The Girl Who Married the Moon - by Joseph Bruchac (Paperback)

About the Book

A companion volume to Bruchac's Flying with the Eagle, Racing the Great Bear, this anthology focuses on the role of women in traditional Indian cultures. Culled from 16 Native North American cultures, these traditional tribal tales dwell on the time in a young girl's life when she discovers she is becoming a woman. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

In this powerful and evocative collection, girls and young women stand at the center of sixteen Native American stories told "for the daughters and granddaughters who will come after." Drawn from a wide range of tribal nations and traditions, these tales explore the many paths to womanhood through courage, resilience, humor, love, and sacrifice.

Across the collection, brave and resourceful heroines outwit monsters, escape kidnappers, and confront the expectations of marriage--sometimes with clever humor, sometimes with profound tragedy. Standout stories include "The Beauty Way," a moving account of an Apache rite of passage; "Stonecoat," in which women defeat a powerful and dangerous medicine man through the strength of their moontime; and the title story, where a young woman not only marries the moon but shares in his sacred responsibilities. Together, these stories celebrate coming of age, cultural continuity, and the enduring power of women in Native storytelling traditions.

About the Author

Joseph Bruchac, coauthor of The Keepers of the Earth series, is a nationally acclaimed Native American storyteller and writer who has authored more than 70 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and children. He lives in upstate New York.

Gayle Ross, published author, storyteller and lecturer, is a descendant of John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation during the "Trail of Tears." Her books, How Rabbit Tricked Otter and The Girl Who Married the Moon have received glowing reviews.