I never got around to reading this as a child.

Even though my family has had this book on our bookshelf for as long as I can remember, it somehow remained unread during my childhood years.

However, as an adult, I'm glad to have finally picked it up and read it.

Despite being a children's book, it holds a special charm and depth that I can now more fully appreciate.

This is a truly powerful story that is based on a real historical event.

The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative bring the past to life, allowing readers to experience the emotions and challenges of that era.

I would highly recommend this book to both children and adults alike.

It not only entertains but also educates, providing valuable insights into history and human nature.

Whether you're looking for a captivating read or a way to introduce children to important historical events, this book is a great choice.

When I was a child, Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of my all-time favorite books. I was completely engrossed in reading about Karana's remarkable survival skills and her unwavering determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Naturally, when I picked up Sing Down the Moon, I was hoping it would offer the same level of captivating interest.

The story itself delves into a tumultuous and tragic era in the history of the Navaho people. America is no longer solely their territory; the Spaniards and White men, or "Long Knives," have arrived and intend to stay. The Spaniards prey upon Navaho women, stealing them away to be enslaved, while the Long Knives impose military law upon the Navaho's proud warriors. The ending is presented as optimistic, but anyone with even a basic knowledge of the history of Native Americans will not find much solace in such an ending.

Although I read the book relatively quickly, I don't believe I ever truly connected with the novel or the main character. Bright Morning possesses the qualities of a strong heroine; she is brave, clever, and loyal. However, the voice that O'Dell gives her feels detached, almost cold. It seems as if he was attempting to imitate the way he thought a Navaho girl would speak, rather than allowing Bright Morning to have her own distinct voice.

This, I believe, is because O'Dell was white and writing about a culture that was different from his own. I am very glad to have read a book about Native Americans (something I do rather rarely, to my regret), but I am disappointed that it wasn't written by a Native American author. O'Dell can undoubtedly have empathy and understanding for the Navaho's plight, but ultimately, he is an outsider telling the story of someone who is completely different from him, and this is evident in the narrative.

Superb idea for a story, but absolute crap execution.

I was extremely worried that it wouldn't live up to what it could have been - a fast-paced American Indian war story full of peril and gore.

What it actually is - a dry, emotionless collection of papers full of robotic acting people who only ever talk about sheep.

There could have been some truly superb imagery here. The wild west of America, with its vast landscapes and unique charm. The dust barrier crater that was their canyon, a place full of mystery and danger. The brutal winters and boiling summers, adding to the harshness of the environment.

It feels like this was a very filtered and watered down version of something this guy heard out of a crash course video. The language is very, very simple. So, unless you're in first grade, you will learn literally no vocabulary.

At least it's a short and quick read. However, the bottom line is that it's disappointing. It had so much potential, but it failed to deliver on almost every front.

I've never been a Scott O'Dell enthusiast, as I've only read one of his other books, namely 'The Black Pearl.' It's not that I detest his works; rather, I simply found them to be less captivating for me on a personal level.

This isn't a new publication. It was originally released in 1970. However, I noticed some students in my school reading it, and thus I thought it might assist me in establishing a connection. My perspective hasn't altered. O'Dell is undoubtedly capable of narrating a story and develops the main character in this tale quite effectively.

But the reason I assign it such a high rating is from a historical angle. I am a student and have also been a teacher of American history (currently not a teacher, but I have held that position in the past and hope to do so again in the future). Like most people, I am acquainted with 'The Trail of Tears,' the dreadful journey of the Cherokee and related nations to the west, as mandated by President Andrew Jackson (and perhaps one of the reasons he will soon be removed from the twenty-dollar bill). Nevertheless, I was entirely unfamiliar with 'The Long Walk' of the Navajo/Navaho peoples during the Civil War. I knew that Colonel Kit Carson had been relieved of his military duties in the Civil War due to some of his indefensible decisions as a commander, specifically those related to slaves, and was dispatched to guard the frontier. But I was unaware that he instigated 'The Long Walk.' According to O'Dell, this is an earth-shattering event in the lives of the Navajo/Navaho, to such an extent that every tribal member, young or old, can recount the experience. For that sole reason, the book is worthy of being read. Additionally, the personal experiences—although historical fiction but executed extremely well—of the characters in this book during 'The Long Walk' result in a compelling story of tragedy, adventure, and at least temporary triumph.

This book would serve as an excellent cross-curricular reading assignment between English and social studies when the social studies curriculum delves into native peoples, particularly in the southwest.