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Native American Legends
Turquoise Boy: A Navajo Legend
A retelling of a Navajo Indian legend in which Turquoise Boy searches for something that will make the Navajo people's lives easier; includes a brief history of the Navajo people and their customs.
48 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 23, 2019
One of Terri Cohlene's six contributions to the larger Native American Legends series - I have also read her
Clamshell Boy: A Makah Legend
and
Dancing Drum: A Cherokee Legend
- this book sets out the traditional Navajo tale (so I assume - see below for more details) of Turquoise Boy, one of Changing Woman's two sons, who goes on a quest to find a way to make life easier for the People. Seeking aid from the Talking Gods of the White Shell Mountain of the East, the Turquoise Mountain of the South, the Yellow Abalone Shell Mountain of the West, and the Black Jet Mountain of the North, Turquoise Boy finds himself the recipient of many gifts, but no answers to his question. Even his father, the Sun Bearer, seems unable to help him. Then Turquoise Boy happens upon Mirage Man, and with his gifts - and his mother's help - he brings a wonderful new helper into the world for the People: the horse.
Unfortunately, as with Cohlene's other folkloric retellings, I couldn't find any mention of source material in Turquoise Boy, although there is an entire page for photo credits, at the rear. A list of further reading ideas - both factual and folkloric - and a discussion of where the author found her stories (a Native storyteller? a written collection of tales?) would add a great deal to the books in this series, and the absence of such material really made me wonder. I'd like to take it on trust that this is an authentic retelling, rather than a derivative and exploitative rip-off, but given the poor track record, when it comes to the presentation of Native American material in children's books, I feel rather skeptical. As mentioned above, this is my third Cohlene title, which means I have three yet to read (I currently have all six checked out of the library) - so we'll see whether the others have the same problem.
Unfortunately, as with Cohlene's other folkloric retellings, I couldn't find any mention of source material in Turquoise Boy, although there is an entire page for photo credits, at the rear. A list of further reading ideas - both factual and folkloric - and a discussion of where the author found her stories (a Native storyteller? a written collection of tales?) would add a great deal to the books in this series, and the absence of such material really made me wonder. I'd like to take it on trust that this is an authentic retelling, rather than a derivative and exploitative rip-off, but given the poor track record, when it comes to the presentation of Native American material in children's books, I feel rather skeptical. As mentioned above, this is my third Cohlene title, which means I have three yet to read (I currently have all six checked out of the library) - so we'll see whether the others have the same problem.
June 2, 2018
It’s hard work being the son of the gods - especially when The People suffer. How does Turquoise Boy solve this problem- read and find out.
September 27, 2022
The story Turquoise Boy: A Navajo Legend is a good folktale that contains a good storyline. In this story, the boy feels bad for the people working in the fields. Throughout the story, the boy talks to several people to try and find different ways to help them. This story would be considered a myth and a legend. The book contains great illustrations, maps, and timelines that helps readers understand the story in depth. I would read this story in my classroom aloud as a whole group-we would talk about the meaning, timelines, map, vocabulary, and the illustrations this story contains. I would also place this book in the classroom library, where the students will be able to read it independently or with a partner.
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September 16, 2021Turquoise boy goes to talk to the gods for his people are always working so hard in the field. Each god sends him to another with a different object to offer and ask them the same question. He eventually got powder from the mirage man. He and his mother sprinkled them on skins and prayed and eventually by morning his people now had horses to help them plant and work.
October 11, 2023
So, my research tells me that this Diné-inspired retelling is not accurate or respectful. This story is considered sacred and should only be told carefully, by a tribal elder, if at all. The back matter in the book is okay, but having it there implies that Cohlene did research about the Diné people, and if that were true, this book would not exist.
March 30, 2023
A creation story about how the Diné people got horses, accompanied by lovely illustrations. I loved reading this story of care, faith, persistance, and reverence to my younger son's fifth grade class today for National Reading Month.
July 30, 2018
Fourteen pages of back matter make this a longer-than-typical picture book. In the back matter is an exploration of Navajo elements and culture creating within this one volume two texts that might be shared in the classroom (including a glossary of terms).
This review is pending consultation with A BROKEN FLUTE reviews for representation and accuracy of story and nonfiction elements.
Edited (30 July 2018) to add that TURQUOISE BOY and other books in the Native American Legends series do not get favorable reviews from A BROKEN FLUTE. Deities cast as teens. Ceremonies presented in simple song. Illustrations depict Indians with eyes closed. "How They Live Now" materials are inaccurate or limiting.
This review is pending consultation with A BROKEN FLUTE reviews for representation and accuracy of story and nonfiction elements.
Edited (30 July 2018) to add that TURQUOISE BOY and other books in the Native American Legends series do not get favorable reviews from A BROKEN FLUTE. Deities cast as teens. Ceremonies presented in simple song. Illustrations depict Indians with eyes closed. "How They Live Now" materials are inaccurate or limiting.
March 21, 2020
I love when I read a book and think, why did I wait so long to read that. I loved this story.
January 26, 2023
Interesting read on the legends of horses.
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May 11, 2016• Interest Level: Lower Grades
• Reading Level: 4.9
• Guided Reading Level: T
• Genre: Traditional Literature
• Support for the genre: This is a story that is passed down from generations and generations. It is a Navajo creation story.
