dePaola, T. (1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Puffin Books.
Summary
When a great famine comes to the people of the plains, the shaman seek guidance from the spirits to help them seek forgiveness and be blessed with rain. The indigenous people learn that the spirits want a great sacrifice from those who have selfishly taken from the land with nothing in return. She-Who-Is-Alone has one possession that she holds dear, her doll made by parents who have long passed from the famine. At night, She-Who-Is-Alone travels up the hill to sacrifice her one possession to the spirits in hopes that they will forgive her people and bless with with a healing rain. She spreads the ashes of her doll and falls asleep, only to wake to fields of bluebonnets and the spirit's forgiveness in the form of rain.
A Teacher's Perspective
Not only do I love this book because I had read it as a child, but I love folk tales of indigenous people in my home state. This book's illustrations mimic that of the drawings on teepees and Native American art, as well as provided a clean surface for readers to navigate through the story. By creating this artful piece of literature, Tomie dePaola relays the legend of the bluebonnet in a way that readers of all ages can enjoy.
At the end of the book, dePaola explains the origins of his book, by sharing credit with Huntsville reading consultant, Margaret Looper. The explanation of how he understood the Comanche People and recreated this story in writing adds to the historic value of its contents, and would make a wonderful teaching resource for both ELA and history teachers across the state.
Want to know more?
To purchase your own copy of The Legend of the Bluebonnet: Click here!
Here is a wonderful read-aloud by a teacher that you can use in your classroom:
Want something to use in your classroom? Scholastic has some wonderful resources for teaching this story.
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