Michael Dorris (1945–1997)

Morning Girl is a story about an indiginous family that lives on an island in 1492. The chapters alternate narraters between two siblings, Morning Girl and Star Boy. It tells the struggles of sibling love and finding your place in your family. Morning girl has short easy to read chapters. This book would be a great introduction to historical fiction for elementary students. They will be able to relate with the characters feelings about their sibling even in this modern time.

Here's what I wrote in 2008 about this read: "There are many ways for a youth to be troubled, almost to the point of losing their way home, and many reasons to be troubled. But the bonds of woman and blood are strong. A tale of one such youth, with her mix of Native American and African American blood." Honesty, though, at this point I have no memory of reading this book.

This story is about a Native American boy who has a sight impairment and it is harder for him to earn his adult name than other boys. He has to learn to rely on other senses since he can't see. Walnut goes on a dangerous journey which helps him earn his name. Walnut gradually learns confidence in himself through his journey in finding his name. He also learned the respect of his tribe by going on a dangerous adventure. This book is exciting and will keep you reading to the end!!

fair - Katrina