• Additional Genres: Picture Books
Summary: The legend of how the horse came to the Navajo people. The Turquoise boy is the son of Holy Ones, the sun and the changing woman; he seeks out a way to help the humans in the desert to not have to work so hard. He visits other Spirits and collects different items; he then brings the items into the earth and discovers horses. He brings this to his father and mother who bring horses to the people. People honor the gift of the sacred horse by offering pollen and singing a sacred song.
Mentor Writing Traits:
Ideas:
The author does not clearly give the reader the topic or main idea. They instead encourage the reader to interpret what his happening in the story and why.
Organization:
The story is organized in a more fluid manner; it is not always clear where the characters are going and what they are achieving until near the end.
Word Choice:
There are many Navajo words and descriptions used to enhance the validity of the story.
Presentation:
The illustrations are presented in different ways, including a lot of Navajo artwork and motifs, and also pages that illustrate what the text is explaining.
Classroom Integration and other suggestions:
This would be a challenging story to integrate into the classroom. It could be used when learning about the southwest region or the Navajo people. Or how different cultures have different forms of story telling. There could be a lesson about inference or reflection. A section of the book I would focus on is the ending, having a group discussion on why the main character used those specific items to create the horse.
• Reading Level: 4.9
• Guided Reading Level: T
• Genre: Traditional Literature
• Support for the genre: This is a story that is passed down from generations and generations. It is a Navajo creation story.
• Additional Genres: Picture Books
Summary: The legend of how the horse came to the Navajo people. The Turquoise boy is the son of Holy Ones, the sun and the changing woman; he seeks out a way to help the humans in the desert to not have to work so hard. He visits other Spirits and collects different items; he then brings the items into the earth and discovers horses. He brings this to his father and mother who bring horses to the people. People honor the gift of the sacred horse by offering pollen and singing a sacred song.
Mentor Writing Traits:
Ideas:
The author does not clearly give the reader the topic or main idea. They instead encourage the reader to interpret what his happening in the story and why.
Organization:
The story is organized in a more fluid manner; it is not always clear where the characters are going and what they are achieving until near the end.
Word Choice:
There are many Navajo words and descriptions used to enhance the validity of the story.
Presentation:
The illustrations are presented in different ways, including a lot of Navajo artwork and motifs, and also pages that illustrate what the text is explaining.
Classroom Integration and other suggestions:
This would be a challenging story to integrate into the classroom. It could be used when learning about the southwest region or the Navajo people. Or how different cultures have different forms of story telling. There could be a lesson about inference or reflection. A section of the book I would focus on is the ending, having a group discussion on why the main character used those specific items to create the horse.
September 9, 2013
This is a book that is a bit on the long side. Definitely a book that older children, ages 9-12 would read. It has a good story and a great moral, yet it lack the easy dialogue and easy reader words most books tend to have. It has really nice illustration done by Charles Reasoner. This is a good book for when children start learning about Native American Culture, specifically the Navajo. This story is a story with the moral about never giving up, and how hard work pays off, also about empathy. This child feels bad that people are working so hard, so he tries to find a way for them to move quicker and he discovers horses. This book then goes on to tell the legend of horses and how horses should be appreciated and are a gift given from the Navajo gods. I really enjoy reading legends, myths or fables that have strong morals or a strong theme, and this one definitely does when it comes to horses. That horses should be appreciated and it even mentions how Navajo Indians offer pollen to the winds and chant for the sacred horses. What I really also like about the book is that the last few pages offer facts and more information about the Navajo culture.
March 2, 2014
Turquoise Boy is a Navajo folk tale about a boy who seeks to help make the Navajo's work faster and easier. A literary element the book uses is conflict - Turquoise Boy desires to help the Navajo, and to he finds horses to solve the problem. This book could be used in a classroom environment when talking about different cultures, as it gives a historically accurate detailing of Navajo culture at the end of the book.
September 10, 2014
I am unfamiliar with Navajo legends, so the story of Turquoise Boy is fun and interesting and wonderful because it has horses in it. The retelling is interesting. But what I liked best was the bit of history with photographs and timelines and information given at the end. This brought the story to life and gave me the framework I needed to help understand the story.
November 16, 2012
I didn't look at this before grabbing it for my four year old. Pretty wordy, but he was still interested in it! I am a sucker for Native American folklore in general, so it was nice to see it in a children's format.
February 25, 2013
This book is a great wa to introduce the Najavo tribe to students. The pictures and colors used are relevent to the culture. This book has many words which would be great for fourth grade students. This book is great for students.
April 7, 2014
Turquoise Boy, son of the Sun God Sun Bearer, wants an easier life for his people the Navajo. In trying to find a solution, he takes a journey to various gods asking them for something that would help. He does finally find a solution after several very taxing trips.
A Navajo legend.
A Navajo legend.
June 11, 2008
My Grandma used to read this wonderful story to my cousin and me. You should definitely read this book. I absolutely love the pictures in it.
February 17, 2010
Good book!
April 25, 2011
Great book to introduce different types of Indian Tribes (the Navajo being one). As the young boy tries to search for something to make life easier. I enjoyed this book!
Culture & Diversity
Culture & Diversity
January 6, 2011
A combination of the legend and then a substantial amount of factual material about the Navajo lifestyle.
November 3, 2013
great legend... with historic and cultural information
August 3, 2011
Great addition to my legends section of my library.
July 8, 2014
I just keep mentioning how much I love this series. They're excellent.
November 13, 2014
With non-fiction section about tribe at end.
January 21, 2015
I enjoyed the last 1/4 of the book (about the Navajo homeland, people, and beliefs) more than the main story/legend.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews