Tracy M. (tracymar) reviewed on 6/25/2008 + 408 more book reviews

This book is not age 9-12 as the description says although it is readable enough to be read by this age group. It is a collection of Native American folktales, however, that could appeal to all ages. Publishers' Weekly says: "Young women are the protagonists of 16 stories intended "to reach the daughters and granddaughters who will come after." Becoming a woman and marrying correctly are common themes: brave and resourceful heroines escape monsters and kidnappers, comically avoid marriage to trickster Owl or tragically die with their husbands. Unusual selections include "The Beauty Way," a recounting of an Apache rite of passage; "Stonecoat," the defeat of an evil and powerful medicine man by women who use the power of their "moontime"; and the title story, in which a girl not only marries the moon but shares his job with him. Comments on the stories open the four sections of the book (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest), each of which contains tales from four different nations (e.g., Penobscot, Seneca, Passamaquoddy and Mohegan for the Northeast)."

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details