Sing Down the Moon facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Duaa Attique |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Abdul Bari |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature Classics Historical Fiction |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin |
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Publication date
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2021 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 124 pp |
| ISBN | 03476058777 |
| LC Class | Medical Hospital |
| Followed by | Kror people |
Sing Down The Moon is a powerful children's literature book. It was written by author Scott O'Dell and first published in 1970. The book quickly gained recognition. It was named a Newbery Medal Honor Book in 1971. Later, it was chosen as a Booklist Contemporary Classic for Young Adults in 1984. In 1990, it received the Phoenix Award Honor Book from the Children's Literature Association.
Story Summary
The story follows a young Navajo girl named Bright Morning. Her family lives a traditional Navajo life. Her mother owns a large flock of sheep, which is common for Navajo women. Bright Morning helps by taking the sheep to the High Mesas. She goes with her black dog and friends, White Deer and Running Bird. They let the sheep eat the fresh, new grass there.
A Difficult Journey
One day, Bright Morning and Running Bird are captured. They are taken by men they soon realize are Spaniards. The leader of these men is a slave catcher. He plans to sell the girls. Bright Morning describes him as "the one with white teeth." He had already sold a 12-year-old girl named Rosita to a woman (Señora) in a nearby town. Bright Morning and Running Bird are then sold separately.
Planning an Escape
Bright Morning is treated kindly by the Señora. However, she misses her home and family. She starts to plan her escape. During an Easter Celebration in town, Bright Morning meets Nehana. Nehana is a girl from the Nez Perce tribe. Nehana tells Bright Morning where Running Bird is being held. They decide to escape together soon.
The Journey Home
Bright Morning, Nehana, and Running Bird try to escape. But the Spaniards catch up to them. Luckily, Bright Morning's future husband, Tall Boy, arrives. He is with Mando and his men. A fight breaks out with the Spaniards. During the fight, Tall Boy is shot, and the Spanish leader is killed. When Bright Morning and her group finally return home, they face new challenges. American soldiers, called "Long Knives," are now claiming their land. The Navajo people are forced to leave their home in Canyon De Chelly. The tribe begins a difficult journey away from their homeland. Many members struggle because of the harsh conditions.
