the glossary in the back of the book.It's helped to open up her world to other cultures right here in our own country.Kaya is a brave girl with anxieties who loves her family;not all that different from our own American girls of today!I highly recommend these books for mothers and daughters to read together when they're young, then have them read them again later on their own.

Kaya Boxed Set
I have this set. It is enjoyable because you don't have to take the books out from a libray. I took the first book out and I also took out the third( the second was taken out). Its nice to have a boxed set so you know where they all are. The books---I enjoyed them alot. But the only thing is that some of the books(like book 1) I didn't enjoy as much as the others. I give this boxed set a high 4 stars!

Excellent Books
Last Christmas, just after she turned 5, my daughter received the present she wanted most--the complete set of Kaya books, her first experience of the American Girls. We began reading them together right away, and she loved them. While the reading level is higher than most of the American Girls books, she had few problems with comprehension as I read the text aloud. She began using many of the Nez Perce words she learned from the story--for some time, her daddy became "Toe-Ta" and I was "Eetsa." Another reviewer complained about the Native American religious beliefs scattered about the text. I found these to be in context for the character (after all, what would one expect given the culture and the time?), and when our faith differs from what is written in the book, it made for some good discussion. Kaya is a character who comes across as real--she makes mistakes, she has doubts, frustrations, and fears. What makes her a great character is that she learns from her mistakes and meets her fears head on with courage. Katie and I look forward to reading more American Girls books together over the years. Our introduction to them has made us eager for more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. General    4. Girls & Women    5. Historical - United States - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. People & Places - United States - Native American   

Reviews (2)

Circles and cycles, blessings and renewal
If you have Nancy Wood's other volumes you already know what kind of a spell she can weave.She just keeps getting better with each collection.You can open to any page and find a line or two you want to remember always.Her thoughtful reflections on what is good in life remind us allever so gently to be more mindful as we move through our days. Howellpotrays our elders with the sanctity they deserve.This book, like herothers, makes a great gift for all adults, young in age and young at heart.

Wonderful ritual-evoking poetry, inspiring art work
I was given this book as a gift, and even just glancing through it the first time, i found myself drawn by it., There are many poems that will provide the basis for rituals throughout my life, and hte artwork hassomething special about it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult People & Places    2. Children's poetry, American    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Juvenile poetry    5. People & Places - United States - Native American    6. Poetry    7. Poetry - General    8. Taos Indians    9. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (7)

Five Stars from a Texan
As a Texan, I had to have this book for my 4 month girl. Obviously, she is too young to understand the text, but as soon as she is old enough I will not hesitate to continue reading this book to her. It is so beautifully written and the illustrations are wonderful, as Tomie dePaola's illustrations always are. The lessons of selflessness and sacrifice are invaluable. And it gives a perfect opportunity to discuss such realities of life as being orphaned and loneliness in a non-threatening way if the proper discussion between parent and child accompanies the book.

Happy Customer
Wonderful prompt service.Couldn't be happier. Book was in wonderful condition!

This was my favorite story when...
This was my favorite story when I was a child. I love how it tells of a young girl who chooses to give up something she loves for her family and people... I read this book whenever I could in school. Now that I teach pre school I get to share the beauty of this story with my class and they love it too...In Texas you see them everywhere in late March to early May. I use to think it was funny but now I have to wonder why, when you see a bluebonnet an Indian paintbrush isn't that far away? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluebonnets (Lupines)    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Comanche Indians    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Native American    6. Folklore    7. Indians of North America    8. Texas    9. Fairy tales, folk tales, fables, magical tales & traditional stories    10. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American    11. Picture books   

Reviews (6)

Code Talker
What did Navajo Indians do in World War 2?The title of my book is Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac.The main character is Kii Yazhi.He is forced to go to boarding school.From boarding school he heads off to war.
code talker review
my son asked me to pick out a relatively short book from the library for his 8th grade book report.Code talker was it.After he raved about it, and spoke of some specifics, i read it myself before returning to the library.It is a beautifully told tale that intertwines the 'simple' english translation of a navajo language filled with spirituality, respect, honor, and a mythological belief in how things came to be.
Code Talkers
Code Talkers is a fantastic book. The author Joseph Bruchac really knows how to write a good book. When the main charector was growing up he was told he would be nothing. When he got out of boarding school he was on his way to being a big succes.
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Subjects:  1. Boys / Men    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Cryptography    5. Fiction    6. Historical - Military & Wars    7. Historical - United States - General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Navajo code talkers    10. Navajo language    11. People & Places - United States - Native American    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Military & Wars   

Reviews (18)

Great story but really sad
I read this book in school and I enjoyed it. It had a lot of good history in it and I think it's important that people know the horrible things which were done to Native Americans. This story is beautiful and touching but if you are a sensitive reader I suggest keeping a box of tissues nearby because parts of it are really sad. The writer creates a strong bond between Ishi and the reader and at times it was as if I was feeling his pain. Though it's an emotional story, I really think it's powerful and worth a read.

College Bound required reading
I was required to read this book when I took a freshman Anthropology Class many years ago.It is an eye-opening story about human struggle and love of life.Any student planning to attend college should read this book and understand what real difficulty has already been faced.
Wonderfully Moving!
This historical and soulful account of America's last "Wild Indian" is a great adventure, filled with insights and lessons about compassion. It reminds me of my favorite Native American book, Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Ishi    6. Ishi,    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. People & Places - United States - Native American    9. Yana Indians    10. d. 1916    11. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (29)

Very deep and moving
I love this book, and I love Zia, but it is very sad. Zia is very strong and determined, but she doesn't care for anything but Karana. She closes her heart to everyone but Karana - even before she actually meets her, she only thinks of her and only wants her. And then... she finds herself all alone. Even her younger brother, who loves her so much, leaves her, because seeing that there is no place for him in Zia's heart, he gives his heart to the sea. It's also sad that Father Vicente's good intentions don't work out because they are not practical, and that means there is no way at all for the Indians. They can never become what the Europeans want them to be - and in the way they are there is just no place for them in the new world the Europeans have created.

Fans of Island of the Blue Dolphins: Stay Away From Zia
Longtime fans of Scott O'Dell's classic Island of the Blue Dolphins, do yourself a favor and avoid this lackluster sequel.
Interesting and Entertaining
I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins and this sequel was good too. The story is written from the viewpoint of the original character's niece. You will learn a lot about the sea, the treasures the sea brings, the dangers of the sea and about the history of the Islands.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Indians of North America    8. People & Places - United States - Native American    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Situations - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Editorial Review

A peaceful, tropical world is the setting for Read more

Reviews (14)

Morning Girl review by a 10 year old girl
Morning Girl takes place in the late 1400's when Christopher Columbus discovered a Bahamian Island. While Christopher was there, he wrote an entry saying that he was taking 6 of the natives back to England to teach them English. The family that the book focuses on endures a course of events that includes an unborn child dying, a family member running away, a strange meeting, and a new name. The main character Morning Girl is almost exactly the opposite of her brother, Star Boy. Star Boy loves the dark and is always up at night. But in the afternoons, Star Boy is sound asleep. However, Morning Girl is up at the crack of dawn, so Star Boy and Morning Girl only cross paths in the evenings. My favorite scene in the book included my two favorite characters. Morning Girl was curious about her face and her mother suggested that Morning Girl could trace her face with her hand to allow her to picture in her mind what she looked like. I liked Morning Girl and her Mother because I thought if they were alive today they would be nice people to meet.

Morning Girl
In the Year 1492 when the Indians stroke the land, there lived a girl. Her name was Morning Girl. Her brother's name is Star Boy. Her Mother's name is She Who Wins the Race, and her father's name is He who talks to Birds.
Discuss This Topic With Your Students
I am saddened to hear this beautiful book called boring in some of these reviews. Obviously the true message Michael Dorris gives is missed. The author paints a very vivid picture of how close this family is, how they belong to a real community of loving people, and how they are much like the contemporary family today. Then comes Christopher Columbus to snatch the Tainos from the Island and whisk them to Spain to become "real people". What a great discussion this book leads. This is one book that may not be picked up willingly by young hands, but needs to be suggested. Then, watch the discussion begin! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arawak Indians    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Family - General    5. Fiction    6. Indians of the West Indies    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. People & Places - United States - Native American    9. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (94)

Profound Look into One Boy's Search For Identity
"When the Legends Die" is a well-written novel by Hal Borland which covers how one young Indian attempts to find balance between the "white man's world" and the world of his native ancestors. As he struggles to keep old traditions in the modern world, his life becomes montony, an endless circle that leads nowhere but is always changing the young man's character. He must decide whether the "new way" or the "old way" is the way for him.
Awesome!
This was a wonderful tale of a young boy's struggle for survival in a new world and his search for his past one.

Hmmm....how to describe
This book, I have a hard time even describing.I picked it up for the first time in high school, for a book report.I was completely mesmerized by the story.Maybe not even the story, but the feeling the book gives off.Intense sadness, isolation by choice, integration by force....then there's the way it's brought into the beautiful, painful scenery. It's been a couple of years since I've read this, so I'm not going to quote exact details.However, it's a rare book that I can look back on, and set myself into, because I remembered the way scenes felt.That's not just good writing.That's fantastic writing, in my opinion.If you want a book that will stick with you, long after you've finished it, try this one.I don't think you'll be dissapointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Historical - United States - 20th Century    4. People & Places - United States - Native American    5. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Editorial Review

For most people, being swept away in a horse stampede during a raging thunderstorm would be a terrifying disaster. For the young Native American girl in Paul Goble's 1979 Caldecott-winning masterpiece, Read more

Reviews (14)

Beautiful art, distant voice
I have to argee with a previous reviewer who commented on the weakness of the narrative voice in _The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses_: it is just too distant and does not draw children in as many other stories do.Graphically it has a Native American "feel" to it, which helps the weak writing, which is why I gave it 4 stars.A better collection of Native stories is Joseph Bruhac's _Dog People: Native Dog Stories_.

The girl who loved wild horses
The book I read is called The girl who loved wild horses.The girl who loved wild horses is for younger children under 8. It is about a girl that lived with wild horses. In a terrible storm the horses get scared and run away into the wild horse country.Since she does not know the way home how will she survive?I would give this book 3 stars.

Not a hit at my house
Halfway into the story, my kids asked if we could read something else. I suspect this may be a book that appeals more to adults than to children. The art work is beautiful and the plot worthwhile, but the narrative voice is so distant and emotionless--I expect that is probably what turned my kids off. The girl, the tribe, and the animals don't have names. The piece reads like a prologue rather than a story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Classics    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Native American    5. Fairy tales    6. Fiction    7. Horses    8. Indians of North America    9. People & Places - United States - Native American    10. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (4)

Imaginative book for nature lovers
If you and your children love nature and the outdoors, give yourself a treat and read this book together. I read this with my 10 year olds, and all three of us loved it. There is enough adventure to spark a child's imagination, and the tale provides opportunities for teaching one's children about important conservation issues. The artwork is wonderful, and we had the poster which is included with the book matted and framed. My girls love to look at the poster, and discuss again the details of the story that are depicted in this wonderful artwork by Bev Doolittle. This is a book that your children will remember and return to again and again.
Restoring the circle....
THE EARTH IS MY MOTHER is the tale of a girl named "Star" -- a spunky 11-year and a true heroine. EMM has been beautifully illustrated by Bev Doolittle--known for her "camouflage" Native American and wildlife artwork. Since millions of dollars from the proceeds of Ms. Doolittle's works have gone to support the National Wildlife Federation, you can imagine the major theme of this book is the preservation of the wilderness. The storyline is based on Ms. Doolittle's concept but the text was actually written by Elise Maclay, author of two books of poetry, "Approaching Autumn" and "Green Winter."EMM is a feast for the ear and the eye. adventure story for children who love nature
This is a beautifully written adventure story set in the Southwest which my son and daughter, ages 10 and 11, both loved.It made a terrific family 'read aloud' for all of us. Like most kids today, they are conservationistsand lovers of nature and Native American lore. The author artfully setsforth an important environmental issue, destruction of habitat, in anadventure-story format.The 11 year old heroine, Sarah, is brave anddelightful, wrestling not only with saving the earth but familydifficulties my kids empathized with. The illustrations by Bev Doolittle --'camoflague' art the kids loved to piece together -- are gorgeous.Weloved it! I'm ordering a few copies for friends -- it's a great summer readfor kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canyons    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Conservation