The Girl Who Married the Moon

The Girl Who Married the Moon is a collection of traditional Native American tales focused on women and girls from tribes across North America. These nineteen stories were gathered and retold by Joseph Bruchac and Gayle Ross. The narratives feature female protagonists from different Indigenous nations including Cherokee, Abenaki, and Sioux communities. Each tale centers on themes of bravery, wisdom, and the relationship between humans and nature. The stories range from creation myths to coming-of-age journeys to adventures with mythical creatures. Many follow young women who must face challenges, make difficult choices, or embark on transformative quests. This anthology provides insight into the roles, experiences and perspectives of Native American women through traditional storytelling formats. The collection demonstrates how cultural wisdom and values were passed down through generations via oral tradition.

Readers appreciate how these Native American folktales center on female characters and experiences. Many reviewers note the cultural authenticity and Bruchac's respectful approach to retelling traditional stories. Parents and teachers report using the book successfully with middle school students. Readers liked: - Clear, accessible writing style - Historical context provided for each tale - Strong female protagonists - Educational value about Native cultures Readers disliked: - Some tales feel repetitive - A few reviewers wanted more detailed cultural notes - Limited illustrations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (21 ratings) "Perfect for teaching alongside other folklore units" - Teacher review on Amazon "Makes these traditional stories accessible without losing their cultural significance" - Goodreads reviewer "Would have benefited from more background information about each tribe" - Goodreads criticism

Pushing Up The Sky by Joseph Bruchac Native American tales focus on women and girls from different tribes who demonstrate strength and wisdom through traditional storytelling.

Her Seven Brothers by Paul Goble A Plains Indian legend tells the origin of the Big Dipper through a story of a girl's connection to her brothers and their transformation into stars.

The Woman Who Outshone the Sun by Alejandro Cruz Martinez This Mexican folk tale from the Zapotec people chronicles the tale of Lucia Zenteno, a powerful woman whose hair contains a river.

Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun by Geri Keams A Cherokee creation story follows the animals' quest to bring light to the dark world and Spider Woman's role in achieving this task.

Children of the Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac Set in a 15th-century Mohawk community, this story weaves traditional tales into the lives of twin siblings who navigate tribal customs and challenges.

🌙 Like many tales in the book, traditional Native American stories about women marrying the moon can be found across multiple tribes, from the Arctic to the Southwest. 🖋️ Joseph Bruchac, the author, is of Abenaki descent and has written more than 120 books, making him one of the most prolific Native American authors. 🌟 The stories in this collection were traditionally told during winter months, when many tribes gathered indoors for storytelling sessions. 👥 Each story in the book features strong female protagonists, reflecting the important role women played in many Native American societies. 📚 The tales were gathered through extensive research and personal interviews with tribal elders, preserving oral traditions that might otherwise have been lost to time.