For four years, the people tried to plant crops in the hard and alkaline ground without success. Since the crops failed, the Naabeehó (Navajo people) had to rely on the rations the soldiers provided, which were foreign to them, bug infested, and rotten. Through their strength, the clan system, and their songs and prayers, the people survived these desperate times. On June 1, 1868, the Naabeehó were allowed to return to their home between the sacred mountains. The story is informative and well told, and the sacrifices and losses that the people experienced come through clearly. The text is written in Navajo and English.

Review: "Born in 1856 at the base of Black Mesa, Dzanibaa saw her happy childhood come to a terrifying end when U.S. soldiers attacked and forced thousands of Navajo to walk to Fort Sumner, 450 miles from their home. Imprisoned in a land where their crops wouldn't grow, the Navajo were reduced to eating bug-infested flour and rotten meat. During those four long years, Dzanibaa reached puberty, but she vowed to postpone her coming-of-age ceremony until the Navajo returned to their sacred lands. Released from imprisonment in 1868, the Navajo were finally allowed to return to their homeland. Told in both the Navajo and English languages, the story is beautifully illustrated in full-color paintings that vividly show the Navajo's despair and determination during their days at the fort. Middle readers may struggle to understand the background history, but they will admire Dzanibaa's courage and strength. An excellent addition for school and public libraries; teachers will find the author's note of particular interest.

 Salina Bookshelf, Inc. 1-893354-55-5 / 9781893354555
Hardcover brand new condition Flagstaff, Ariz. 

Price: 28.91 USD