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The Last Snake Runner
Will Kendall survive his clan’s massacre and live out his destiny as the last Snake Runner?
Kendall can’t believe how quickly his dad remarried after his mom died, and he especially can’t believe his dad’s Juanita is of Spanish descent. That feels like a slap in the face considering Kendall’s mom was Native American. This is all more than Kendall can handle, and he needs to get away to the desert where he can think. And especially where he can run. Running is his he’s the last member of the Snake Clan, the clan known for its long runs across the desert floor–until the Spanish arrived in the Southwest and destroyed the tribe.
When Kendall slips through a hole in time, he finds himself 400 years in the past, just as the Spanish, with their guns and armor, are starting to lay claim to the Southwest. Can Kendall survive the horrible battles so he can return to his own time? Will he become the last Snake Runner, as the spirits have told him he must? More importantly, what will he learn about himself in the process?
Kendall can’t believe how quickly his dad remarried after his mom died, and he especially can’t believe his dad’s Juanita is of Spanish descent. That feels like a slap in the face considering Kendall’s mom was Native American. This is all more than Kendall can handle, and he needs to get away to the desert where he can think. And especially where he can run. Running is his he’s the last member of the Snake Clan, the clan known for its long runs across the desert floor–until the Spanish arrived in the Southwest and destroyed the tribe.
When Kendall slips through a hole in time, he finds himself 400 years in the past, just as the Spanish, with their guns and armor, are starting to lay claim to the Southwest. Can Kendall survive the horrible battles so he can return to his own time? Will he become the last Snake Runner, as the spirits have told him he must? More importantly, what will he learn about himself in the process?
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2002
10 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Griffiths Little
11 books513 followersKimberley Griffiths Little was born in San Francisco, but now lives in New Mexico with her husband and their three sons.
For such award-winning middle grade novels as When the Butterflies Came, The Last Snake Runner, The Healing Spell, and Circle of Secrets, her writing has been praised as "fast-paced and dramatic," with "characters painted in memorable detail" and "beautifully realized settings."
Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell and makes way too many cookies while writing.
She's stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed on the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.
Her amazing, filmed-on-location book trailers are right here on Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/videos/list...
Awards: Southwest Book Award, Whitney Award for Best Youth Novel, Bank Street College Best Books of 2011 & 2014, Crystal Kite Finalist, and New Mexico Book Award Finalist.
For such award-winning middle grade novels as When the Butterflies Came, The Last Snake Runner, The Healing Spell, and Circle of Secrets, her writing has been praised as "fast-paced and dramatic," with "characters painted in memorable detail" and "beautifully realized settings."
Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell and makes way too many cookies while writing.
She's stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed on the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.
Her amazing, filmed-on-location book trailers are right here on Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/videos/list...
Awards: Southwest Book Award, Whitney Award for Best Youth Novel, Bank Street College Best Books of 2011 & 2014, Crystal Kite Finalist, and New Mexico Book Award Finalist.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 7, 2023
(Read in 2005, review from 2023).
One of the first books I read at a new school in 7th grade. I usually like books about Native Americans but this one I remember not truly caring for. The book isn’t wrong for treating the Spanish invaders as villains but they do seem a bit one dimensional as written here (it’s a YA book sure, but a little more depth would have been appreciated). Indigenous characters, including our time traveling protagonist, weren’t much better. Of the three Native American books I had to read for 7th grade class, this was probably the weakest.
One of the first books I read at a new school in 7th grade. I usually like books about Native Americans but this one I remember not truly caring for. The book isn’t wrong for treating the Spanish invaders as villains but they do seem a bit one dimensional as written here (it’s a YA book sure, but a little more depth would have been appreciated). Indigenous characters, including our time traveling protagonist, weren’t much better. Of the three Native American books I had to read for 7th grade class, this was probably the weakest.
August 6, 2014
Easily her best book. I'm so sad it's done. The history is accurate. The rituals I can only guess at. Suitable for adults and younger readers both.
February 19, 2021
AR POINTS: 8 READING LEVEL: 3
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This was an awesome read and a book all kids should read. I'm 54 years old and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although this is fiction, parts of the story are true and historically documented events, such as the Acoma tribe that resided in the real Acoma Pueblo, also known as Sky City, in New Mexico. The story of the snake runners from all the clans (Snake Clan, Antelope Clan, etc...) was a real thing. Also, their demise was a real thing. The only problem I had with this book is the fact that there were quite a few typos. The book should have been proof-read a little better than that.
Kendall, 14 years old, was in training to be a snake runner, which he didn't really know the extent of what a snake runner really was until he was transported back in time to 1000 years back. Snake runners would run into the desert once a year for 4 days straight, bringing back a snake each day for the ritual of blessings and prayers for rain and harvest the following year. All snakes were released back into the desert after the ceremonies. Snake runners ran fast and could run for days on end barefooted.
Kendall was part Acoma from his mother's side, and white from his father. When Kendall loses his mother, and his dad remarries to a Spaniard, he is deeply troubled and runs off into the desert. He is drawn to a crevice in the Enchanted Mesa where he is transported spiritually back in time. Here, he lives among the Acoma tribe and learns the truth of how his people, his ancestors, were extinguished by the Spanish explorers. The Spanish army would rob them of their food and supplies as they were passing through. The Acoma's gave what they could to keep the peace, even as much as promising to worship the Spaniards god and religion. But, soon they were wanting more and more, more than what they could give and still survive, and when the Spaniards killed one of their elderly, battle ensued.
The Acomas didn't have a chance against the Spanish and their armour and guns. It was a blood bath. The Spaniards gathered the women and children and what men were left, in chains, and brought them to their base camp down in the valley. The women were separated from their children and served as servants to the wives of the military leaders, the children were shipped back to Mexico with the priests, and all the men had one foot chopped off, never to run again, and were forced to be servants for the next 20 years.
Kendall was the last snake runner, and he learned he was also the messenger for the present. He had to survive and return home to the present to one day start a family and tell the story of the Acomas to keep their history alive.
Besides the time travel and the monologue between individuals, this is a true account. Just Google Sky City, or Acoma Pueblo images and see just how beautiful this city is that rests 400 feet high on top of the mesa. They do have a Sky City Cultural Center that gives bus tours into the city. Definitely a place I'd LOVE to visit one day.
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This was an awesome read and a book all kids should read. I'm 54 years old and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although this is fiction, parts of the story are true and historically documented events, such as the Acoma tribe that resided in the real Acoma Pueblo, also known as Sky City, in New Mexico. The story of the snake runners from all the clans (Snake Clan, Antelope Clan, etc...) was a real thing. Also, their demise was a real thing. The only problem I had with this book is the fact that there were quite a few typos. The book should have been proof-read a little better than that.
Kendall, 14 years old, was in training to be a snake runner, which he didn't really know the extent of what a snake runner really was until he was transported back in time to 1000 years back. Snake runners would run into the desert once a year for 4 days straight, bringing back a snake each day for the ritual of blessings and prayers for rain and harvest the following year. All snakes were released back into the desert after the ceremonies. Snake runners ran fast and could run for days on end barefooted.
Kendall was part Acoma from his mother's side, and white from his father. When Kendall loses his mother, and his dad remarries to a Spaniard, he is deeply troubled and runs off into the desert. He is drawn to a crevice in the Enchanted Mesa where he is transported spiritually back in time. Here, he lives among the Acoma tribe and learns the truth of how his people, his ancestors, were extinguished by the Spanish explorers. The Spanish army would rob them of their food and supplies as they were passing through. The Acoma's gave what they could to keep the peace, even as much as promising to worship the Spaniards god and religion. But, soon they were wanting more and more, more than what they could give and still survive, and when the Spaniards killed one of their elderly, battle ensued.
The Acomas didn't have a chance against the Spanish and their armour and guns. It was a blood bath. The Spaniards gathered the women and children and what men were left, in chains, and brought them to their base camp down in the valley. The women were separated from their children and served as servants to the wives of the military leaders, the children were shipped back to Mexico with the priests, and all the men had one foot chopped off, never to run again, and were forced to be servants for the next 20 years.
Kendall was the last snake runner, and he learned he was also the messenger for the present. He had to survive and return home to the present to one day start a family and tell the story of the Acomas to keep their history alive.
Besides the time travel and the monologue between individuals, this is a true account. Just Google Sky City, or Acoma Pueblo images and see just how beautiful this city is that rests 400 feet high on top of the mesa. They do have a Sky City Cultural Center that gives bus tours into the city. Definitely a place I'd LOVE to visit one day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2018
The Last Snake Runner, by Kimberley Griffiths Little, was a stupendous book. It was filled with magnificent descriptions of items, people, and the environment. Most of the time I do not like reading books because I find it boring. But this book was actually very interesting, the whole concept of it was amazing. I had multiple questions during the book and they all got answered. I don’t know if it was just my type of book but I am lucky because I just pulled it randomly off the shelf and ended up enjoying it very much.
The main character was going through changes and I felt as if I was with him the whole time. There was action, drama, and romance in the book which are some of my favorite genres. Honestly I would recommend this book to anyone. The mythical powers and the unreal things are what makes this book great. It shows how people have different beliefs and want to keep them even if it means sacrificing things for it.
There was a lot of good foreshadowing in this story like the valley being name “Acoma” I started to think about halfway through the book what this meant then I realised. If you want to find out what that means your gonna have to just read the book yourself. Personally this is now on my top ten books ever read. I would dare to say that this book is most definitely a 5/5.
The main character was going through changes and I felt as if I was with him the whole time. There was action, drama, and romance in the book which are some of my favorite genres. Honestly I would recommend this book to anyone. The mythical powers and the unreal things are what makes this book great. It shows how people have different beliefs and want to keep them even if it means sacrificing things for it.
There was a lot of good foreshadowing in this story like the valley being name “Acoma” I started to think about halfway through the book what this meant then I realised. If you want to find out what that means your gonna have to just read the book yourself. Personally this is now on my top ten books ever read. I would dare to say that this book is most definitely a 5/5.
February 27, 2019
Coming of age in the clash of cultures, indigenous peoples struggle for survival and cultural treasures lost to present time. Stuff of which history books are made. Little does well blending the clash of Spanish conquistador with indigenous peoples. The loss of culture is also well described. The author employs a well used time continuum shift and turns the story into an historical fiction. Kendall struggles to resolve the loss of innocence with the loss of his birth mother and his step-mother, a direct descendant of the Spanish conquistadors. The conflict he experiences with his father is only heightened by the realization that his mother has been displaced. How Kendall resolves these issues and reconciles his conflicting heritages is the stuff all adolescents deal with in some way. Little does a good job.
May 12, 2021
Very good book, and a great way to explain the events that happened between the Conquistadors and the Acomas.
August 18, 2022
I found this story very historical which I liked but heartbreaking at the same time because of the brutal things the Spanish conquistadors did to the Indian people in New Mexico.
March 20, 2009
This was a nice story. Though quick read, I was still able to see some underlying themes and have thoughts provoked.
The beginning of the story finds Kendall learning that his father has not only been dating a new woman (after his mother’s death), but they have gotten married; this devastated him. The story progresses through an adventure where he learns more about his ancestors.
I have a few frustrations with this book: first, I do not see that Kendall is in any different “place” at the end of the story than he was at the beginning. I did not see any progression or growth on his part through the story. Second, I think it is a bit arrogant to think that a boy who had only partial exposure to the Acoma people could fool a “full-time” member that he was “allowed” to be on the land. Lastly, I think there was an extreme disconnect between Kendall and the rest of his family; it was almost as though there was an intentional disconnect between them. If anything, running away to the dessert and experiencing what he did created a larger detachment from his family and a greater dislike for his new step-mother.
Although there were several aspects of this story which frustrated me, I enjoyed the imagery and insights which the author showed throughout.
The beginning of the story finds Kendall learning that his father has not only been dating a new woman (after his mother’s death), but they have gotten married; this devastated him. The story progresses through an adventure where he learns more about his ancestors.
I have a few frustrations with this book: first, I do not see that Kendall is in any different “place” at the end of the story than he was at the beginning. I did not see any progression or growth on his part through the story. Second, I think it is a bit arrogant to think that a boy who had only partial exposure to the Acoma people could fool a “full-time” member that he was “allowed” to be on the land. Lastly, I think there was an extreme disconnect between Kendall and the rest of his family; it was almost as though there was an intentional disconnect between them. If anything, running away to the dessert and experiencing what he did created a larger detachment from his family and a greater dislike for his new step-mother.
Although there were several aspects of this story which frustrated me, I enjoyed the imagery and insights which the author showed throughout.
May 23, 2013
The Last Snake Runner was a kind of bitter-sweet book. It was about a nativ american tribe and how they were forced into slavery, lost their homes, and many of their lives, to the Spanish. The story takes place from the point of view of Kendall, the last of the snake tribe, and the fastest person because the snake tribe had the gift of speed. The book wasn't the most captivating at the beginning but as it progressed it got better. It was a kinda sad ending but you knew it was coming. I recommend this book for ages 14+. (for some violence)
January 12, 2014
This could easily be added to my top three least favorite books of all time. This book is essentially a long list of clichés that does nothing to help the world. It has everything from an evil stepmother, to a wise old mystical mentor. As far as I can tell, the only thing that anyone has credited this book with is that it's well researched. You can do all researching you want, but unless you have an original storyline or at least some original take on a tired storyline, I think I'll just stick to text books.
June 14, 2015
another great story from KGL... continues the story of Kendall, "The Enchanted Runner" (title of the book preceding this one), & his coming-of-age process. In this book, Kendall (who is half Acoma/Native American & half Anglo) time-travels back to live with his Acoma Snake Clan just about the time the Spanish conquistadors come to threaten their land & their way of life. Lots of beautiful characters & scenery, & although the book was written for a "middle-grades" audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 19, 2009
After reading this book, I'd REALLY like to visit Sky City. It was an interesting look inside the history of the Acomoa people.
June 10, 2010
This book was touching and interesting, although it's been a while since i read it.
October 22, 2016
Awesome
So good. are there any more?
So good. are there any more?
Want to read
February 23, 2018I just want to read the book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews