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Sing Down the Moon
Vintage paperback
138 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 1970
212 people are currently reading
3863 people want to read
About the author
Scott O'Dell
82 books812 followersScott O'Dell was an American author celebrated for his historical fiction, especially novels for young readers. He is best known for Island of the Blue Dolphins, a classic that earned the Newbery Medal and has been translated into many languages and adapted for film. Over his career he wrote more than two dozen novels for young people, as well as works of nonfiction and adult fiction, often drawing on the history and landscapes of California and Mexico. His books, including The King’s Fifth, The Black Pearl, and Sing Down the Moon, earned him multiple Newbery Honors and a wide readership. O'Dell received numerous awards for his contribution to children’s literature, among them the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Regina Medal. In 1984, he established the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction to encourage outstanding works in the genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 578 reviews
August 15, 2019
Since I found this book at a garage sale, and I'm a fan of Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins, I thought I should read it before putting it in my Grade 3 classroom library. Although it is more suited for middle school-aged students and up, I found this story to be a fascinating piece of historical fiction of a time in Native American history. As a Canadian, I was unaware of this tragic period, so this book really opened my eyes!
October 15, 2019
3.5 but a round up for the great historical fiction background. I love history and love knowing that someone else loves it enough to write about forgotten events.
While this is a Young Adult novel the story doesn't shy away from an embarrassing time in U.S history. O'Dell talks about the Sand Creek Massacre that John M. Chivington led. In 1864, a minister from Denver, Colorado set upon a sleeping village of Arapahoes and Cheyennes killing everyone-- 75 men, 225 old people, women, and children. A serial killer, basically, cutting scalps removing female and Male genitals, and keeping fetuses as battle trophies. At the time, he was a hero but now he is known as "cowardly and coldblooded."
(I Googled him to find out who and what he did. The book does not go into this depth but mentions him)
The narrator is Bright Morning who eventually gets taken by slavers and has the courage to flee and return home.
Her story was easy to read. Bright Morning's narrative was simplistic for its audience but I did give it an extra star for the postscript. It explains how the Navaho's got screwed by the United States. First, their crops and livestock got destroyed, then became slaves by the Utes under U.S promise. Finally, the 300-mile journey of the Navaho's known as The Long Walk. This is a story told generation to generation, in bitterness, to honor their culture.
Fast paced and short, probably a few hours by fast readers.
While this is a Young Adult novel the story doesn't shy away from an embarrassing time in U.S history. O'Dell talks about the Sand Creek Massacre that John M. Chivington led. In 1864, a minister from Denver, Colorado set upon a sleeping village of Arapahoes and Cheyennes killing everyone-- 75 men, 225 old people, women, and children. A serial killer, basically, cutting scalps removing female and Male genitals, and keeping fetuses as battle trophies. At the time, he was a hero but now he is known as "cowardly and coldblooded."
(I Googled him to find out who and what he did. The book does not go into this depth but mentions him)
The narrator is Bright Morning who eventually gets taken by slavers and has the courage to flee and return home.
Her story was easy to read. Bright Morning's narrative was simplistic for its audience but I did give it an extra star for the postscript. It explains how the Navaho's got screwed by the United States. First, their crops and livestock got destroyed, then became slaves by the Utes under U.S promise. Finally, the 300-mile journey of the Navaho's known as The Long Walk. This is a story told generation to generation, in bitterness, to honor their culture.
Fast paced and short, probably a few hours by fast readers.
August 11, 2013
Read this book in the car to my children as we were traveling through New Mexico to Arizona from our home in Pennsylvania. I love it when I can match a book to a travel destination and this was one of those books. As I was reading, I didn't think my kids really cared, however, once saw mesas and pinon trees my kids' interest perked up. However, when we stopped in Fort Sumner for gas, my kids got so excited because we had just read about Bright Morning and her people being marched there. My son even grabbed the camera to take a picture of the town - too funny! I think the gas station we stopped at is in his picture! Once we made it to the Grand Canyon, we watched some Navaho dancers and again, I asked my children if maybe the girl could be Bright Morning and the young man, Tall Boy! They watched the whole performance without a word! Love when a book brings an interest in history, geography, and culture to life!!
May 19, 2011
When I was a child, Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of my favorite books. I loved reading about Karana's survival skills and her fierce determination in the face of terrifying odds. I was hoping that Sing Down the Moon would provide the same level of interest.
The story itself covers a turbulent and tragic period in the history of the Navaho people. America is no longer only their domain; the Spaniards and White men (or Long Knives) have come to stay. The Spaniards prey on Navaho women and steal them away to be slaves, and the Long Knives enforce military law on the Navaho's proud warriors. The ending is optimistic, but anyone who knows anything about the history of Native Americans won't be consoled by such an ending.
Though I read the book very quickly, I don't believe I ever fully connected to the novel or the main character. Bright Morning has the qualities of a strong heroine, she's brave, clever, and loyal. However, the voice O'Dell gives her is detached, almost cold. I feel like he was imitating the way he thought a Navaho girl would speak, rather than allowing Bright Morning her own voice.
