Book Description

One lovely spring day, fourteen-year-old Bright Morning and her friend Running Bird take their sheep to pasture. The sky is clear blue against the red buttes of the Canyon de Chelly, and the fields and orchards of the Navahos promise a rich harvest. Bright Morning is happy as she gazes across the beautiful valley that is the home of her tribe. Happy until the barking of Black Dog disturbs her and she tums. It is then that she sees the Spanish slavers riding straight toward her. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Review
A Review by Erik

One Spring Day two Indians from the Canyon de Chelly named Bright Morning, her
Black Dog, and friend Running Bird that finally turned fourteen. They decide to take their sheep to a mesa to feed. When the sheep were grazing Bright Morning's black dog barked and they turned around and saw two riders with twoextra horses that asked for directions but were really Spanish Slavers that
captured them.... Will they get away?

I like this book because of how it doesn't bore you with too much detail but get a good description of how everything looks. In the beginning you find out
that it's a spring day and gives a small amount of detail about the surroundings. Something I didn't like was how you don't really get a good character description. You barely know if they are a man or woman and their names are like Running Bird or Bright Morning. I also like that it lets you learn about the time period when the Spaniard's are taking slaves for there
cities. You get to see how they felt about this and how the people treated the Navaho's and what the Spaniard's were like.

The people I would recommend this book to would have to like historicalfiction. I think that it was a good story on how to learn about how the Spaniard's take the Navaho Indian's to be their Slaves as well as what their
lives were similar to.

"A good short story"
Sing Down the Moon is a story written by Scott O'Dell about a Navaho girl named Bright Morning. This is a very interesting book for those people out there that perfer an adventure over sitting on the couch. This story is about when Bright Morning being able to finally take her mother's sheep out during spring with her friend Running Bird. Then, all of a sudden, Spanish slaves appear over the hill to capture children, later to be sold. Of course they capture Bright Morning and Running Bird. They travel to a town where Bright Morning recognized no one and was sold to a lady that was very kind to her, yet Bright Morning was still unhappy. Later she met a girl named Nehana who also wants to escape. Will they escape? You have to read to find out. This book was a little too short for my taste, but nonetheless it was very exciting! The book leaves you wondering: What's going to happen next? Is she going to make it? I normally don't like historical fictions, but for this book I'll make an exception.

Some of the truth about the long walk.
When I read this book I thought that the book was interesting and at the sametime a little sad. I thought it was sad because my ancestors were the one that had to suffer the hard times through the Long walk. The Soldiers were the one that had no repect for the Navajos. They were the one that would shoot any one that would stop, just because an eldery person had to stop to take a break or a Navajo lady was about to have a baby.

I think if some of the Soldiers ever regret what they did to the Navajo's. Even thought they may have just rode the horses along side of the Navajo's that were walking for more then 300 miles. To different places and showing them to they people at Santa Fe. Kit Carson was a mean and hateful guy to the Navajo's

that is all i have to say about the Long Walk.
I hope that it never happen agian, and that the Navajo's fought for us to keep this wonderful and beautful place full of adventure.

Singing Down the Moon
1. SDM took place over a period of two year, starting in spring and ending in spring. The book starts of in a village called Canyon de Chelly, which is located in Arizona. As Bright Morning was tending her sheep one day a pack of Spaniards came and took Bright Morning and her friend, Running Bird. The Spaniards took her and Running Moon to a village where they were to be slave girls. After being there for a little while Bright Morning and Running Bird run away from the village with help from their friend, Nehana (also a slave girl). Final they return home to their village. Then not soon after they are forced out of their village by the "Long Knives". For a few days they hide in a mesa above their village. Finally they are forced to leave because of the supply of food and water is low. When they come down form they mesa they are captured by the "Long Knives". The Long Knives Force the Navahos to go on a long journey to Bosque Redondo. This journey was 300 miles long and called the "Long Walk". After being in Bosque Redondo and getting married to Tall Boy, Bright Morning and Tall Boy run away and go to Canyon de Chelly where she has her baby boy, but then they have to leave because they saw some Long Knives. Finally they end up in Hidden Canyon were Bright Morning used to tend her sheep. There they find supplies that Bright Morning had put in a cave in case of an emergency a few years back.
SDM took place around 1863-1865, over a period of two years. The book started in the spring in the year of the deer. In early 1864, the Navaho tribe was forced on the "Long Walk" to Bosque Redondo. Bright Morning and Tall Boy stay there until 1865, when they decide to run away. Then the book ends in 1865 in the season of spring.
2. Bright Morning is brave, "I had never been afraid before, or only once." (O'Dell 3) She is also obedient, "Tall Boy will marry her only because she is pretty and obedient" (O'Dell 9) Bright Morning is caring. "one girl about my age was caring two young children on her back. They were heavy for her and I asked if I could carry one of them for her" (O'Dell 80)
3. SDM is about a 14 year old girl named, Bright Morning. While tending for her sheep one day she is kidnapped by some Spaniards. Then she ends up running away. Then the Long Knives force her Navaho tribe to flee there land forcing them to live on a run down piece of land along with other tribes, called Bosque Redondo. After being there for a little under two years she gets married to Tall Boy. They decide to run away. They finally end up back at their village with there new born son, but they have to go to a place called Hidden Canyon.

anouther great book by Scott O'Dell
I would recomend this book to people with indian back round because it gives you a little knoulege on what indians went through in those days.

This book is exiting and keeps you on your toes.This Is a great book for everyone I recomend you read it.

Sincerly
Hillary ... Read more

Amazon.com

Scott O'Dell won the Newbery Medal for Island of the BlueDolphins in 1961, and in 1976 the Children's Literature Associationnamed this riveting story one of the 10 best American children's booksof the past 200 years. O'Dell was inspired by the real-life story of a12-year-old American Indian girl, Karana. The author based his book onthe life of this remarkable young woman who, during the evacuation ofGhalas-at (an island off the coast of California), jumped ship to staywith her young brother who had been abandoned on the island. He diedshortly thereafter, and Karana fended for herself on the island for 18years.

O'Dell tells the miraculous story of how Karana forages on land and inthe ocean, clothes herself (in a green-cormorant skirt and an ottercape on special occasions), and secures shelter. Perhaps even morestartlingly, she finds strength and serenity living alone on theisland. This beautiful edition of Island of the Blue Dolphins isenriched with 12 full-page watercolor paintings by Ted Lewin,illustrator of more than 100 children's books, including Ali, Child of theDesert. A gripping story of battling wild dogs and seaelephants, this simply told, suspenseful tale of survival is also anuplifting adventure of the spirit. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (338)

Pretty good but a little old fashioned and slow
I am an Elementary education major and had to view the video and compare it to the book for a lesson plan. I thought it accurately depicted a lot of things but was incorrect in a lot of other ways. It did bring the characters to life but left out some key scenes. Rontu in the movie was not one of the wild dogs from the island but was left by the Aleuts whereas in the book he was described as one of the wild dogs. Other than that I found it a bit slow and old fashioned. Overall I thought it was good and would use it with a class to view critically and to compare to the book.

Island of the Blue Dolphin
You Know what a good book is? Island of the Blue Dolphins. Scott O'Dell does a wonderful job telling this girls story of survival, physically and emotionally. This young girl's tribe is forced to leave their island after the Alutes came and killed most of the men in their tribe. The day they are set to leave, this girls little brother is not on the boat and the boat is already pulling away from the cove. So she jumps off and swims to the island to stay with her brother. Soon after she is abandoned, her brother is killed by a pack of wild dogs. Now she is all alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Scott O'Dell does a wonderful job with this book. This young girl is truly pushed to the limits. Seeing as she is living on her own for years. Her character is such an inspiration. She over came many obstacles to survive. She definitely faces conflict when her brother dies. This was probably her biggest obstacle.
I personally enjoyed this book. I found it truly inspiring. I have never read any of Scott O'Dell's books before. I believe that his other books will be just as good as this one. This story has such a good story line to it. It kind of reminded me of Cast Away. The main characters both had to survive by them self's for a while before getting rescued.

Goes beyond the typical survival book
"Island of The Blue Dolphins" is a classic in every sense in my opinion. After most of her people are killed by some Russians called the Aleuts, Karana has to live on The Island of The Blue Dolphins. While there, she has to learn how to survive alone by making shelter, her own food, etc. She also has to find a way to fend herself of the wild dogs should they turn to attack her, while also watching the seas to make sure the Aleuts don't come back. Will she be on the island alone forever? Will she be rescued by a ship? Karana has to find a way to survive long enough to find out.

"Island of The Blue Dolphins" is one of the best books I've ever read. Unlike many stories of survival, the author, Scott O'Dell doesn't ever sympathize much with what Karana has been through. In the end, it makes the book even better that he didn't reflect too much on Karana's losses. Once you get to a certain point in the story, it will grip you into reading it and not let go until the book is over. There's a lot of things about the book that you probably won't ever forget once you read it. It's pretty much a great and unforgettable book about survival and it couldn't have been written any better if you ask me.

I recommend anybody who likes great books that are about survival to get "Island of The Blue Dolphins." It's so good that it goes beyond the typical survival book, and you'll know what I mean when you finish reading it. It has elements of many other kinds of stories, and it's very compelling. It's a 5 star book without a doubt.

Pretty Darn Dull!
My daughter had to read this book this year in the 4th grade. She was so bored by it, that I had to read it aloud to her so that she could pass the weekly chapter quizes. About the only interesting or exciting events were Karana's experiences with the wild dogs. Her trip away from the island in the canoe went on for about 10 pages, and all it was about was the canoe leaking. If these are the types of books that are supposed to motivate kids to become interested in reading, I'm afraid we are going to alot of non-reading adults. UGH!

Not Quite Perfect
I read Island of the Blue Dolphins for a required reading book. The book is really good and exciting most of the time, but the end is really bad. It literally ends right in the middle of the book. Nothing is explained and it really doesn't make sense. That is why I give this book 3 stars. ... Read more

Book Description

Scagawea, a Shashone Indian, guided and interpreted for explorers Lewis and Clarke as they traveled up the Mississippi, but she had adventures long before that one, like the time she was captured by the Minnetarees, and taken away from her family and everything that she knew and loved....
... Read more

Reviews (20)

My Favorite Scott O'Dell Book . . . so far!
This story took place in the Louisiana Territory during the early 1800's. The main character is a thirteen year old girl named Sacagawea. Other main characters are people in the Lewis and Clark expedition, her French husband, and her baby boy Meeka. Her husband, Charbonneau, was an ugly, cruel man who she was forced to marry because she was a Minnetaree slave. Clark, on the other hand, was handsome and kind and she loved him at first sight. Sacagawea went with the Lewis and Clark expedition so she could help guide them through the Louisiana Territory. They wanted to reach the North Pacific Ocean. Their journey held many difficulties including near starvation, floods, and frost bite. Do they make it? Does Sacagawea marry Clark? This is a great book. You should read it. Scott O'Dell is a wonderful writer. Out of all the Scott O'Dell books I've read, this one is my favorite.

Her Heart was Her Compass
This book is a fictionalized account of two years in the life of a young Shoshone girl, called "Bird Woman" in her own tongue. Kidnapped by a raiding tribe, whose language she must learn, she is enslaved and groomed for the chief's son. Something about Sacagawea excites the interest of several warriors during the course of this story, but she is forced to marry a sly, truculent French trapper named Charbonneau, by whom she has a son at only 14.

While attempting to maintain historical accuracy (based on Clark's journals), O'Dell weaves an interesting tale of suppressed emotions, greed and jealousy, sacrifice and intrigue in wilderness America. The famous Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804/5 was commissioned to explore and document the geography, geology, flora and fauna of the newly purchased Louisiana Territory for President Jefferson. With the presumptuous claiming of Native American land as far as the
Pacific coast. This ardurous journey to the salty ocean, with her infant son on her back, was undertaken in simple faith and steadfast loyalty to the copper-haired captain. Yet the return proved a trail of unshed tears by the devoted young mother, who realized that the famous white man would never marry an Indian woman and be demeaned as a squaw man.

This story will appeal more to girls, since it is narrated in the first person by Sacagewea herself. Fort Clatsop, where the party wintered near the Washington/Oregon border, has been reconstructed for tourists interested in America's Western history. Of note: the courage of this brave Indian girl has been preserved (with son on back) in a recent commemorative coin.

Streams to a little Boredom but Rivers to History
It was a good historical book, but at some parts it was slow. It was interesting to see Sacagawea's side of the story, not just Lewis and Clarks. It is a good book if you are studying the Lewis and Clark expedition, or if you want to find out about it. The story tells of Sacagawea's hardships throught the journey and what happened before Lewis and Clark even hired her. It is very interesting how she comes to love Clark, but she is already married.

Streams to the River; River to the Sea
This is a fantastic book that portrays the life of Sacagawea. It tells about her life from the time she was captured by the Minnetarees to when she leaves the Corps of Discovery at the end of their journey. It is a great read and very informative.

Fiction, but not Historical Fiction
Before I read the book, I saw the PBS documentary about Lewis and Clark. After reading the book, I double checked the information with the journals of the men of the Corps of Discovery. The first mistake the book made was that it said Sacagawea had learned English, and translated for them. However, she had not learned English at this time. The true translation process worked like this: Lewis or Clark would tell someone something in English; a member of the expedition would tell it to Charbonneau in French. Charbonneau would then translate it to Sacajawea's native language, and then she would speak to the Indians they met in their native language (if she knew it.)
One of the many other problems with Scott O'Dell's version, was that he made it sound like Captain William Clark was in love with Sacagawea, and she was in love with him. There is no proof that he was in love with her, but according to the journals, he did show compassion on her by trying to protect her from Charbonneau, who would often beat her.
Overlooking many small mistakes, I also must point out that Captain Lewis's Newfoundland dog was actually stolen, where in the book, it says that Captain Lewis gave Sacagawea the dog.
The end was the most disappointing part of the book. Once they reached the place where Sacagawea and her husband had started the journey, Captain Clark came to speak to her. He basically told her what he thought of her: that he didn't love her, and that he thought of her as a child. This led her to pack up and leave-the book ends with her riding away. Away from her husband whom she hated, and Captain Clark who she thought she loved. Away to the Shoshone people she truly loved.
However, this is not very accurate. It is known that Sacagawea stayed with Charbonneau at Fort Mandan for a month or two. Captain Clark invited the whole family to come to St. Louis so that her son could be educated. It is also known that they stayed there at least five years. In 1811, Charbonneau sold his land to Captain Clark and moved back to the Dakotas. Jean Baptiste, their son, was left in the care of Captain Clark. He became a trapper and guide who worked with Kit Carson, Jim Bridger and other explorers. He was fluent in French, German, Spanish and English as well his native Shoshone. ... Read more

Book Description

While awaiting trial for murder and withholding from the king the obligatory fifth of the gold found in Cibola, Esteban, a seventeen-year-old cartographer, recalls his adventures with a band of conquistadors. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Allure of Gold
The King's Fifth is a cultural book dating back to 1541, the Golden Age in Spain. It tells the story of Esteban de Sandoval, a Spanish cartographer who made maps for the conquistadors of Coronado's army who were searching for gold in Mexico. After seeing many Spanish soldiers die in their greed to obtain gold, Estaban takes it upon himself to get rid of the gold. He dumps it in a ditch in the desert, and then is punished for not giving the King of Spain his one-fifth of all gold found by the conquistadors. I liked how Estaban finally realized that the blind pursuit of money and wealth is empty and how he rejects the allure of gold.

Boy Hoodwinks King
Esteban de Sandoval, a map maker, is to stand before the royal audiencia. The royal audiencia is to decide if Esteban is guilty or innocent of withholding the king's fifth he has supposedly hidden. The year is 1541 and the place is the Fortress of Juan de Ulua, near Vera Cruz, New Spain (Mexico). Esteban records his adventures in the Land of Cibola on paper his jailer hs supplied. The jailer has talked Esteban into making a map of where he has hidden the treasure.

The King's Fifth is exciting and very enveloping book. I like how the book is very descriptive. What I don't like is when they use Spanish words and they don't tell you what the words mean. Over all on a scale of one-five, five being the best, I would give the book a five. The plot is great. The story line makes you want to keep on reading at the end of a chapter.The scenery is well described and you feel as if you were there.

The King's Fifth
This critique is for my seventh grade language arts class. The King's Fifth is a unique book. However, on a scale from 1 to 5 I would only give 3 stars, because there's no realy story line. There's also not that much creativity used in this piece of work. For the most part it's grammatically correct and contains great voice through the dialogues. However, it does provide historical information and facts with a historical theme. Although I don't prefer this genre of book, others would. I recommend it to you if you like to read for information or like slower story lines. But, if you are like me and prefer faster action and suspense then you probably wouldn't like this book.
The King's Fifth is about a prisoner who is also a cartographer. He was taken captive by the king's soldiers after returning from a trip to the seven golden cities. He and his fellow voyagers found and secretly kept an amazing treasure, which the king wanted, too. Will he survive, be freed or hung? You'll have to read it to find out.

Good adventure
i read this book last summer and decided to re-read and i just have to say that it is still a page-turn the second time. this is a story about how the explorers come to find the gold and how they steal it. it is a great work of art. i think that all of O'dells books are great for any readers age. If you liked this book then i think you will like a book that i read in like 5th or 4 th grade : Island of the Blue Dolphins. (auther is o'dell)

Among the Best
For the last six months or so I have been reading through the Newbery Medal and Award books. The King's Fifth is one of my favorites. This book is filled with unforgettable characters, action, romance, and danger. I especially like the ending, which I won't give away! If you like historical fiction, adventure stories, or just great books, don't miss out. Read this book. May I also suggest my other all-time favorite Newbery winner: AMOS FORTUNE, FREEMAN. ... Read more

Book Description

Old Salazar held the pearl to the light and tumed it around and around. He gave it to his son, who had found the pearl in the underwater cave of the lagoon.

"You have in your hand the Pearl of the Universe, the Paragon of Pearls, the Great Pearl of Heaven!" he said.

When the pearl merchants wouldn't meet his price, Blas Salazar presented the fabulous gem to the Madonna of the church of La Paz. "The House of Salazar shall be favored in heaven, now and forever," he proudly proclaimed and firmly believed.

But there were others who believed a curse had surely been brought down upon Salazar and Son and their fleet, for the Manat Diablo, monster devilfish, would reclaim his treasure.

And it was young Ramon who would have to undo the evil he had begun. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl is a very interesting and suspenseful book. In it there is a boy named Ramón Salazar. He learns how to be a pearler and identify pearls. In his village all the villagers believe that they have seen the great beast the Manta Diablo. (If you read this book you will learn more about it.) An old man knew what cave the Manta Diablo lived in but dared not go in it. One day Ramón goes into the cave to dive for pearls. What will happen next? Read the book to see. I think this book is not as good as Island of the Blue Dolphins, which was also written by Scott O'Dell, but it is more suspenseful.

I give The Black Pearl a four star rating.
I give The Black Pearl four stars because it is very adventurous and suspenseful. The main character in the Black Pearl is a boy named Ramon Salazar. Ramon has always dreamed of joining his father's pearling company. Finally, one day when he's sixteen his father lets him go with the fleet to dive for pearls. When they get to the place where they dive, his father says he is not trained so he has to stay aboard the boat. Will Ramon ever be trained and get to dive with the fleet? You'll only find out if you read the book The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell. I recommend this book to ages nine and up.

THE BLACK PEARAL
The Black pearl By Scot O'Dell is a really good book I'd really recomed it if you like adventure books. It is about a boy named Ramon. Him and his father own a pearl shop. It is the best pearl shop in their city.
One day Ramon asks an Indian man that comes to their pearl shop every month to sell them one pearl. One day Ramon asks him if he could teatch him how to dive for pearls because Ramon father will not let him dive for perals because he thinks it to dangerous. The Indiand teaches the boy how to. The Indian said it is very important to watch out for a monster called the Manta Diablo, a devilfish, that lurks in a cave were they are diving. One day Romon decides to go in his cave because he is gone. He finds a pearl the size of a baseball that is black.
From that day on Ramon and his dad face a lot of problems because of the black pearl. I hope my paragraph will convine you to read it. I give it a 5* rating because it is fantastic.

The Black Pearl
The book, The Black Pearl is a good book. It makes you think a lot.You never know what is going to happen. It just suprises you, like WOW! If you havent read it you have to. Its a good book.

The Black Pearl
Ramon Salazar is a young boy who trains to become a great pearl dealer. But the Town of Lapaz fear a monstrous creature named, Manta Diablo. He has no fear upon the creature and carries on to find the Pearl Of Heaven.

Ramon's father spend time with him to train him how to hunt for pearls. Also he teaches Ramon how to be a good dealer, such as knowing what weight and value it has, etc. When Ramon was ready, he went with this old indian man.

But the place where they were heading was the great chamber of Manta Diablo, that no one else knew. For the man was a friend of Manta Diablo, Ramon began to look for pearls with a relief. As he enters a narrow passageway to look for shells, he found VERY LARGE shells. He took a small one so that Manta Diablo wouldn't recognize it missing.

.. ... Read more

Book Description

Tom Barton and his Uncle Jack live on the edge of danger, smuggling goods under the very nose of the king's searchers.Shrewd, brave, desperate at times, they make run after run across the Channel, braving rough seas, heavy winds, and a growing restlessness among their countrymen.All Europe is aflame with the writing and preaching of Martin Luther.

Tom and his uncle come into contact with another man, William Tyndale, whose work and prayer is to put an English Bible into the hands of the common people.While Uncle Jack sees only the profit in a religious Reformation, it is Tom who sees in Tyndale's work the dawning of a new age and a new way of life for himself and England.

William Tyndale was the hawk that dare not hunt by day.Hunted, hated by many, a fugitive in several countries, this humble man's pen changed the course of history.For modern Christians, he is the symbol of scholarship and courage, determination and meekness.For Tom Barton, he was father and friend, teacher and comforter, and the first true testimony of Christ in a godless age. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Story of History
This book is the Story/History of William Tyndale and his journey to get everyone to read the Bible so that even the plowboy will know some versus. The main characters Uncle jack and Tom Barton , smugglers, make a deal to William Tyndale promising to sell these books in England while fulfiling all of their wants. Tyndale wants the Bible to reach everyone and TOm adn Jack want to become rich, but trouble seems to head their way around every corner. This book is enjoyable full of details you might not find in other books. I suggest this book to anyone who likes old english history or enjoys a story that keeps you till the end.

Be aware of the Publisher - don't be a racist
Bob Jones University publishes this edition of Scott Odell's classic. By bying this book you are supporting bigotry and racism as well as the subjugation of women. This book is published by many other Publishers buy it somewhere else. Everything that is being said about this book is very true, it is very educational and I have read it many times. I ordered it again because I wanted to read it in Germany where I am studying now and the book takes place. However, ... had many options of publishers for this book and they should be ashamed of themselves for choosing Bob Jones University Press. Especially after out own President was ridiculed for speaking there. They just recently started allowing their students to have inter-racial marriages and they were forced by the IRS for tax-exempt status to allow black students at all! I feel horrible that I bought this book from this publisher accidentally. Don't make the same mistake!!!!

THE HAWK THAT DARE NOT HUNT BY DAY
This book is about William Tyndale getting Bibles to England in the sixteenth century. William Tyndale is a preacher who wants to bring Bibles over to England that everyone can buy. He accomplishes this by smuggling the Bibles he has translated and printed over in a ship called the Black Pearl. This story mainly focuses on the captain of the ship and his nephew who smuggle the Bibles for Tyndale. This story was slow to get going but was okay by the end. I would recommend it to people who like historical fiction.

Action, mystery, and suspense!
The Hawk that Dare Not Hunt By Day is an excellent book which I would love to read again. It is full of suspense and mystery. It is even based around somebody's actual life, the life of William Tyndale, the person who first translated The New Testament into English. The book is by Scott O'Dell, the writer of The Island of the Blue Dolphins and many other children's novels.

Tom Barton and his Uncle Jack are the owners, as well as First Mate and Captain, of a ship called the Black Pearl. As a smuggler, Tom is always looking for a cargo that will turn a good profit. Tom meets a man named William Tyndale who is translating the Bible from traditional Latin into English, something that could get him hanged as a heretic. Tyndale is the Hawk that Dare Not Hunt by Day. He lives a life of constant danger, always hiding from the King's officials. He drifts from place to place until his own best friend betrays him.

This book is great and I'm surprised that it didn't get some prestigious award. I would love to read it again. The book has a lot of interesting vocabulary, and I would recommend this for ages 11 & up. This book has something to like in it for everyone, action, mystery, and suspense. ... Read more

Book Description

"A splendid, vividly written adventure."
THE KIRKUS REVIEWS
Bright Dawn was a teenaged Eskimo girl. Black Star was her part-husky, mostly wolf, pet. Together they were about to begin the famous Iditarod dogsled race through the bitter cold of Alaska. Bright Dawn knew they would win, but she didn't count on the cold, blinding whiteout, the belligerent bull moose, or ice that could crack and splinter at any time. And she soon realized that she was not only depending on Black Star for the race, but for her life....

... Read more

Reviews (18)

Black Star Bright Dawn
An 18 year old girl is going on a dog sled race for her dad.She has been on lots of races before but now she is faced with the race of her life across three villages.They have to stop at every check-point and tell what place that they are in. She has to get her dogs warmed up but she only has two weeks.During the journey she meets up with some really bad animals and some bad things happen to her dogs. Her dad falls into a river and gets hurt really really bad and her dad can't race so she races for him. When she had to race back through the town,her dad's friend tries to cheat by trying to put in another dog and take out an injured dog so she unhooks the dog and leaves it there because when they start they paint a blue stripe on their back so you can't cheat. The reason I picked this book is because there is some sad parts and some really exciting parts.

How Much I liked This book
This book, Black Star, Bright Dawn is really good, and I have read it quite a few times. The author, Scott O'dell had written many award-winning books, such as The Black Pearl, Island Of the Blue Dolphins, and many more. In this book, Bright Dawn runs the Iditirod Dog sled race when her father is injured and loses a hand to severe frostbite. Bright Dawn wants to run the race in the place of her father but he dosen't think she can because she is a girl, and no girl has ever been in the race before. When he finally lets her go, he does not want her to put her dog, Black Star, in front because he is half wolf. Bright Dawn finally convinces her father to let her go, and she sets out. The book really discribes the dangers of the race, from the moose that can kill you or your sled dogs, to avalanches and the ever constant threat of loosing limbs to frostbite.

Black Star, Bright Dawn
Bright Dawn was a teenage Eskimo girl. The dog was Black Star, part husky but mostly wolf and they were best friends. They were going to race in the Iditarod together as a team because her father had been injured and couldn't go through with it. So she trains for the Iditarod and finally the day comes when It's tim to start. Along the way they never expected it to be as cold as it was, a bull moos, ice that could crack and splinter at any moment. By the time she was halfway through the race Bright Dawn was not only depending on Black Star for the race, but for her life....

Black Star,Bright Dawn
This book is about a girl who was about to race in a one thousand-mile race. Bright Dawn,a teenage Eskimo,is her name. He was Black Star, the leader of the dogsled team. Bright Star had to fill in for her dad. He was praktising raceing and he fell of and he broke is sholder. When she was raceing a storm move in and it caused her to stop and get the snow of the doge's eyes. Right befor she finished she thought she had lost but she was in 2nd place. I like the book because it is about Eskimo's. I think the are smart, for the race's and igllos, they are cool. I liked it because she had to fill in for her dad.

Not One of My Favorites, But Still Good
This isn't one of Scott O'Dell's best books in my opinion, but it is still good. I recomend Island of the Blue Dolphins, but about Black Dawn, Bright Star. It starts out with Bright Dawn's father, Bartok, who is in a 1,000 mile dogsled race. While Bartok is practicing, he falls off his sled and breaks his shoulder. He asks bright Dawn to race for him, and she does. Bright Star leades a dogsled pack from Anchorage to nome. it is called the Idiarod dogsled race. Black Dawn is the leader of the dogsled pack. he is stubborn, being the leader of the pack. In the end she makes it and gets first place. She only gets $50,000 of the $200,000 though, beacause she is a girl. She also gets $2,500 for the Sportsmanship Award. She is happy, even though she didn't get the $500,000, because she earned a lot more then she ever has before. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book
This book has suspence.It askes questions about a humna's basic morals.

Great For Edventurerous People
It was kick Booty!I loved it, thumbs up! ... Read more

Book Description

Left alone after the deaths of her father and brother, who take opposite sides in the War of Independence, Sarah Bishop flees from the British who seek to arrest her and struggles to shape a new life for herself in the wilderness. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

A Captivating story about a struggling young girl
Sarah Bishop is a story about a 15-year-old girl named Sarah Bishop, who lives during the American Revolutionary War. Sarah's father is a loyal Patriot who reveres King George by framing his picture above his bed. It is for this reason that the rebels tar and feather him. Sarah's father soon dies. Sarah has no one to sympathize for her, so she leaves her hometown to live on her own. She establishes a home of her own within a cave. During the story's climax, Sarah is wrongfully accused of practicing witchcraft. Overall, Sarah Bishop is an interesting and accurate rendition of the revolutionary war era. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction.

Sarah, a troubled young girl, yet so determined
This book is about a girl named Sarah Bishop(obviously). This story takes place in the time of the Revolutionary War. Her Father is a tory, someone loyal to the king, who gets killed because of it. His death was decided to be caused by a tar and feathering. On the other hand her brother Chad decides to be a patriot. He however gets put on a prison ship and eventually dies. The night Sarahs father dies her house burns down. The British army blames her for the burnt down house and wants her to be punished for it. She then runs away to a cave deep in the woods. There she leads a new life. This book was very good. It changed my thoughts and feelings and got me thinking about it all the time, and how lucky i am to have the stuff i have especially my family! READ IT

Why Sarah Bishop is Good
I would really recommend the book SARAH BISHOP. This book is by the author Scott O'Dell. The setting is in the seventeen hundreds during the revolutionary war. Sarah's ready to try anything since the Patriots have made her an orphan without a home. She is also falsely accused of being anti-British. Will the war ever end for Sarah? Will she ever find peace from it? You will learn the answers when you read Sarah Bishop!

Sarah Bishop? Who is she?
SARAH BISHOP by Scott O'Dell is a revolutionary war book. It is about a girl named Sarah and she becomes an orphan. Her father is killed by some of the men of his village (kind of like KKK). After that happens then she goes and works at a tavern. That is also where she stays. Until she hasn't heard from her brother who joined the army. She goes looking for him and somehow she gets put in jail by the British. She escapes and when she finds her brother he is DEAD. Now that she is running, the British are looking for her. She keeps running and running. Till she finds a cave in a clearing. She makes a home there and the only things she has for company is a bat and rodent. As time pases and problems arise, she still is weary about the British. She keeps wondering and wondering, waiting and waiting. She is wondering when she can live in peace. Will peace ever come????

Trapped between Revoluttion and Superstition
O'Dell's YA novel about Sarah Bishop, an English-Colonial girl caught between both sides of the American Revolution, holds the reader's interest from the start. Throughout 41 short chapters with extensive dialogue we share Sarah's shock and dismay as her world is uprooted by dangerous men with fervent principles--and a few who lack principles entirely. Neither patriots nor loyalists behave honorably, while British "justice" in the New World proves a mockery of democratic values. Blamed for a crime of which she is innocent (except for poor judgment), Sarah is forced to flee society; trusting no one she takes refuge in a cave near the Connecticut border.

This novel offers all three basic conflicts; man against man; man against Nature and man against God. Eventually Sarah challenges Biblical teaching about forgiveness of one's enemy--with good reasons. Will she ever be reconciled to the loss of her father and brother--torn apart in a civil war under one roof? Whom can she trust during her wilderness odyssey: a trapper, a storekeeper or non-hositle Indians? Quakers who are supposed to act as Friends? Fifteen-year-old Sarah wretstles with serious adult problems as she shuns human society and befriends some wild creatures. But superstition is still rampant in the 1770's; so eventually this kindly girl will be caught up in the hysterial snare and fervent accusations of witchcraft. Is there no one who believes in her innocence on both heinous charges, no one to take her side? The novel leaves the storyline unfinished, so readers must reach or write their own conclusions. This book offers an interesting tale with valuable survival hints, though the plotting is not tightly woven. When will Sarah emerge as a woman who may dwell freely among people, who has come to terms with God? ... Read more

Book Description

When killer whales invade Glacier Strait, Coral's herd is in deadly danger. Reluctantly, Coral's father and mother send her in search of safer waters. The journey is not easy, and Coral confronts hungry sharks, menacing killer whales, and hazardous fishing nets. Inevitably, she encounters the greatest danger of all -- humans. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Venus among the fishes
As a second grade teacher I am always looking for books to read to my class that can help them relate to the subject I am currently teaching. When looking for a book to read during our ocean unit I came across Venus Among the Fishes. My kids love it. When I stop reading for the day they beg me to continue. I warn the kids that several parts are sad and often I find my kids crying along with me. I have recommended this book to several co-workers and they have all thanked me.

The best book review
****
THE BEST BOOK REVIEW

Killer whales trap a herd of dolphins. They send two young dolphins to get help. They get trapped at a Sea World place and meet some friends.
I liked this book because it is exciting and you don't know what will happen next. The characters were fun, protective, and brave. I liked all them. The setting was great. It was in an ocean where colorful reefs and fish live. It was easy to read and it was good. My rating for this book is four stars.

Great
This book i found at a local book store and read it. It is my favorite book i have every read. It is so well written and a good plot. The resion I am on amazon.com and on this books page is to buy it hardcover and add it to me favorite book library. If you are thinking about buying this book buy it.

An excellent shift in perspective.
This tale of a dolphin adventure is beautifully done. The details are solidly based in fact, and presented without excessive scientific jargon. It gives the point-of-view of a dolphin with just enough anthropomorhising to allow the reader to identify with the animal. It also presents the plight of our sea mammals without being overly maudlin. A delicate touch.

I bought this book for my 8-year-old daughter, but both of us enjoyed it hugely.

A great book!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is really interesting. It shows how other animals might think when they are in a situation. This is well written. I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 days. I recomend this to anyone who likes interesting books. ... Read more

Book Description

As part of a Spanish expedition to the New World, a Jesuit seminarian witnesses the enslavement and exploitation of the Mayas and is seduced by greed and ambition. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Awesome
That was like the worst book I ever read. Just kiddin'. You probably could tell by the five stars. The captive is an exciting story. The end is the best part. I don't want to give it away though. I read this book in class and it is the best book I have ever read in a class. Lies, shipwrecks, and more lies. This book has everything. Spaniards are traveling on a ship to teach natives Christian. A certain priest is a little corrupt though. Will some natives die before even knowing who Jesus is? You'll have to read yourself. DMS(James L. Day Middle School) rocks! Way better than Muirland Middle School!!!!

Get to Know the Aztecs and Mayans!
Scott O'Dell is one of the very best writers of historical novels for ages 10-15. This one is an engrossing adventure in the world of the Mayans and Aztecs at the time of the conquistadores. Most readers will want to continue with the sequel, The Feathered Serpent. This saga is not for children under 11; expect to encounter human sacrifices and slavery, shipwrecks and gold-lust, but readers will come away with a real sense of the people and their times.

An exciting introduction to the Maya and conquistadores.
I am a fifth grade teacher from Arlington, Virginia who could not put it down. My class loved it and we found the two sequels, The Feathered Serpent and The Amethyst Ring. They have the hero encountering the Aztecs and the Incas. It is an amazing introduction to the early Central American civilizations. Read all three.

wonderfully written!
This book is a rare find that can be useful for a teaching tool. I teach fifth grade and during the year we study about the Mayas. When I found this book I was reluctant to read it. Once I started I could not stop. Scott O'Dell has uniquely woven a great story around a fascinating character. The story includes topics of survival, friendship, slavery and religion. I have also read the sequel to this book, The Feathered Serpent , this was as well an exceptional piece of children's literature.

very entertaining

I had to read this book for school. It was one of the few books where I was actually interested in. I thought that it was an interesting book. The only thing is that there is too much detail. The author didn't need to explain everything in such depth. I would recomend this book for kids in either 7,8, or 9 grade(I am in 7th grade at Muirland Middle School 0 ... Read more

Book Description

A young Indian girl, caught between the traditional world of her mother and the present world of the mission, is helped by her Aunt Karana, whose story was told in Island of the Blue Dolphins. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Finding Your Family
A Review by Nena
This book is the sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins. Zia, the nice of Karana, wants to find her aunt. She tries many possible ways to get to the island that her aunt is supposable on. Many other people came in to help her. Do you think they will ever find Karana?

Zia and, her brother, Mando are the main characters. Mando would be tribally annoying at times. For example, he had to go just about everywhere with Zia. It seemed as if he would never go away. Also, if you did not let him do what he wanted he would cry or make Zia feel like she has to go out of her way to make him happy. Threw out the book you would find Spanish words like; Mira, they would not tell you most of the meanings. That is what I did not like about the book. Mostly the book made it up with action that was taking place. The exciding parts don't last very long in the book. I think they should be longer. Most of the boring parts where long. There were some not very important things in the book but it as still good to read.

I would recommend this book to people who have already read Island of the Blue Dolphins. Also, I recommend this to people who like a great adventure. It is easy to read, but the Spanish words would be hard for people who don't know Spanish.

Zia
Scott O'Dell is an awesome author! I've read two books by him and I loved them both, they are Island of the Blue Dolphins and Zia. Zia is the sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins but you don't have to read Island of the Blue Dolphins first. Zia is about a girl who wants to go to Island of the Blue Dolphins and save her aunt Karana. Zia and her brother Mando find a boat washed up on the beach. They fix it up and want to use to sail to the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Do they make it to the island? Do they find Karana? Read the book and find out!

This book was a winner!
The plot of the story was about a girl named Zia and her brother Mando who where determined to find their Aunt Karana on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. They lived at a mission and worked there too. They found a row boat that washed a shore after a hurricane. The boat had the word Boston and then the letter "B" and then the letter "Y ". Later they found out that the name was "Boston boy" .

Zia and Mando decided that they would take the boat and sail to the Island of the Blue Dolphins and look for their Aunt Karana. So they gathered food and another oar because the boat had came with one oar and a sail. After about a month they where ready to sail.

Unfortunately they didn't make it. But Zia talked with a captain that lived on a hill on her Island. He said that he was sailing to the Island in a few months. When the time came he sailed to the Island. He came back a few weeks later to find all the people gone but he found Karana. They found Zia in jail. A few days later she was let go and she met her aunt. About 6 months later Karana died and Zia took her dog that Karana left behind. I'll leave the rest for you to read!

Review for Zia
Zia by Scott O Dell is a book about an islander who wishes to be reunited with her long lost aunt. Zia only has her little brother and the mission to take care of her. Zia 's brother is a determined character because he always tries to achive his goal. Whether it's catching the biggest fish in the sea, or paddling 60 miles on a canoe to find his aunt, Mando always tries his best to follow his dreams. My favorite part of this book is when Zia and Mando stock their canoe with rations and set out on the long and dangerous voyage to their aunt.

Boring and Throw away
I had to read this book because of a school project. This was a terrible book. I hated it from the beginning because it had no plot, story line, or good characters. About halfway through the book, one of the main characters, Mando, just left. it didn't say where or why he left, but Scott O'Dell didn't bring him back in the book. I am a little glad because Mando was just a pain. But unfortuanatly, Zia stayed. She was in every scene and was very boring. If anyone wants to read it, then i hope this helps you... THROW IT AWAY!!! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Greatest Book on Earth
This book is the best book in the world. It is about a girl named Raisha and her 2 friends Dondo and Konje. They get taken from their home in Africa and get taken to St. Thomas. They get sold as slaves to Jost van Prok and his wife. Then they go to St. John where the van Proks change their names to Abraham, Apollo, and Angelica. I just have to say that Scott O'Dell is the greatest writer in the world. One of the reasons why I like this book is that it talks about the history of the St. John Slave Revolt. This is Raisha's story.

Interesting, but mediocre.
All things considered, this is good historical fiction. The way it ends, however, was mixed. Raisha made the right decision. Some of the other characters did not. If you enjoy history, read it. If you are a Scott O'Dell fan, this is probably the best book that he could possibly do.

Excellent
A fondly remembered book from my childhood. I highly recommend this and most other Scott O'Dell works.

A Definite Read
The book My Name Is Not Angelica by Scott O'Dell is an intriguing guide through the slavery of African Americans. It is a brilliant story with descriptive characteristics of each specific individual and setting. Raisha, the protagonist of the book, was sold to the Van Prok family of Hawks Nest and throughout the story she gains her individuality. Mistress Jenna Van Prok renamed Raisha "Angelica" to try to make her forget her heritage. Raisha, sold in a trio with two of her friends from home, blossoms into an emotionally strong woman in tough times as this publication progresses. Her entire "career" as a slave she had dreamed to be free. It made it tougher for her when she dealt with the surprises of her new lifestyle and community. Can she escape this mind buckling experience? The inquiring minds of all that read this are to whom this will prevail.

I recommend My Name is Not Angelica because it is a somewhat brief anecdote that shows how Raisha deals with the slave revolt of 1733. It was admirable how Raisha gained her independence "waltzing" from location to location. After the unbearably treacherous happening of being removed from her home and in Africa at an age where she nearly understood the horror and details of the slave revolt. Although the heat of Africa was similar to that of St. John, the location of Hawks Nest, it seemed hotter to her to a scorching degree while suffering and slaving away. Even though her existent work was tending to Mistress Jenna. There were many sections of the story when Raisha found her self bedazzled by the new nature of her life. The strongest obstacle beyond her nature was when she constantly found herself looking upon a collection of white faces (especially in the market in the West Indies where she was sold). She also had to deal with the trauma of watching her friends suffer, and in one case die by the strokes of a whip. This 130 paged telling may seem like it is a children's book by it's length, but it has the potential of an award winning novel. It has been a winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award in the past. But presently I'm sure it will tolerate many more awards to an utmost extent.

A negative characteristic of My Name Is Not Angelica is it was not as well organized as it could have been. An example is not having a directory of page numbers as most books do contain which made it difficult to find a concluding point when needed. It also could have added an adventurous twist to the beginning as well as midway and the end. That way in would have a forceful push to complete reading it. Most short story style "novels" are considered childish and don't dare to dream, but this author made a strenuous effort and greatly succeeded in executing it perfectly. This tale is a nail biter, not a head scratcher. This wonderful story has necessity for a sequel.

My name is not angelica
The story was very well it had alt of information on slavery and had a journey of a girl that came from royals and riches to slavery and poverty ... Read more

Book Description

Serena Lynn, age seventeen, turns down an appointment to serve England's King, James I, at court in order to follow her beloved Anthony Foxcroft across the sea to the newly founded colony of Jamestown. But their ship, loaded with much-needed supplies, founders in a hurricane, wrecking Serena and Anthony in Bermuda. By the time they make their way to Jamestown, the colony is in ruins, the people half-starved. Now Serena must go to the Indian princess Pocahontas to plead for the life of the colony -- and of the man she loves!
... Read more

Reviews (9)

Historically accurate but boring
A book that lacks a good story base. Reading through this book I have acknowledged that the Author knew the history, but I was bitterly unsatisfied in how the book skipped through time, as though he was in a race to get it done. What also was dissapointing was that it brought characters into the book totally out of the blue. Im an 8th grader and this was required reading.

Sorry, Scott O'Dell, this one was a slight flop
I found this book mildly interesting, and for me that's a waste of time. I read books that will give me a wild, deep, thoughtful, or sensitive ride. This book did none of that. I appreciated the part where Serena threw away her magical ring, realising it was wrong to be at peace knowing SHE would be safe, while her poor companions could die. I read a different edition of the book, I don't know if it had the same illustrations, but I read a hardcover edition and there was a picture of Pocahontas for the second section that make her look UGLY, contradicting the amazing beauty the book talks about. The romance that developed between Serena and Thomas was rather undeveloped. I appreciated the insight about John Rolfe being torn because Pocahontas wasn't a believer, but I wish he had waited until she was.
The other thing was, WHEN DID SERENA GET MARRIED? I read kinda fast at the end b/c I was bored, but i caught Tom asking her and she said no, then later on, she says she'd never seen a man so happy, referring to John Rolfe when he married Pocahontas, except her Tom. ....

Good, but not as good as "Island of the Blue Dolphins"
Scott O'Dell was a great writer of historical novels for young readers. "Island of the Blue Dolphins" is still one of my favorites from childhood. I recently picked up "The Serpent Never Sleeps" to see what he did with colonial Virginia, and I was somewhat disappointed. In a historical novel, there is really no place for magic that works; Serena's magic ring just jarred my sense of disbelief something fierce. If it had been an all-out fantasy, I would have enjoyed it more. But the journey to Virginia is told with real gusto, as is their shipwreck in the Bahamas. The arrival in Jamestown is fraught with danger and the threat of starvation, and only Serena (who knows Pocahontas) can save them. A decent adventure, just not O'Dell's best.

I expected better. . .
from the author of "The Island of Blue Dolphins." I found "The Serpent Never Sleeps" to be a rather weak novel with a sketchy plot and poor charcter development. Nothing in the book seems to be developed! Characters come and go for no reason such as Serena's brother who disappears after a couple of pages. Other characters are never developed such as Emma Swinton. Is she the accused murderer and why does she want Humility so badly? We are never told! Also Anthony Foxcroft was such a weak character that his death carries no emotional impact. The main character, Serena, does things for no rational reason. Why did she learn the Indian language? Why does she believe that only she can save Jamestown? Why she does these things is never explained- she just does them. The result is a novel with a plot that is paper thin and very sketchy. "The Serpent Never Sleeps" is not one of O'Dell's finer works.

The Jamestown You Never Knew
The Serpent Never Sleeps is a historical fiction book by the famous Scott O'Dell, author of Island of Blue Dolphins. It tells the story of a girl who arrives at Jamestown during the starving time. She helps in the plot to capture Pocahontas and keep her for ransom. My favorite part is when the Mattaponi Indians try to smoke Pocahontus out of the English house. I recommend this book because it tells a side of Jamestown you never knew. ... Read more

Book Description

A young girl relates her feelings and experiences as a participant in the battle of San Pasqual during the last days of the war between Califor-nians and Americans. "Multidim-ensional, masterfully crafted, the novel is compelling in its powerful yet restrained emotional intensity." -- Horn Book ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This was okay.....
This was the best book, but okay. My mom was reading it to me & my brothers @ night and yes, I often wondered what would happen next. It was about a tomboy, who was trying to be like her dead older brother. (if that makes sense) I wouldn't read it again, but it was worth reading. If u need something to read in a short time, this would be a good book for u.

Carlota
This was a good book, even though Scott O' Dell has written better books. I really don't know how to summarize it, except that this is a book about a tomboy Spanish girl. It's first point of view, and (very) good if you just want a quick read, or an easy book to do a book report on, like I did. ^_^

Disappointing.
It stinks. 'Nough said.This book drags and goes nowhere when you think it was starting to. Carlota doesn't even ride that "majestic stallion" anywhere. She rides some other horse, and the book just ends after she's just announced she's tooken over her fathers ranch (who just died).blah blah. Bland, nothing to it.

Carlota, review by Dylan Ryan
Carlota is about a girl who lives in California during the Spanish/American wars. Her father raises her to take the place of her dead son, Carlos. She dives for gold in shark infested waters to help pay for their ranch. Carlota de Zubarán and her father help fight in minor offshoots of the main war and protect their ranch from American invaders. I give this book four stars because it is clearly written, but is boring in some places. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more Scott O'Dell books.

MY REVIEW
This is a story about a girl who lived in California a long time ago(as in about 1846).She was brought up like a tom-boy in the place of her dead brother, Carlos.This is an exelent story about how Carlota's struggles to become her own person.I'm 12 yrs. old, Iloved this book, and all other's I've read by Scott O'Dell ... Read more

Book Description

This powerful account of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce Indians in 1877 by the United States Army is narrated by Chief Joseph's strong and brave daughter. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

McCartney's review
I chose this book because I have read a book by Scott O'dell before and I really liked that book so I thought that this book would be just as good.

This book was about a girl named Sound of Running Feet and the other members of the Nez Perce being kicked out of their home by the Blue Coats. Tribe members think that being kicked out of their home is bad but there will be more bad luck to follow, they still have battles to fight.Will they ever see their beloved home again?

My favorite character is Sou