Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is truly a gem of a story. It is especially valuable for introducing children to the sufferings and lifestyles of the Navaho people.

I have a deep affection for the fact that the narrative unfolds through Bright Morning. Her daily tasks, the spirituality of her tribe, and the decision-making processes among the elder men are all vividly portrayed.

Then, there are the horrors that the Navaho endured at the hands of 'the long knives' (I really appreciate that O'Dell used the terminology employed by the Navaho to describe white men/cavalry soldiers), as well as the Spaniard slave traders. What makes this book an excellent story for young adults is that none of this is written in a sensationalized manner. Instead, it presents a realistic and poignant account of the Navaho's experiences. It is a wonderful story of hope and survival, highlighting the strength and resilience of a people who were grossly mistreated on their own land.

Overall, this book offers a unique and valuable perspective on the Navaho people and their history, making it a must-read for both children and adults alike.
July 15,2025
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This is a book that I discovered at my library's book sale.

I decided to buy it because its author, Scott O’Dell, penned one of my favorite childhood books, Island of the Blue Dolphins.

This particular story chronicles a two-year history of the Navaho (as it is spelled in the book) people from 1863 - 1865.

It includes The Long Walk, a forced journey that the Navahos had to undertake.

Just like all Native American relocations, there are profound injustices involved.

The tone of this book, similar to that in Island of the Blue Dolphins, isn't an overly emotional one.

I believe this makes this difficult story more bearable.

Despite the absence of intense emotion in the storytelling, I still felt a deep connection to these characters.

I came away from this story with a newfound admiration for the Navaho people and Native Americans as a whole.

This book clearly earned its status as a Newberry Award Honor Book for a good reason.

I will definitely encourage my children to read it, hoping they too can gain an understanding and appreciation of this important piece of history.

July 15,2025
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Wow! I am truly surprised. To my great delight, I actually like this book a lot! I just began reading it, and all of a sudden, I found myself completely engrossed and didn't want to put it down for a single moment. It is a quick and easy historical fiction read that offers a wealth of knowledge. Through it, I have learned a great deal about some aspects of the past Native American culture. It vividly portrays the unique traditions, beliefs, and way of life of the Native Americans. Moreover, it also reveals the numerous hardships they had to endure. Their struggles against colonization, loss of land, and cultural assimilation are heart-wrenching. This book has not only entertained me but also broadened my understanding and appreciation of the rich and complex history of the Native American people.

July 15,2025
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I picked up this book mainly because it occurred to me that, although The Island of the Blue Dolphin has always been on my best-loved list, I don't recall ever reading anything else by Scott O'Dell.

This book is a quick read, and it tells an adequate story of an Indian girl who lived during the time when the tribes were being rounded up by the white man and removed from their lands.

Another interesting fact that I hadn't known before reading this book is that some of these young tribal women were captured by Spanish slave-traders and sold to wealthy families as servants.

O'Dell does a nice job giving a broad description of life for these people during these times.

As an adult, though, it seems like more of an overview to me than an in-depth story.

However, I think that it would be just right for a young person, especially those in late elementary to early middle-school. It can give them a sense of what life was like during that period of history.

It provides a valuable introduction to a significant era, allowing young readers to understand the challenges and experiences of the native people.

Overall, while it may not be as detailed as some adult-oriented historical works, it serves its purpose well for its intended audience.

July 15,2025
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As they drank and began to crop the grass along the bank, I continuously looked back at the pine grove and the hill beyond. My heart was filled with fear, afraid that I would see the Spaniards approaching.

It all started with a tragedy and unfortunately, it ended with a catastrophe.

There were still a couple of loose ends remaining. It was as if fate had played a cruel trick on us. The situation was tense and uncertain. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. Would the Spaniards find us? Or would we be able to escape their clutches? The future seemed bleak and full of unknowns.

Despite the chaos and danger, I knew that I had to stay strong and keep my wits about me. I had to protect myself and those around me. With each passing moment, my anxiety grew, but I refused to give in to fear. I would face whatever came my way with courage and determination.

July 15,2025
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Sarah is reading this for her class, and I have decided to read along with her.

I have a strong premonition that she will require someone to console her and cry with after going through this.

As we embark on this reading journey together, I can sense the emotional turmoil that might lie ahead for her.

Perhaps the content is deeply moving or disturbing, and I am determined to be by her side throughout.

I know that having someone to share her feelings with during such times can make a world of difference.

So, I will be there, ready to offer my support and a shoulder to cry on if needed.

Hopefully, our joint reading experience will not only help her in her class but also strengthen our bond as friends.
July 15,2025
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This book was extremely boring.

Perhaps it was due to the fact that I have a strong aversion to the historical fiction genre.

In my opinion, there was truly no significance or purpose to the story.

This is just my personal perspective.

I must admit that the writing style of the book was not bad.

However, I simply did not enjoy the story as a whole.

It failed to capture my interest and engage me on an emotional level.

The characters seemed flat and the plot lacked excitement and depth.

Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.

Maybe if I had a greater appreciation for historical fiction, I would have had a different opinion.

But as it stands, this book did not meet my expectations.
July 15,2025
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This book is not as good as Island of the Blue Dolphins.

Island of the Blue Dolphins is a classic and captivating novel that takes readers on an unforgettable adventure. It tells the story of a young girl who is left alone on an isolated island and must learn to survive on her own. The author's vivid descriptions bring the island and its inhabitants to life, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves in the girl's shoes.

In contrast, this book fails to capture the same level of excitement and interest. The story may be平淡 or lack depth, leaving readers feeling disappointed. The characters may not be as well-developed or engaging, making it difficult for readers to form an emotional connection with them.

Overall, while this book may have some redeeming qualities, it simply cannot compare to the magic and wonder of Island of the Blue Dolphins.
July 15,2025
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So I picked up this book, you know. Scott O'dell, I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins in fourth grade. Why not give this one a try?

OMG, I just can't believe it. It makes no sense at all! I'm here going crazy, wondering if it's just me or if this really doesn't make any sense. And if you haven't read the book, I'm about to pretty much spoil the whole thing, so be warned.

The book starts off with the main character, whose name is something like shining-as-bright-as-the-sun or whatever, getting captured on like page two. Then she gets saved, but then her whole tribe gets captured, something about the Trail of Tears, and she escapes. I just can't understand why. And mind you, THIS IS A NEWBERRY HONOR! *crying*

And we haven't even touched on Tall Boy. OMG, the number of times we have to hear his stupid name, and he's such an idiot. Then he gets his arm shot and can't use it anymore. Cue the crying. I mean, the whole sob story is just so unbelievable. It's like we're supposed to care, but 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 the cake is that she goes and marries the dolt, but she's dumb too, clearly. So why am I even mad? I just 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 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.)
July 15,2025
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The historical novel titled "The Long Walk" vividly depicts a tragic chapter in the history of the Navajo Indians.

Between the years 1863 and 1865, under the orders of the United States government, the Navajo were forcibly migrated from their ancestral homeland in Arizona to Fort Sumner near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

This arduous journey, known as "The Long Walk," was filled with hardships and磨难. The Navajo people, who had lived in harmony with the land for centuries, were uprooted and made to endure great suffering.

They walked for hundreds of miles, facing harsh weather conditions, lack of food and water, and disease. Many lost their lives along the way.

The novel delves deep into the emotions and experiences of the Navajo during this forced migration, highlighting their strength, resilience, and the importance of their cultural heritage.

It serves as a reminder of the injustices that were committed against indigenous peoples in the past and the need to respect and protect their rights and cultures today.
July 15,2025
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This is the first book that I have read from this author.

I was truly impressed and now I will definitely have to check out more of his works.

I happened to pick this book at a book giveaway event.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the school was getting rid of it due to the nature of the content.

The story was extremely heart-breaking.

The American Indians were horribly mistreated by our government.

And it wasn't just them; other cultures also suffered.

So many of these people were peaceful and would have been much better off if we had simply left well enough alone.

Despite the sadness it brought, it was an excellent story that really made me think about the past and how we should strive to do better in the future.

It's a book that I would highly recommend to others who are interested in learning about history and the experiences of different cultures.
July 15,2025
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3.5 stars rounded up.

Once again, I can clearly understand why this book won the Newbery Award. The writing is strong, and it contains an important historical aspect related to the Navaho Indians, making it a good read.

However, approximately a quarter of the way before the end of the book, I started to feel a bit bored. I'm also uncertain about my overall thoughts on this book. I need to let it soak in for a while before coming back to this review. And I will also post this review to my blog later.

I must say that I'm definitely interested in reading more Newbery Award winners! It's fascinating to explore the works that have received such prestigious recognition. Each book seems to offer a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge. I'm looking forward to delving into more of these literary treasures and expanding my reading horizons.

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