This is, I think, due to the fact that O'Dell was white and writing about a culture different to his own. I'm very happy to have read a book about Native Americans (something I do rarely, to my regret), but I'm disappointed not to have read one by a Native American author. O'Dell can certainly have empathy and understanding for the Navaho plight, but at the end of the day, he is an outsider writing the story of someone totally different to him, and it shows.
The story itself covers a turbulent and tragic period in the history of the Navaho people. America is no longer only their domain; the Spaniards and White men (or Long Knives) have come to stay. The Spaniards prey on Navaho women and steal them away to be slaves, and the Long Knives enforce military law on the Navaho's proud warriors. The ending is optimistic, but anyone who knows anything about the history of Native Americans won't be consoled by such an ending.
Though I read the book very quickly, I don't believe I ever fully connected to the novel or the main character. Bright Morning has the qualities of a strong heroine, she's brave, clever, and loyal. However, the voice O'Dell gives her is detached, almost cold. I feel like he was imitating the way he thought a Navaho girl would speak, rather than allowing Bright Morning her own voice.
This is, I think, due to the fact that O'Dell was white and writing about a culture different to his own. I'm very happy to have read a book about Native Americans (something I do rarely, to my regret), but I'm disappointed not to have read one by a Native American author. O'Dell can certainly have empathy and understanding for the Navaho plight, but at the end of the day, he is an outsider writing the story of someone totally different to him, and it shows.
July 13, 2013
It is 1863 and fourteen-year-old Bright Morning is a Navaho girl living with her father, mother, and older sister Lapana in a village in the Canyon de Chelly, surrounded by mesas in what is now northeastern Arizona. Her brother had been killed by lightning. Her friends are White Deer and Running Bird, and she is sweet on the young warrior Tall Boy. One spring day, Bright Morning and Running Bird take their sheep to pasture on the mesa. Bright Morning’s black dog barks, and that is when she sees the shadows of the two Spanish slavers who kidnap her and Running Bird to be servants in a Mexican town. After a time, with the help of another slave girl named Nahana, they escape and though pursued are rescued by Tall Boy, who is unfortunately shot but survives.
However, not long after their return, the Long Knives (U. S. Army soldiers) force all the Navaho on “The Long Walk” into exile at Ft. Sumner in New Mexico, after destroying their homes, crops, and livestock. Many of the Navaho die. Bright Morning and Tall Boy, who has lost the use of his right arm due to his injury, get married, but what will happen to them and their new baby? Scott O’Dell was a great author who wrote some wonderful historical fiction such as Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day. Sing Down the Moon was a Newbery Honor book in 1971. My first reaction to the book is, “Oh, another story that emphasizes how badly the whites treated the Indians.” Yes, I know that many white people treated many Indian people badly. I also know that many Indians treated white people who simply wanted to live in peace badly too. In fact, O’Dell points out with fairness, “…Many treaties were made between the Navahos and the United States. Most of them were broken, some by whites, some by the Indians.”
Interestingly enough, as I was reading, I was thinking how the Democrats like to portray themselves as being for all oppressed people and Republicans as being oppressors, but they have their Jefferson and Jackson Day dinners to honor one of their heroes, Andrew Jackson, and his was one of the most anti-Indian administrations in our nation’s history leading to the Trail of Tears (1831-1838), whereas it was the Republican Ulysses S. Grant who tried to change federal Indian policy and make it more humane, although there is probably enough blame to go around for both parties. Back to the book, it is a well-crafted and exciting story, in which the Navaho also hear about the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado. All this certainly reminds us that there are some tragic incidents in our country’s past which, thankfully, all right-thinking people have come to regret, and O’Dell tells about this one nicely in a sympathetic way. Of course, mention is made of “the gods” worshipped by the Navaho, and several references to killings and deaths occur. Indeed, there is a pervasive sense of sorrow that permeates the entire plot, but it does end on a somewhat hopeful note. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in Southwestern Native American history.
However, not long after their return, the Long Knives (U. S. Army soldiers) force all the Navaho on “The Long Walk” into exile at Ft. Sumner in New Mexico, after destroying their homes, crops, and livestock. Many of the Navaho die. Bright Morning and Tall Boy, who has lost the use of his right arm due to his injury, get married, but what will happen to them and their new baby? Scott O’Dell was a great author who wrote some wonderful historical fiction such as Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day. Sing Down the Moon was a Newbery Honor book in 1971. My first reaction to the book is, “Oh, another story that emphasizes how badly the whites treated the Indians.” Yes, I know that many white people treated many Indian people badly. I also know that many Indians treated white people who simply wanted to live in peace badly too. In fact, O’Dell points out with fairness, “…Many treaties were made between the Navahos and the United States. Most of them were broken, some by whites, some by the Indians.”
Interestingly enough, as I was reading, I was thinking how the Democrats like to portray themselves as being for all oppressed people and Republicans as being oppressors, but they have their Jefferson and Jackson Day dinners to honor one of their heroes, Andrew Jackson, and his was one of the most anti-Indian administrations in our nation’s history leading to the Trail of Tears (1831-1838), whereas it was the Republican Ulysses S. Grant who tried to change federal Indian policy and make it more humane, although there is probably enough blame to go around for both parties. Back to the book, it is a well-crafted and exciting story, in which the Navaho also hear about the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado. All this certainly reminds us that there are some tragic incidents in our country’s past which, thankfully, all right-thinking people have come to regret, and O’Dell tells about this one nicely in a sympathetic way. Of course, mention is made of “the gods” worshipped by the Navaho, and several references to killings and deaths occur. Indeed, there is a pervasive sense of sorrow that permeates the entire plot, but it does end on a somewhat hopeful note. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in Southwestern Native American history.
September 5, 2020
I have a weakness for a good Scott O'Dell book. I've always been intrigued by stories of survival. But Sing Down the Moon wasn't an O'Dell classic like Island of the Blue Dolphins was. It was very slow-moving and spent way too much time talking about sheep. Sheep this, sheep that. I read this for a report two years ago, and I remember distinctly writing an entire paragraph about what the sheep represented. If I hear one more sentence about wool, I will chuck this book in the trash.
September 13, 2023
There is a point where you have to either submit to the macro history you are surviving, or you sacrifice yourself to futility. In this story we see history overwhelming the Diné (This 1970s text refers to them as the “Navaho”). Those less responsible for physically resisting history in this epoch, the women, talk more about resisting it. Those more responsible for physically resisting it, the men, are resigned. It is pointless for a few to combat a neverending onslaught.
It is worth reading this book just for how skillfully O'dell manages the cultural voice of the Diné. He gives the characters great dignity and self-possession by using a syntax that slightly sets them apart as a race. I personally don’t know how authentic it is, but I do know it never taps those linguistic tropes of Hollywood, which feel to me belittling. Also O'Dell manages to portray the Diné as dispassionate, without making them into statues. We see here a spirited and noble people, ready to risk their lives to escape slavery, but unable, like all of us, to push back the relentless tide of history.
Sheep are used in this story as a deeply-layered symbol. They represent hope for a return to better days, and peace, and bounty, and the choice of life over death, but also submission.
It is worth reading this book just for how skillfully O'dell manages the cultural voice of the Diné. He gives the characters great dignity and self-possession by using a syntax that slightly sets them apart as a race. I personally don’t know how authentic it is, but I do know it never taps those linguistic tropes of Hollywood, which feel to me belittling. Also O'Dell manages to portray the Diné as dispassionate, without making them into statues. We see here a spirited and noble people, ready to risk their lives to escape slavery, but unable, like all of us, to push back the relentless tide of history.
Sheep are used in this story as a deeply-layered symbol. They represent hope for a return to better days, and peace, and bounty, and the choice of life over death, but also submission.
December 14, 2015
Written in 1970, Scott O'Dell's "Sing Down the Moon" is a fictionalized account of the enslavement of Navajo children by Mexicans and their forced removal to Bosque Redondo/Fort Sumner by American soldiers during the 1860s. Had I been an adult when it was first published and had I read it back then, perhaps I would have been grateful that someone spoke of these injustices, as well as Bright Morning's defiance and escape from them. However, I don't believe this book should be read by children today, especially if it is used or received as an illustration of Navajo culture.
As scholar C. Anita Tarr has pointed out, Bright Morning's lack of emotional response to her own imprisonment, the deaths and scattering of her relatives, the destruction of their home, and other experienced atrocities plays into stereotypical images of the "stoic Indian." Though I am not an expert on Navajo culture and history, the trauma that some tribal members still feel about these events of 150 years ago refutes O'Dell's flat portrayal.
Although the author was supposedly recognized for the historical accuracy of his novels, there are various details in "Sing Down the Moon" that do not ring true to me. For example, I can't believe that a Native teenager like Bright Morning -- who is actually almost an adult, given her time and place -- would be so frightened of an oncoming storm that she would leave her family's flock of sheep unattended in a field (pg. 4-5). O'Dell's portrayal of Navajo manhood, particularly in the character of Tall Boy, is quite demeaning, too. This man that Bright Morning ultimately marries is "haughty" (pg. 13-14), a slow runner and sore loser (pg. 70), and, having lost the use of his arm, is unable to defend his people (pg. 79, 89). Imprisoned at Bosque Redondo, he becomes idle (pg. 104). Although he is able to soften Bright Morning's mother by helping to build their hut (pg. 108), it is difficult to understand why the parents would consent to having such a man in their family. Even after the wedding he is "an old woman" who must be prodded to leave the fort (pg. 122-123) and he only returns with Bright Morning to their canyon because he is tired of her nagging (pg. 130). A kind of Tonto character, Tall Boy seems unworthy of her and of real Native men, who aspire to bravery, endurance, and skill.
Books like "Sing Down the Moon" sometimes make me wish that awards could have expiration dates. If read, it needs to be understood as a white person's late 1960s/early 1970s commentary or imagining of Native American history, rather than a true story told from Navajo perspectives.
