Island of the Blue Dolphins is a intense book that tells the story of an Indian girl who is left alone on an island for years. Karana has adventures, troubles, has to face wild dogs, and loves her animal friends. This is such a great book for children or adults. Eventually Karana thrives on the island and enjoys happy days, while longing for the day that a ship will come and reunite her with her people. Will the ship come to her island?
The Black Pearl tells the story of a 16 year old boy named Ramon Salazar. Ramon's father is a successful pearl dealer. Ramon is made partner in the business. On a pearl hunt he finds the Great Pearl of Heaven, an enormous black pearl. An old Indian tells Ramon it belongs to the great manta ray and that he must return it to the ocean or be cursed. Events occur that convince Ramon that the old Indian is right. What will Ramon do? I love the family interaction in this book, how Ramon matures, the good vs. evil tale, the description of the pearl hunts, the water, and the great manta ray.
Lastly is Sing Down the Moon. This is the chilling tale of a 14 year old girl named Bright Morning, a Navajo Indian living in Arizona. She has to face the threat of Spanish slave traders and then the forced migration of her people to Fort Sumner in New Mexico. So, so sad that this really happened in America's past. Bright Morning's story is compelling.
