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Guests
Out of sorts in a world in which he is caught between the values of children and adults, young Native American Moss is alarmed when the annual harvest feast is threatened by the arrival of strange new people. Reprint. H. PW.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
7 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dorris
38 books87 followersMichael Dorris was a novelist, short story writer, nonfiction writer, and author of books for children
The first member of his family to attend college, Dorris graduated from Georgetown with honors in English and received his graduate degree in anthropology from Yale. Dorris worked as a professor of English and anthropology at Dartmouth College.
Dorris was part-Native American through the lineage of his paternal. He founded the Native American Studies department at Dartmouth in 1972 and chaired it until 1985.
In 1971, Dorris became the first unmarried man in the United States to adopt a child. His adopted son, Reynold Abel, was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and his condition became the subject of Dorris' The Broken Cord,(the pseudonym "Adam" is used for his son in the book).
In 1981, Dorris married aspiring writer Louise Erdrich. Throughout their relationship, Erdrich and Dorris edited and contributed to each other's writing.
In 1991, Dorris' adopted son, Reynold Abel, died after being hit by a car. In 1996, Louise Erdrich separated from Dorris. On April 10, 1997, Dorris committed suicide in Concord, New Hampshire.
The first member of his family to attend college, Dorris graduated from Georgetown with honors in English and received his graduate degree in anthropology from Yale. Dorris worked as a professor of English and anthropology at Dartmouth College.
Dorris was part-Native American through the lineage of his paternal. He founded the Native American Studies department at Dartmouth in 1972 and chaired it until 1985.
In 1971, Dorris became the first unmarried man in the United States to adopt a child. His adopted son, Reynold Abel, was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and his condition became the subject of Dorris' The Broken Cord,(the pseudonym "Adam" is used for his son in the book).
In 1981, Dorris married aspiring writer Louise Erdrich. Throughout their relationship, Erdrich and Dorris edited and contributed to each other's writing.
In 1991, Dorris' adopted son, Reynold Abel, died after being hit by a car. In 1996, Louise Erdrich separated from Dorris. On April 10, 1997, Dorris committed suicide in Concord, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 25, 2024
As a book told from a Native American perspective but written by a white man, it could have been much worse.
Guests is more of a coming of age tale about not feeling like you fit into the expectations or gender roles you’ve been assigned than any sort of commentary on Native American history and colonization. This might be for the best as it is a children’s book. And this may be expected since it was written decades ago.
I enjoyed its narrative about growing up, and I enjoyed the hints of Native American culture I glimpsed but couldn’t bring myself to fully trust even if the writer was well-read in the topic.
Overall, the book left me pleasantly surprised but ultimately just wanting to read Native American literature written by actual Native American people.
Which is not a bad result considering I am likely quite far from the intended audience and I’m coming away from it with a desire to educate myself more on other cultures.
Guests is more of a coming of age tale about not feeling like you fit into the expectations or gender roles you’ve been assigned than any sort of commentary on Native American history and colonization. This might be for the best as it is a children’s book. And this may be expected since it was written decades ago.
I enjoyed its narrative about growing up, and I enjoyed the hints of Native American culture I glimpsed but couldn’t bring myself to fully trust even if the writer was well-read in the topic.
Overall, the book left me pleasantly surprised but ultimately just wanting to read Native American literature written by actual Native American people.
Which is not a bad result considering I am likely quite far from the intended audience and I’m coming away from it with a desire to educate myself more on other cultures.
August 20, 2015
Sweet and easy to read. And there was a good message underneath :)
October 11, 2018
I know better then to pick up the story belt, but I want to hold it. I pick it up and I am admiring it, then it drops. It breaks and the pieces go everywhere. I know my father will be upset but I take it to him. He sends me to my grandfather and I'm afraid of what his reaction will be. He calmly tells us he is unable to put it back together to tell the original story. I am now given the task of replacing the story. The problem is, I don't know any stories. How am I supposed to come up with a new one?
Guests is a really good story. It's simple but I really love how it was written. The author writes in a way that all the characters in the story know what's going on but your left wondering what is happening. It piques your curiosity and makes you wan to read more. I also loved the names in the story. Some of their names were moss, trouble and running woman. They are based on the characters personalities. I really liked that in the end moss feels like he understands himself and that he likes who he is. I think those are two very important things,
This book would be good to show that you don't always know what is going on in other peoples lives and you shouldn't judge them. Another lesson could be to not desire to be other people, be happy with who you are and what you bring to the table.
Guests is a really good story. It's simple but I really love how it was written. The author writes in a way that all the characters in the story know what's going on but your left wondering what is happening. It piques your curiosity and makes you wan to read more. I also loved the names in the story. Some of their names were moss, trouble and running woman. They are based on the characters personalities. I really liked that in the end moss feels like he understands himself and that he likes who he is. I think those are two very important things,
This book would be good to show that you don't always know what is going on in other peoples lives and you shouldn't judge them. Another lesson could be to not desire to be other people, be happy with who you are and what you bring to the table.
January 28, 2019
A good read, and (bonus!) an exceptionally quick read, at 119 pages. Moss, a Native American boy, is upset that his father invited people who came on boats to their yearly festival, which has always been the same and one of Moss's favorite times of the year. But the foreigners are hungry, and the invitation has been made. Moss is already at an age where he hasn't yet become a man, but is frustrated at still being a kid.
Moss meets a girl, which is unusual, because it's frowned upon for boys and girls from different family groups to associate with each other. In the course of the book, there are a few stories, and I liked the description of the ideal, traditional Native American woman in that setting:
Moss meets a girl, which is unusual, because it's frowned upon for boys and girls from different family groups to associate with each other. In the course of the book, there are a few stories, and I liked the description of the ideal, traditional Native American woman in that setting:
"You must settle down now," starlight advised. "You must master many ordinary . jobs so that you will be responsible, dependable, steady, and strong. It's a woman's way to be so skilled at her work that it becomes invisible. It is a woman's way to hold the world together by the force of her quietness." 68I was intrigued by the beauty of it, even though the girls in the story don't necessarily want to adhere to that convention. Do women hold the world together? Maybe. By the force of their quietness? Well, sounds good, but if it's in my hands, we're all in trouble.
October 29, 2023
A well-crafted book for late elementary/early middle school. The descriptions in particular present some lovely prose, and both Moss and Mistake grow in credible and appealing ways. The well-drawn supporting cast adds depth to the world they inhabit. This story is told partially through hints, inference, and associations between the events of the plot and the themes of the stories the characters tell, presenting an opportunity for young readers to practice teasing out subtext and reading between the lines, a necessary skill for reading more advanced stories.
The theme of finding one’s identity is probably not very historically or culturally accurate to the time period, although it suits modern sensibilities and expectations about growing up. I think Mistake’s desire not to be a traditional girl/woman must have read differently at the time of original publication than it does in 2023’s dumpster fire of gender confusion and propaganda. For that reason, I would take care in sharing this story with young readers without adult guidance. (And on a personal note, I would really like to see some stories about girls who like being girls.)
Overall, this could be a good book for a read aloud or for guided reading followed by discussion of the themes and literary techniques. I would not recommend it for fully independent reading for the target audience.
The theme of finding one’s identity is probably not very historically or culturally accurate to the time period, although it suits modern sensibilities and expectations about growing up. I think Mistake’s desire not to be a traditional girl/woman must have read differently at the time of original publication than it does in 2023’s dumpster fire of gender confusion and propaganda. For that reason, I would take care in sharing this story with young readers without adult guidance. (And on a personal note, I would really like to see some stories about girls who like being girls.)
Overall, this could be a good book for a read aloud or for guided reading followed by discussion of the themes and literary techniques. I would not recommend it for fully independent reading for the target audience.
October 5, 2020
Guests was a short and sweet book. It only took me 2 days to read it, but it did not disappoint. This book is about a boy that was stuck between boyhood and adulthood. He then set off into the wilderness to find "himself."
One thing I'll say about the boy is that he was pretty sensitive at the beginning of the book and most of all, he hated being laughed at. "How does being able to laugh at myself benefit me and others?" was a question that came to my mind as I was reading. As a pretty goofy and rather clumsy person myself, I spend a decent amount of my time laughing at others and also being laughed at myself. Laughing at myself has many benefits. It helps me contemplate the situation without being embarrassed. After all laughing is not always meant to be a rude or degrading. It can even be a sign of friendship or friendliness. It was refreshing to read about a character that has such a similar personality to me.
One thing I'll say about the boy is that he was pretty sensitive at the beginning of the book and most of all, he hated being laughed at. "How does being able to laugh at myself benefit me and others?" was a question that came to my mind as I was reading. As a pretty goofy and rather clumsy person myself, I spend a decent amount of my time laughing at others and also being laughed at myself. Laughing at myself has many benefits. It helps me contemplate the situation without being embarrassed. After all laughing is not always meant to be a rude or degrading. It can even be a sign of friendship or friendliness. It was refreshing to read about a character that has such a similar personality to me.
October 18, 2018
This book tells the story of Moss, a young native american boy. He is not happy that his father has invited strangers to their annual feast. In his anger, Moss runs off to the forest alone and meets some interesting new friends. He learns a lot during his time away and grows as a person before coming home.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the culture that was presented in the story very fascinating. I also believed that the book contained some great lessons for students.
I would love to use this book to introduce native americans to my class. I would also use the smaller stories within the book. I would have the students draw out the short stories and read them aloud to me or their peers.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the culture that was presented in the story very fascinating. I also believed that the book contained some great lessons for students.
I would love to use this book to introduce native americans to my class. I would also use the smaller stories within the book. I would have the students draw out the short stories and read them aloud to me or their peers.
October 25, 2018
A nice little story. There are messages in here without being too preachy. There are little stories that a few of the characters tell and they feel authentic. You get a good feeling of the characters in the short time.
June 5, 2018
Moss is a spoiled brat who becomes reflective and empathetic after talking with his friend in the forest.
August 11, 2018
I'm really glad I found this one on a give away table . Totally loved it!!!
January 19, 2020
I loved this book as a child, and I am about to revisit it. I finally found it after searching forever!
August 29, 2020
少年の成長物語。
「ぼくは、どんな大人になったらいいの？」
「その答えがいまわかってしまったら、つまらないだろう。おまえが、どんな大人になるか、みんな楽しみにしているんだよ」
こんな家族、社会であってほしい。
「ぼくは、どんな大人になったらいいの？」
「その答えがいまわかってしまったら、つまらないだろう。おまえが、どんな大人になるか、みんな楽しみにしているんだよ」
こんな家族、社会であってほしい。
Want to read
November 30, 2020i hated it worst book ever Michale Doriss what were you thinking.
March 3, 2022
This was a surprising captivating and we'll written. It is short.
January 24, 2024
Book Club for Thanksgiving
May 9, 2024
I remember loving this story and finding it emotional at 8 years old
April 15, 2013
“Coming of Age in a Clash of Cultures”
Moss is an immature Native American youth in an unspecified tribe—still in that awkward stage between childhood and warrior status; the conflicted youth longs to embark on his own Away time (i.e. Vision quest, a rite of passage). This particular day he resents his family’s (indeed, the entire village’s) obligation to entertain guests, whose white skin and odd clothing, language and customs are completely alien to all he has experienced and respects.
Gradually Moss finds himself sulking in the woods; then he astonishes himself by trying to impress a misfit girl from a distant clan, who is also seeking solace from Nature and respite from her own family. Startled into unplanned action Moss feels compelled to plunge rashly into the primeval wilderness—totally unprepared for quality Away Time. Does he seriously believe that he can slip into the woods as a youth and emerge some days later to be recognized and accepted as a man? Can two lonely, misunderstood pre-teens find their respective ways back home? Will Moss be able to interpret and follow the advice from a matronly porcupine?
Despite several un-Indian expressions, behavior and conversation, this short tale is surprisingly well told—instantly capturing the reader’s interest. Moss learns important lessons that critical day of the unwanted guests: about hospitality, maturation of the heart and mind, plus the value of a caring family. This book provides good multicultural fare. One wonders if the first Thanksgiving encounter between Native Americans and the Pilgrims was anything like this…
(April 15, 2013, I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Moss is an immature Native American youth in an unspecified tribe—still in that awkward stage between childhood and warrior status; the conflicted youth longs to embark on his own Away time (i.e. Vision quest, a rite of passage). This particular day he resents his family’s (indeed, the entire village’s) obligation to entertain guests, whose white skin and odd clothing, language and customs are completely alien to all he has experienced and respects.
Gradually Moss finds himself sulking in the woods; then he astonishes himself by trying to impress a misfit girl from a distant clan, who is also seeking solace from Nature and respite from her own family. Startled into unplanned action Moss feels compelled to plunge rashly into the primeval wilderness—totally unprepared for quality Away Time. Does he seriously believe that he can slip into the woods as a youth and emerge some days later to be recognized and accepted as a man? Can two lonely, misunderstood pre-teens find their respective ways back home? Will Moss be able to interpret and follow the advice from a matronly porcupine?
Despite several un-Indian expressions, behavior and conversation, this short tale is surprisingly well told—instantly capturing the reader’s interest. Moss learns important lessons that critical day of the unwanted guests: about hospitality, maturation of the heart and mind, plus the value of a caring family. This book provides good multicultural fare. One wonders if the first Thanksgiving encounter between Native Americans and the Pilgrims was anything like this…
(April 15, 2013, I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
November 19, 2009
Always a good one to read and recommend this time of year, since there are not very many chapter books like it...
The first Thanksgiving from the Native American point of view, this story draws the reader deeply into the life of Moss and his family, who are preparing for their yearly harvest feast. This year, strangers are coming to share the meal, and Moss is confused and unhappy with his father for inviting them. As he hovers on the brink of adolescence Moss makes some discoveries about himself and the world around him, in this gentle coming-of-age story.