As scholar C. Anita Tarr has pointed out, Bright Morning's lack of emotional response to her own imprisonment, the deaths and scattering of her relatives, the destruction of their home, and other experienced atrocities plays into stereotypical images of the "stoic Indian." Though I am not an expert on Navajo culture and history, the trauma that some tribal members still feel about these events of 150 years ago refutes O'Dell's flat portrayal.
Although the author was supposedly recognized for the historical accuracy of his novels, there are various details in "Sing Down the Moon" that do not ring true to me. For example, I can't believe that a Native teenager like Bright Morning -- who is actually almost an adult, given her time and place -- would be so frightened of an oncoming storm that she would leave her family's flock of sheep unattended in a field (pg. 4-5). O'Dell's portrayal of Navajo manhood, particularly in the character of Tall Boy, is quite demeaning, too. This man that Bright Morning ultimately marries is "haughty" (pg. 13-14), a slow runner and sore loser (pg. 70), and, having lost the use of his arm, is unable to defend his people (pg. 79, 89). Imprisoned at Bosque Redondo, he becomes idle (pg. 104). Although he is able to soften Bright Morning's mother by helping to build their hut (pg. 108), it is difficult to understand why the parents would consent to having such a man in their family. Even after the wedding he is "an old woman" who must be prodded to leave the fort (pg. 122-123) and he only returns with Bright Morning to their canyon because he is tired of her nagging (pg. 130). A kind of Tonto character, Tall Boy seems unworthy of her and of real Native men, who aspire to bravery, endurance, and skill.
Books like "Sing Down the Moon" sometimes make me wish that awards could have expiration dates. If read, it needs to be understood as a white person's late 1960s/early 1970s commentary or imagining of Native American history, rather than a true story told from Navajo perspectives.
July 6, 2024
So why is this called Sing Down the Moon? I don’t think the moon is even mentioned at all.
January 2, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
Again, I can definitely see how this won the Newbery Award. Strong writing with important historical aspect in relation to the Navaho Indians, this was a good book.
But about a quarter to the end of the book, I grew a bit bored. I also am not sure of my thoughts on the whole of this book. I'll need to let it simmer for a bit before returning to this review...of which I will also post to my blog later as well.
I will say that I'm definitely interested in reading more Newbery Award winners!
Again, I can definitely see how this won the Newbery Award. Strong writing with important historical aspect in relation to the Navaho Indians, this was a good book.
But about a quarter to the end of the book, I grew a bit bored. I also am not sure of my thoughts on the whole of this book. I'll need to let it simmer for a bit before returning to this review...of which I will also post to my blog later as well.
I will say that I'm definitely interested in reading more Newbery Award winners!
April 1, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book because it was about the Navajo tribe ,The Long Knives , and Apaches that they got in a conflict ,had to escape for a better life. There are more interesting things about this book but if you want to know you have to read and find out. I gave this book a 5/5 because it entertained me and it had lots of details also because it seems like the story happened in real life (maybe it did).
May 26, 2025
Very beautiful telling of the long walk of the Navajos to Bosque Redondo. Love the main character and her grit.
May 30, 2016
In this book it talks about how a lot of people lead the Navaho's to a forest called bosque redondo where they were captured and were forced to eat flower and nothing else.What I think about this book is that it's a really intresting and adventurous book to read about.I recommend this book to people who like to read and learn about the old days and history and how people would live and survive back then.
June 9, 2017
This book was VERY boring, it may be because I hate the historical fiction genre. To me there was really no point to the story, its just my option. I would have to say that the way the book was written was not bad, I just didn't like the story in general.
April 15, 2013
“Singing Down the Moon”
According to Scott O’Dell’s “Singing Down the Moon’, the Navaho Native Americans endured many long years of suffrage from the United States and the “Ute’s” Native Americans. The Navahos tried to protect themselves by creating treaties with the U.S, but they ran into trouble because “most of them were broken, some by the whites, some by the Indians”. (O’Dell.122). By 1863, things took a turn for the worst for the Navahos because the U.S. became savage and looted for Navaho’s land and left them homeless, hungry, dead, and made promises the other Indian tribes Navaho female children. The U.S. sent a large fleet of soldiers to force the Navaho’s off of their resourceful land in Arizona into a more dry and barren land in New Mexico. But through it all they managed to maintain their loyalty, strength, dignity, and respect for each other. If it meant dying, then so be it. By 1865, “the group that survived has grown to more than 100,000”. (O’Dell.123). The Navahos had two strong things to help them survive which was their will-power to live and sticking together.
The Navahos thought that all was going good. They had bargained with the U.S. and been given promising news about keeping their land which they did keep for a while. Treaties had been created to make the promises legitimate by putting them in writing. But little did the Navahos know that the U.S. could change their minds and void the treaties and make promises to other tribes such as the Utes “the livestock, the women, and the children they captured”, (O’Dell. 122), since they didn’t get along with the Navahos. They had been double crossed by the U.S. government and their on Natives, and the trouble didn’t stop there. The Navahos had lost out twice. They couldn’t defeat other Native tribes, and they certainly couldn’t defeat the U.S. government, especially since they had lost at least a large group of their men, and one of their most successful warriors “Tall Boy” had been injured to the point he couldn’t help them anymore. This was bad.
Forcing the Navahos from their land wasn’t good enough for the U.S. “In June 1863, the United States sent Colonel Kit Carson through the Navaho country with instructions to destroy crops and livestock. At the head of 400 soldiers, Carson pillaged, pursued fleeing bands of Navahos, and killed those who fought back”. (O’Dell.122). Some Navahos ran and hid, but eventually had to give themselves up because they could not survive. They had no food, were exposed to the elements, no weapons to fight back, and developed diseases that they could not get rid of. They had no choice but to join forces with the rest of the Navahos that had survived but were captured. Joining forces was an aid to their survival.
The same soldiers that destroyed the Navaho land was also ordered to escort them out of their area in Arizona. The Navahos had already lost all of their resources, and was now hungry and being forced to take the “Long Walk” which was a “300-mile journey” to “Fort Sumner” in New Mexico. The soldiers rode on horses while the Navahos walked. This also took a toll on their people and killed a lot of them. The new land that they were being taken to was “a sandy wind-swept desert of little rain”. (O’Dell. 123). All in all, the Navahos lost “1500” people at “Fort Sumner”. They died from starvation because the land was too barren to grow crops, they had no livestock, and diseases such as “smallpox” because they had no supplies or anyone to help them. It was a terrible time, but eventually things look up.
Many Navahos died between 1863 and 1865. But they banded together and took what came to survive. “The Navahos were held prisoner at Fort Sumner until 1868”. (O’Dell. 123). But they did have some that managed to live and that group has now grown to “100,00”. The U.S. freed the Navahos and gave them gifts of “sheeps and goats” to leave with which was a good start at rebuilding their lives. They could multiply their livestock to have plenty of food. They also moved to a better part of the country where they could grow crops again. They had now been given the freedom to live again and their Native enemies could no longer steal their women and children. This was a good year for them and after all that suffrage, they deserved it. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend because it shows you can go a lot further in life with loyalty and dedication even if it is just a friendship.
According to Scott O’Dell’s “Singing Down the Moon’, the Navaho Native Americans endured many long years of suffrage from the United States and the “Ute’s” Native Americans. The Navahos tried to protect themselves by creating treaties with the U.S, but they ran into trouble because “most of them were broken, some by the whites, some by the Indians”. (O’Dell.122). By 1863, things took a turn for the worst for the Navahos because the U.S. became savage and looted for Navaho’s land and left them homeless, hungry, dead, and made promises the other Indian tribes Navaho female children. The U.S. sent a large fleet of soldiers to force the Navaho’s off of their resourceful land in Arizona into a more dry and barren land in New Mexico. But through it all they managed to maintain their loyalty, strength, dignity, and respect for each other. If it meant dying, then so be it. By 1865, “the group that survived has grown to more than 100,000”. (O’Dell.123). The Navahos had two strong things to help them survive which was their will-power to live and sticking together.
The Navahos thought that all was going good. They had bargained with the U.S. and been given promising news about keeping their land which they did keep for a while. Treaties had been created to make the promises legitimate by putting them in writing. But little did the Navahos know that the U.S. could change their minds and void the treaties and make promises to other tribes such as the Utes “the livestock, the women, and the children they captured”, (O’Dell. 122), since they didn’t get along with the Navahos. They had been double crossed by the U.S. government and their on Natives, and the trouble didn’t stop there. The Navahos had lost out twice. They couldn’t defeat other Native tribes, and they certainly couldn’t defeat the U.S. government, especially since they had lost at least a large group of their men, and one of their most successful warriors “Tall Boy” had been injured to the point he couldn’t help them anymore. This was bad.
Forcing the Navahos from their land wasn’t good enough for the U.S. “In June 1863, the United States sent Colonel Kit Carson through the Navaho country with instructions to destroy crops and livestock. At the head of 400 soldiers, Carson pillaged, pursued fleeing bands of Navahos, and killed those who fought back”. (O’Dell.122). Some Navahos ran and hid, but eventually had to give themselves up because they could not survive. They had no food, were exposed to the elements, no weapons to fight back, and developed diseases that they could not get rid of. They had no choice but to join forces with the rest of the Navahos that had survived but were captured. Joining forces was an aid to their survival.
The same soldiers that destroyed the Navaho land was also ordered to escort them out of their area in Arizona. The Navahos had already lost all of their resources, and was now hungry and being forced to take the “Long Walk” which was a “300-mile journey” to “Fort Sumner” in New Mexico. The soldiers rode on horses while the Navahos walked. This also took a toll on their people and killed a lot of them. The new land that they were being taken to was “a sandy wind-swept desert of little rain”. (O’Dell. 123). All in all, the Navahos lost “1500” people at “Fort Sumner”. They died from starvation because the land was too barren to grow crops, they had no livestock, and diseases such as “smallpox” because they had no supplies or anyone to help them. It was a terrible time, but eventually things look up.
Many Navahos died between 1863 and 1865. But they banded together and took what came to survive. “The Navahos were held prisoner at Fort Sumner until 1868”. (O’Dell. 123). But they did have some that managed to live and that group has now grown to “100,00”. The U.S. freed the Navahos and gave them gifts of “sheeps and goats” to leave with which was a good start at rebuilding their lives. They could multiply their livestock to have plenty of food. They also moved to a better part of the country where they could grow crops again. They had now been given the freedom to live again and their Native enemies could no longer steal their women and children. This was a good year for them and after all that suffrage, they deserved it. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend because it shows you can go a lot further in life with loyalty and dedication even if it is just a friendship.
September 22, 2024
For a quick briefing on history, Scott O'Dell is excellent. Written for 10 year-olds, sing down the moon tells the terrible tale of the Navajo people in1863. Spanish slavers prey upon the people while the military forces the people on a march of hundreds of miles to Fort Sumpter. This story is a dip into how the Navajo lived and how they endured the encroaching white man into their homeland.
March 24, 2021
Bright Morning, a Navajo teenager is a shepherd of “churro” sheep in the red buttes of the Canyon de Shelley. This is her coming of age story amongst lots of changes for her and her people. She is captured by Spanish Slavers and then rescued by Tall Boy from her tribe, and when they return they are told by the Spanish and the US Army the must move from Northeastern Arizona into New Mexico to a different land then they had known.
I really enjoyed this middle grade/ YA historical fiction. It is a tribe I don’t know much about, so I appreciated getting this account. I felt Scott O’Dell’s afterward was well done and gave honesty to all sides involved in this time and place.
I really enjoyed this middle grade/ YA historical fiction. It is a tribe I don’t know much about, so I appreciated getting this account. I felt Scott O’Dell’s afterward was well done and gave honesty to all sides involved in this time and place.
Read
October 5, 2018This book is great 100% think you should read it it is a nonfiction book with a fake main character so not completely true but good enough for me.This book talks about the struggle of this native girl how gets kidnapped by these white men,and they are taken to this place were they are slaves They eventually leave the area and run back to there village (one of them get shoot on there return.)This book is good for all ages it is a quick read and you learn something so pick it up and READ.
February 26, 2022
A beautifully told story about the Navajos during the 1800’s when they were removed from their land. O’Dell was an excellent writer of children’s historical fiction.
Recommended for students from grades 5-9.
Recommended for students from grades 5-9.
February 24, 2012
A HA! This was the book that so haunted me from middle school! After I had described the plot, some friends suggested it might have been
, but it wasn't. It was this! The scene that is still so vivid in my mind was when the two girls are abducted by slavers. Shudder shudder shudder! I hated this story. Was it against the law to have us middle schoolers read something funny or uplifting? What is wrong with the people who create the required-reading lists for middle schools? Are they all tortured souls who want to dwell on the worst of humanity or believe the arbitrary age of 11-13 is the perfect time to be introduced to the most depressing books ever written?
, but it wasn't. It was this! The scene that is still so vivid in my mind was when the two girls are abducted by slavers. Shudder shudder shudder! I hated this story. Was it against the law to have us middle schoolers read something funny or uplifting? What is wrong with the people who create the required-reading lists for middle schools? Are they all tortured souls who want to dwell on the worst of humanity or believe the arbitrary age of 11-13 is the perfect time to be introduced to the most depressing books ever written? 
March 13, 2023
A simple story about another horrific event that the U. S. government sanctioned against the native inhabitants of North America. Without any just cause, the government rounded up Navaho Indians and marched them 300 miles from their home. Before that event, Bright Morning and one of her friends are kidnapped by the Spanish and sold into slavery. After escaping that ordeal, they return home right before the U. S. government forces them to move. Told with a quiet, stark tone, the horror is downplayed for the children who read this book, but lies just below the surface for the sensitive and empathetic child who is interested in more than the cowboy and Indians fictionalized version of history.
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April 29, 2016In this book it tells how bright morning and running bird get taken to a place with all of their tribes there. Then bright morning escape with tall boy. Then they get taken to a city and then they have to go alone. bright morning and tall boy get married. Then they have a baby and live there life alone in the cliff. I would recommend this book to people who want to know about the history back then . I would rate this book a 3.
April 29, 2016
The book I just read is Sing Down the Moon. This book is so sad because their tribe goes through a lot. They tribe had been so strong for fighting for what is theirs , like they fight for their village and for their food and their place. I recommend this book to my whole class because they would feel bad for the things that happen to people and that they should be grateful for what they have.
November 12, 2017
I never got around to reading this as a child even though my family has had this book on our bookshelf for as long as I can remember. Even though it’s a children’s book, I’m glad to have read it now as an adult, because I can more fully appreciate it. This is a powerful story that is based on a real historical event, and I would recommend it to children and adults alike.
September 11, 2017
A good book, however it was really sad, mostly because it was mostly true.
June 20, 2019
Excellent book to have a class discussion with my students.
June 25, 2021
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p34: As they drank and began to crop the grass along the bank, I kept looking back at the pine grove and the hill beyond, fearful that I woud seethe Spaniards.
Started with a tragedy and ended with a catastrophy.
A couple of loose ends there.
p34: As they drank and began to crop the grass along the bank, I kept looking back at the pine grove and the hill beyond, fearful that I woud seethe Spaniards.
Started with a tragedy and ended with a catastrophy.
A couple of loose ends there.
August 4, 2019
I would consider giving two and a half stars to this book.
The smooth consistency that always marks the award-winning writing of Scott O'Dell is evident in Sing Down the Moon as clearly as in any of his other most famous titles. Scott O'Dell has a way of telling heartbreaking stories from the annals of history with an even-keeled style that allows us to see the sad happenings of yesteryear from an objective standpoint, getting neither too high nor too low emotionally as we follow the events of the story. It's a method of writing that differs significantly from that of most other creators of historical fiction whose works I have read, but there's something comforting about it that sets Scott O'Dell apart as an author of meritorious influence.
So many true stories from American history are told to us and around us all the time that I never cease to be a little bit surprised when a new one comes to my attention that I'd never previously heard. Such a story can be found in Sing Down the Moon. In 1863, the Navaho people living out west were accosted by a large band of Spanish slave traders, stolen from their homes and pushed on a three hundred mile march to a place where the cruel slavers could sell the Navahos as fresh merchandise. Bringing a distinctly human face to this sad tale is Bright Morning, a teenage Navaho girl who experiences all of the hardships forced on her tribe as she endures everything from the sudden capture of herself and her family to the merciless physical and psychological rigors of The Long Walk, as the forced march is known in Navaho culture.
Death stalks even the youngest of these Native Americans without pity as the lot of Navahos desperately tries to survive to the location where they will be sold. Even after reaching their final destination, though, no genuine happiness awaits the free of spirit within the confines of slavery. Bright Morning escapes from her new owners when she can and tries to hook back in with other Navahos who have eluded their masters and are intent on making it back home, but the specter of death never lightens its heavy hand on the ragtag group for even a moment. Bright Morning will need to be incredibly lucky and ceaselessly hard of spirit and head to successfully circle back to where it all started for her, and to have a chance at living in peace again when all she ever wanted in the first place was to be left alone to live her life among her people.
No esoteric piece of American history seems able to get away from the discerning gaze of Scott O'Dell. He tells stories from our nation's past that most other authors would have never even noticed, removing these old accounts of true American drama and adventure from the scrap heap of bygone days and bringing them back before our eyes through meaningful stories that we just can't ignore. So much has happened in the history of the world that it's easy for even hugely important parts of that history to get lost in the shuffle, but a situation like The Long Walk of the Navahos, which happened at about the same time as the American Civil War but is talked about far less, should always be remembered. It's easy to not ever really consider the fact that these were actual human beings affected by this event, real people whose descendants still live among us today. In Sing Down the Moon, Scott O'Dell makes sure that no one who reads the book will ever forget what happened to them.
I always think about reading a Scott O'Dell novel when I want to take in a relaxing book of historical fiction which is accurate in detail but generally without a high level of intensity or emotion. For this reason, I think that Scott O'Dell will have fans for a very, very long time, as well as a place on classroom shelves around the world in honor of what he has achieved in the field of literature for young readers. After all, the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction wasn't given its name by accident.
The smooth consistency that always marks the award-winning writing of Scott O'Dell is evident in Sing Down the Moon as clearly as in any of his other most famous titles. Scott O'Dell has a way of telling heartbreaking stories from the annals of history with an even-keeled style that allows us to see the sad happenings of yesteryear from an objective standpoint, getting neither too high nor too low emotionally as we follow the events of the story. It's a method of writing that differs significantly from that of most other creators of historical fiction whose works I have read, but there's something comforting about it that sets Scott O'Dell apart as an author of meritorious influence.
So many true stories from American history are told to us and around us all the time that I never cease to be a little bit surprised when a new one comes to my attention that I'd never previously heard. Such a story can be found in Sing Down the Moon. In 1863, the Navaho people living out west were accosted by a large band of Spanish slave traders, stolen from their homes and pushed on a three hundred mile march to a place where the cruel slavers could sell the Navahos as fresh merchandise. Bringing a distinctly human face to this sad tale is Bright Morning, a teenage Navaho girl who experiences all of the hardships forced on her tribe as she endures everything from the sudden capture of herself and her family to the merciless physical and psychological rigors of The Long Walk, as the forced march is known in Navaho culture.
Death stalks even the youngest of these Native Americans without pity as the lot of Navahos desperately tries to survive to the location where they will be sold. Even after reaching their final destination, though, no genuine happiness awaits the free of spirit within the confines of slavery. Bright Morning escapes from her new owners when she can and tries to hook back in with other Navahos who have eluded their masters and are intent on making it back home, but the specter of death never lightens its heavy hand on the ragtag group for even a moment. Bright Morning will need to be incredibly lucky and ceaselessly hard of spirit and head to successfully circle back to where it all started for her, and to have a chance at living in peace again when all she ever wanted in the first place was to be left alone to live her life among her people.
No esoteric piece of American history seems able to get away from the discerning gaze of Scott O'Dell. He tells stories from our nation's past that most other authors would have never even noticed, removing these old accounts of true American drama and adventure from the scrap heap of bygone days and bringing them back before our eyes through meaningful stories that we just can't ignore. So much has happened in the history of the world that it's easy for even hugely important parts of that history to get lost in the shuffle, but a situation like The Long Walk of the Navahos, which happened at about the same time as the American Civil War but is talked about far less, should always be remembered. It's easy to not ever really consider the fact that these were actual human beings affected by this event, real people whose descendants still live among us today. In Sing Down the Moon, Scott O'Dell makes sure that no one who reads the book will ever forget what happened to them.
I always think about reading a Scott O'Dell novel when I want to take in a relaxing book of historical fiction which is accurate in detail but generally without a high level of intensity or emotion. For this reason, I think that Scott O'Dell will have fans for a very, very long time, as well as a place on classroom shelves around the world in honor of what he has achieved in the field of literature for young readers. After all, the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction wasn't given its name by accident.
November 23, 2017
So I picked this book up, you know, Scott O'dell I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins in fourth grade, why not? OMG, I just- it makes no sense. It doesn't make any sense! And I'm here literally going crazy like is it me or does this not make any sense. And if you didn't read the book I'm about to pretty much spoil the whole thing, so be forewarned. Ok, so the book starts off with the main character, shining-as-bright-as-the-sun or whatever her name is getting captured on like page two, then she gets saved, then her whole tribe gets captured, something about the trail of tears, she escapes. I can't even. Why. And mind us THIS IS A NEWBERRY HONOR. *crying* And we have not even touched TALL BOY. OMG. The amount of times we have to hear his stuupid name, and he's an idiot. And then he gets him arm shot, and -Oh, no! can't use it anymore. Cue the crying. I mean the whole sob story AS IF somebody is supposed to care. Like he's a literal doormat. I could care less if the arrow would have just gone through his heart. At least we wouldn't have to hear his name anymore. Then the icing on this cake she goes and marries the dolt, but she's dumb too, clearly. So why am I even mad!? I can't. The plot is all over the place, the characters make you want to rip your hair out, and then curse Scott O'Dell until he turns over in his grave. And just in case you missed that little round silver sticker on the cover, it's a Newberry Honor!!! So if you had this in your TBR or were sitting here thinking about reading it don't waste your time regretfully, it's a little too late for me. -Maegan
"You think I went to the white man's village just to rescue you, you are wrong. I went there for another reason." - Tall Boy (Uh huh, sure you did.)
"You think I went to the white man's village just to rescue you, you are wrong. I went there for another reason." - Tall Boy (Uh huh, sure you did.)
November 22, 2019
When a teenaged Navajo girl is interrupted by Spanish slavers one day while she's shepherding sheep, it's only the beginning of a marked change in life for her and her people in Sing Down the Moon by author Scott O'Dell.
I remember listening to the reading of another book by this author, Island of the Blue Dolphins, back when I was eleven or so in school. I was vaguely interested at the time, listening with one ear, but this author's writing style wasn't my thing back then.
And I'll admit I didn't get far the first time I tried this book some months (or a year?) ago. With the heroine's fear of being struck down by the gods if she ever displayed too much happiness, and her early mention about once seeing her long-dead grandfather walking around on a snowy night, my openly happy self who isn't into seeing dead relatives figured I'd have to be in a different frame of mind to give the book another try sometime.
I'm glad I gave it another try.
I likely would have thought this children's book was boring when I was a child, but now I can appreciate this kind of understated read that has unassuming beauty and muted but strong emotion. The joy resonated with me, and I could also feel the grief and shame caused by unjust treatment and tragedy affecting the young and old in this story. I was engrossed, needing to see what would become of this heroine, and the simplicity, warmth, relief, and triumph of her last four words in the book...just wow.
I remembered some important parts of American history, I learned a little more, and this historical fiction devotee may even try Island of the Blue Dolphins again in the future.
I remember listening to the reading of another book by this author, Island of the Blue Dolphins, back when I was eleven or so in school. I was vaguely interested at the time, listening with one ear, but this author's writing style wasn't my thing back then.
And I'll admit I didn't get far the first time I tried this book some months (or a year?) ago. With the heroine's fear of being struck down by the gods if she ever displayed too much happiness, and her early mention about once seeing her long-dead grandfather walking around on a snowy night, my openly happy self who isn't into seeing dead relatives figured I'd have to be in a different frame of mind to give the book another try sometime.
I'm glad I gave it another try.
I likely would have thought this children's book was boring when I was a child, but now I can appreciate this kind of understated read that has unassuming beauty and muted but strong emotion. The joy resonated with me, and I could also feel the grief and shame caused by unjust treatment and tragedy affecting the young and old in this story. I was engrossed, needing to see what would become of this heroine, and the simplicity, warmth, relief, and triumph of her last four words in the book...just wow.
I remembered some important parts of American history, I learned a little more, and this historical fiction devotee may even try Island of the Blue Dolphins again in the future.
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