Shining Star

Here is a story replete with Native American traditions and information. Shining Star is a ten-year-old Comanche girl. By spending time with her and her family, sharing the events of their days and community interactions, the reader learns about ceremonies, lore, daily living, interdependence of tribal members, and the notion of the tribe above one.

For The People to be strong, bravery is a must, and Shining Star's goal is to overcome her dread of lightning. Ever since she was hit by lightning five years ago, thunderstorms have traumatized her and she has hidden her fear because The People are afraid of nothing. Death is a part of life: tribal members will pass on, animals yield food and clothing. As Grandfather tells us, "It is not death we fear, but meeting death bravely--Only the rocks live forever."

Woven into Shining Star's story is a fabric of many pieces of information: tipi making and moving; foods and diet; buffalo hunting; arrow making; tanning hides; courtship; horse raids; scalping; stories of the elders; power of the number 4; the dream walker; the contrary man; closed face; war paint--and more.