The first Thanksgiving from the Native American point of view, this story draws the reader deeply into the life of Moss and his family, who are preparing for their yearly harvest feast. This year, strangers are coming to share the meal, and Moss is confused and unhappy with his father for inviting them. As he hovers on the brink of adolescence Moss makes some discoveries about himself and the world around him, in this gentle coming-of-age story.
January 26, 2016
In a coming of age story that chronicles a taboo encounter between a young adolescent boy and girl, Dorris recreates a time before the first Thanksgiving. It has adventure, young love/attraction, and shows that kids defy authority and get in trouble as part of their development throughout the ages. In the three books he wrote for children, he recreates what Native life was on its own and not in relationship to the European invaders. The books are hauntingly beautiful in their simplicity and ability to draw you all the way into their stories.
June 14, 2016
This ALA Notable gives the story of the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims from the perspective of a Native American boy who's not very happy with having to put up with these guests who lack the basic decency to bring their own empty bowls.
But that's not even really the heart of the story! That's just an example of how the author has deeply absorbed and communicated the culture in which young Moss inadvertently triggers his Away Time, and meets, not only his animal mentor, but a young woman of the tribe who has run away. Her name is Trouble.
But that's not even really the heart of the story! That's just an example of how the author has deeply absorbed and communicated the culture in which young Moss inadvertently triggers his Away Time, and meets, not only his animal mentor, but a young woman of the tribe who has run away. Her name is Trouble.
June 14, 2014
This is a very sweet story of a young Native American boy who, upset about the strange guests coming to the annual feast, runs into the forest and, literally and metaphorically, finds himself lost. With a little help from a friend and a porcupine spirit guide, he finds his way back to the village and finds himself closer to knowing his true self.
The plot of this book is simple, but it is elevated by the writing which I found to be subtle, spiritual, and poetic.
The plot of this book is simple, but it is elevated by the writing which I found to be subtle, spiritual, and poetic.
March 31, 2015
A young Native American boy doesn't want the Guests (colonists/settlers) to mess up his favorite feast day, and he's tired of everyone telling him he'll understand things when he's older. So Moss decides to leave, then meets Trouble and a porcupine. He learns what it means to be a man but also that maybe being self-centered doesn't always work either. This would be good for upper elementary or a maybe a little younger. Wonderfully simple yet thought-provoking story.
October 31, 2009
I'll be using this for our Thanksgiving book club. Moss is not happy that his family's annual feast is going to be "ruined" by the intrusion of invited guests (Pilgrims). He's also anxious to have his time away to signal coming of age, struggling with how to be a good and unselfish son, and helping a friend with her family struggles. Very well written and easy to relate to his feelings.
March 5, 2015
I liked the simplicity of the characters. I related to their questioning of roles in their families and their society even though I am adult. Or maybe that is why I related to it! :-)
It is a different viewpoint on the First Thanksgiving. The discomfort felt by both the natives and the whites is probably closer to the truth than the kumbaya version in most books for children.
It is a different viewpoint on the First Thanksgiving. The discomfort felt by both the natives and the whites is probably closer to the truth than the kumbaya version in most books for children.
April 2, 2016
"You are who you are, and no one but you can tell you the truth about that."
This book about the first Thanksgiving is one of my favorites. Moss is amusing, yet real. Trouble, the girl he befriends, is fun to read about. It's an interesting book no matter what. And I've never forgot the one line above.
This book about the first Thanksgiving is one of my favorites. Moss is amusing, yet real. Trouble, the girl he befriends, is fun to read about. It's an interesting book no matter what. And I've never forgot the one line above.
September 24, 2008
I just love this book, because it's about when an indian boy finds out that his father invited some guests to thier huge feast , becuase they're hungry too. So he goes on his away time at the wrong time & comes back the same day! And he saves this girl he likes from doing a horrible mistake.
May 12, 2012
This is a good story about Moss being being upset with his father bring outsiders into their village. This is a good book for teachers to use in 4th grade and up. It is a good chapter book for students to read and learn a lesson from the story.
March 29, 2015
This is a good transitional chapter book. It represents finding who you are as a person. It allows you to see how sometimes you need to look at situations from another prospective. I believe children would be able to benefit and relate to the main character, Moss, because he is also a child.
May 6, 2015
Guests can be used to further the study and learning of Native Americans. While this isn't a historical, non-fiction story, the background information is real: living styles, emotions felt by both parties, etc.
February 15, 2016
Books and stories about Native Americans especially children are my weakness! So I really liked this one! The story of two children finding their roles in their tribe difficult. By finding each other, they get a shared glimpse of a part of growing up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews