American Indian Story

Gr 10 Up—Mashonee is a Native American, award-winning vocalist. Her Grammy-nominated CD, American Indian Story, tells of her Native roots, and this book adds narrative to it. Overcome by extremes in weather, Sha'kona and her family are forced to leave their ancient land. Her great-grandmother had predicted that Sha'kona would be a special child and that she had been chosen to lead her family to a New World where they would become strong and grow into a great nation. During this epic journey, she realizes that she is gifted with "other eyes" as was her great-grandmother. As she leads her people through harrowing adventures to get to the New World, she begins to understand the power of her gift. From the bear she discovers strength, from the eagles' direction, from the white buffalo wisdom, and from herself she learns love for all things. Her predictions and visions enabled her people to arrive safely in a new home. Part fact, part fantasy, this book is more than a story about Native American lore. It is a beautifully written saga about a girl's amazing journey from childhood to adulthood and self-actualization and discovery.—Sharon Morrison, Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library, Durant, OK