Sing Down the Moon

I am really trying my best to keep up with my son here as he is reading. I am truly enjoying Scott O’dell’s books. They are a great piece of historical fiction not only for my 10-year-old but for anyone really. The story tells the tale of the Long Walk of the Navajos in the late 1800s. O’dell has an amazing ability to be so in tune with nature and has a non-frilly yet commanding use of language. He presents this horrible piece of history in a way that won’t torment children who are reading it. Instead, it effectively introduces the facts of this timeframe to a younger audience. While my kid was fine and really enjoyed it, I think it might be better suited for a slightly older child, perhaps around 12 or 13 years old. It might be easier for them to fully understand the wider implications of this human behavior and the significance of this historical event.

A good book,

yet it was truly heart-wrenching.

This was mainly due to the fact that a significant portion of it was based on truth.

The story within the pages seemed to unfold like a real-life tragedy, pulling at the reader's emotions.

It made one realize the harsh realities that exist in the world and how they can be captured and presented in a literary form.

The authenticity of the events described added an extra layer of depth and poignancy to the narrative.

As one delved deeper into the book, it became increasingly difficult to distance oneself from the sadness that permeated every chapter.

It served as a reminder that sometimes, the truth can be more powerful and affecting than any fictional tale.

Overall, this good book left a lasting impression, not only because of its engaging storyline but also because of the profound sadness that it evoked, all the while being grounded in the truth.

Historic fiction presents a captivating account of the pivotal years in the life of Bright Morning, a Navajo girl hailing from Canyon de Chelly in the 1860s.

The narrative unflinchingly delves into the mistreatment endured by Native peoples at the hands of the US government, citizens, and visitors. Astonishingly, it conveys this through a simple recitation of facts, entirely lacking in emotion or internal reflection, notwithstanding the numerous grievous offenses committed not only against the Navajo but also against the Ute, Apache, Cheyenne, and other First Nations.

While it was undoubtedly informative, it failed to engage me as much as I had hoped. Moreover, the ending did not seem to provide a true sense of closure. It left me with a lingering feeling of incompleteness, as if there were still aspects of the story that remained untold or unresolved. Despite its shortcomings, however, the book does offer a valuable glimpse into a dark and often overlooked period in American history.

My 3rd grade teacher had us read this book.

It was rather strange because I noticed that some people had shelved it as "Young Adult." At that time, I didn't understand or care much about it.

However, now I am quite certain that I would appreciate this book to a much greater extent.

I truly hope that I can find the time to reread it with a new perspective.

I believe that with my current maturity and life experiences, I will be able to understand the deeper meanings and themes within the book.

Rereading it might also bring back some memories of my childhood and the classroom where we first read it.

I look forward to this new reading experience and seeing how my perception of the book has changed over the years.

A very interesting story of a young Navaho girl who lived in Colorado in 1864. It is the story of how she was captured by Spaniards and sold into slavery. After a long and arduous journey, she managed to escape and return to her tribe. However, her troubles were not over as she then became part of the migration to a reservation. This story taught me a great deal about a part of our history that I was previously unaware of.

One fact that stood out was that the army fed wheat flour to the Indians who were accustomed to a cornmeal diet. The gluten in the wheat made them sick as their bodies were not used to it. The women also faced difficulties as they were bored. In their traditional way of life, they usually watched the sheep, wove the wool, and planted crops while the men hunted. But on the reservation, these activities were disrupted.

This book truly brings to light the horrible way we treated our native peoples. It serves as a reminder of the injustices and hardships they endured. We must learn from this history and strive to do better in the future to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

“Sing Down the Moon” presents the tale of Bright Morning, a young Navajo girl, and her encounters during the Long Walk and forced relocation. The premise is captivating, and the historical backdrop is of great significance. However, the book doesn't quite reach its full potential.

O'Dell's writing style remains clear and concise, making the story accessible to younger readers. He effectively portrays Bright Morning's resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The descriptions of Navajo life before the Long Walk are well-executed, offering a peek into a culture that was tragically disrupted.

Nevertheless, the narrative at times seems simplistic. The emotional depth could have been enhanced, and some characters lack development. The pacing is uneven, with certain parts of the story feeling rushed while others are drawn out. Although the book touches on the horrors of the Long Walk, it fails to fully capture its devastating impact on the Navajo people. It appears to shy away from the true brutality of the situation, perhaps to make it more palatable for younger audiences, but in doing so, it loses some of its power.

Overall, “Sing Down the Moon” is a decent introduction to a significant historical event, but it could have been much better. It's a quick read, suitable for middle grade readers, but those seeking a more nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayal of the Long Walk may be disappointed. It serves as a good starting point for learning about this period, but further exploration is definitely necessary.

This was a quick read that truly captured my attention.

I didn't realize it was historical fiction until I reached the very end. The story took me on a fascinating journey through the history of the Navajo Indians.

It was incredibly interesting to learn about their traditions, way of life, and the challenges they faced.

The author did a great job of bringing this history to life in a fictional setting.

I found myself completely engaged and immersed in the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Navajo Indians and their rich cultural heritage.

This book has definitely given me a new appreciation for their history and has left me eager to learn more.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or looking for an engaging and informative read.

So why is this called Sing Down the Moon?

I don't think the moon is even mentioned at all. It seems quite a mystery.

Maybe there is a deeper meaning or symbolism behind this title that I haven't yet grasped.

Could it be that the act of "singing down the moon" represents some sort of transformation or release?

Perhaps it is a metaphor for a journey or a quest that the characters in the story undertake.

As I continue to read, I hope to uncover the true significance of this title and understand why it was chosen.

It makes me curious and eager to see how the story will unfold and if the moon will indeed play a role, even if it is not explicitly mentioned.

Maybe the author has a unique and creative way of incorporating the concept of the moon into the narrative.

Only time will tell, and I can't wait to find out.