Product Description

Turn the pages of this book to learn about Navajo Indians. Find out how Navajos grew food in the desert. Discover why sheep are so important to the Navajos. Learn about the houses where Navajos used to live. In this book you will read about the foods that

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A young boy is chosen by the eagles to journey to the sky to learn their sacred healing ways. Before the boy can receive this gift, he must prove himself to be both clever and brave. Only then will he be worthy of a new name, Eagle Boy. This magnificent myth is illustrated with soft pastels, evocative of the earth and sky of the great Southwest. ... Read more

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Navajo Nation, Navajo language, Native Americans in the United States, Indian reservation, Navajo people,Maricopa County, Arizona, Puebloan peoples, Long Walk of the Navajo, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Tribal Police. ... Read more

Product Description
This retelling of a Navajo folktale explains how First Woman tried to write the laws of the land using stars in the sky, only to be thwarted by the trickster Coyote. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Book - "How the Stars Fell into the Sky"
I ordered this book for my grandchildren along with a dreacatcher and a book about dreamcatchers. They really enjoy this Indian legend as to how the stars were put into the sky.It was shipped timely and an excellent price.I am very pleased with the purchase.

How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legond
This is a lovely, imaginative book telling of a beautiful and mystical legend. The Navajo People used animals to explain the phenomena of the world around them.My 5 year old grandson loves this book.I love to read it to him.

Beautiful book
This book is writen in the thoughts and belifes of the Native Americans. It is about how the starts got into the sky. I kids 4 and 14 love this book. I give it 5 stars.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE
This book has a message for every age. Our everyday lives are entwined in our work and all we hold important. This book, has within a few pages, alot of the dreams that we must reach for in our lives, and the obstacles that try to sway us. It shows that even when we do not reach our goals life goes on.We do not see the consequences just the outcome of behaviors, our own and that of others. I would reccommend this book to everyone..

Starry, Starry Night...This is a beautiful story...
I actually purchased this book because I loved the cover art, and the title, "How the Stars Fell into the Sky," intrigued me. The image of the Navajo woman, star in hand, gazing up thoughtfully into the dark, "new" sky really captured and held my attention. I wanted to read this book! :) I also felt that it would be worth sharing and discussing with my students.

The illustrations are amazing; they feel warm, soft, and alive--not harsh or garish at all.Each image underscores the emotions and actions of this story of First Woman who wants to communicate laws to her people---present and future--in such away as the laws would always be accessible and always be remembered. She carefully places stars in certain patterns until the impatient, meddling Coyote offers to help--which eventually brings the woman grief and human beings confusion.

What's interesting about this story is the dynamic comparison / contrast that occurs with the main characters: First Man, First Woman, and Coyote. The First Man and the Coyote (Man and animal) are both extremely impatient to be getting onto other here and now "Life" activities while the First Woman considers the future, believing that writing the laws is necessary. Writing the laws requires time and careful efforts. It is a sacred duty she takes seriously.Thus, in this tale, the woman is the respectable, responsible, beyond-the-moment person and the dedicated law giver. (Some world legends and myths tend to place women in subservient roles and / or vilify them.) Her only mistake is trusting the Coyote to help her.[Perhaps, this is the warning embedded in the story: beware of "animal instincts," "urges," and haste because they can cause unhappiness, discord, and disorder.]

"How the Stars Fell into the Sky" contains the following collection of universal themes that can be examined and discussed in group / class settings:

First Woman is compelled to write the laws of her people.(Her mission, her divine calling)
First Woman cares for her people and their welfare. (Identification with a Group)
Coyote enters the scene (Animals with human characteristic--talents and flaws.)
First Woman trusts the Coyote at first. (Innocence)
First Woman witnesses the Coyote's tragic deed. (Experience)
First Woman respects the world, nature, and all its cycles (Acceptance)
Humanity has often looked to the heavens / stars for guidance.
Stars are jewels of the sky
trust / distrust
impatience and haste
darkness and light
organization; chaos (confusion) ... Read more

Product Description
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Celinda McKelvey, a Navajo girl, participates in the Kinaalda, the traditional coming of age ceremony of her people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book for anybody.
My wifeand I recently made friends with a Navajo woman with a thirteen year old daughter preparing for this major event in her life.I, like most, had never even heard of this ceremony.I was fascinated and wanted to find out more.This book, even though designed for young, preteen readers, was fun to read and very informative.After reading, I gave it to our friend to give to her daughter.They both enjoyed it as well.There are numerous pictures that follow along with the character in the book as she goes through different parts of the ceremony.Bottom line: a great book, just as described and fast shipment.Very happy with my purchase.

good overview
I bought several books dealing with Navajo culture; wanted to introduce my 11-yr old step-daughter to the Navajo's "healthier" point of view celebrating female puberty.Book was written for appropriate age level and provided good information in an interesting format.Thanks - it helped me get the point across; she'll have the benefit of growing up with a broader perspective.I recommend this book for similar education/similar age levels.

Very interesting
Cultures celebrate children's coming-of-age in many different ways, but one of the nicest (at least for girls) is the Navajo Kinaalda ceremony, celebrating the girl's maturing into womanhood.

In this real-life story, readers watch as Celinda McKelvey, at age 13, celebrates her maturity over several days at the family's traditional Hogan, used mostly for ceremonies.

In a Navajo blanket dress and buckskin moccasins, specially made for her celebration, and decorated with turquoise and silver necklaces, Celinda grinds corn for a cake large enough to feed the entire family, and she is "molded" into the woman she is becoming, after which she runs into the sun---first at daybreak (since for Navajos, all things begin in the east) and sunset---a way of asking for long life and good health.

The book also explains the resurgence of Navajo tradition after long decades during which the U.S. government forcibly removed Navajo children from the reservation and tried to teach them Western culture, language and job skills.

Learning Western culture and English are of course critically important for success, but not at the expense of children's family lives and destruction of centuries' of tradition.

Growing up is difficult, particularly for girls reaching puberty. The Kinaalda is a beautiful native American way to celebrate the hopes and successes along with the future opportunities too often expressed by fear.

Talking About It
It is a topic that many use slang and euphemisms to describe,or avoid talking about at all. Mother's pass along factual books and try to bravely discuss it with their daughters, who approach it with mixed feelings. "It" has been called many things in American culture, but in Navajo culture, it is celebrated at a Kinaalda.

A young woman's Kinaalda is celebrated around the time of her first menstrual cycle. She celebrates the time when she is being shaped into a woman in a ceremony that lasts two to four days. Photographer and writer, Monty Roessel, allows us to be privledged viewers of 13 year old Celinda McKelvey's Kinaalda. During the ceremony, Celinda wears a traditional blanket dress, takes on the adult role of grinding corn to make a huge corn cake, is literally molded into a woman by the hands of others, and runs a race for blessings of health and longevity. It is a trial of endurance, as growing up often is.

This book presents a view of menstruation that can be difficult to convey to the newly initiated and to those who are still waiting. This book tells us that it is a time to celebrate. It is a time to acknowledge becoming a woman. Celinda is both honored and validated in her new status. She finds support and positive attention during her Kinaalda. Even though many young women outside of the Navajo culture may not want a ceremony for their special time, this book is an asset to own. It is a wonderful way to see this experience across cultural beliefs. ... Read more

Product Description
In this original and superbly researched work, aJungian-trained psychiatrist explores

ancient Navaho methods of healing--methods that use ritual and vibrantimagery to bring the psyche into harmony with the natural forces thatsurround it. Through his interactions with Navaho medicine men,Sandner conveys the rigors of their training and the complexities oftheir purification and evocation rites, including the use of sandpaintings as healing mandalas and the esoteric meaning of the pollenpath.

Presents the basic principles of Navaho healing:

Return to the origins

Confrontation and manipulation of evil

Death and rebirth

Restoration of the universe

Challenges Western medicine in its search for a more holistic andhumane healing art.

Cloth edition of this title was published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Explanation of Navajo Religion/Myth/Belief SystemYet
Being interested in Native American History and Culture, a while ago I had purchased the book "In the Beginning, The Navajo Genesis," which attempted to explain the Navajo Belief System through comparative analysis with regard to Christianity and Judiasm. The book written in academic terms was well written but failed to totally explain (as I said in my review) the entire system in plain English (sans fancy academia terminology). Much of the book I did understand but it made me hunt for a clearer more thorough explanation to make sure I did not misinterpet anything through translation.
"Navaho Symbols of Healing: A Jungian Exploration of Ritual, Image, and Medice" by Donald Sanders, MD does just that.With a BS in Psychology, I now had a book that explored the Culture/Belief System in terminology that made sense.After reading this book, the reader gains a better understanding of the Navaho system, and culture.As a result, the reader cannot help but admire them for their tremendous psychic abilities, strong physical constitution, and tremendous contribution they have given humanity through homeopathic medicine.This book explains why and how they feel so connected to the earth. It reveals some of the ceremonies, songs and prayers said byNatsani Tso, Medicine Man which are truly enlightening.It does also refer back to information given in "In the Beginning, A Navajo Genesis" which was helpful.What surprises me most is how closely connected their belief system is to Plato's philosophies. If anyone reads Plato's Symposium, they will see (by substituting symbols of Navaho for his or your own) how similiar the systems are, and how connected all of us are in our beliefs.
Reading Navaho Symbols of Healing enables the reader to gain a new perspective on and command a tremendous respect for the Native American ... Read more

Product Description
This newly revised and updated guide provides all the essential information travelers need to explore the spectacular buttes and secret canyons of the Navajo and Hopi Nations (together they cover an area bigger that Maine). Native Roads is packed with detailed maps, points of interest, landmarks, and even tips on culturally sensitive etiquette. Here's where to find Navajo and Hopi hospitality in fine restaurants and lodgings, and also where to witness ancient cultures vibrantly alive in the modern world. 100 b/w photographs and illustrations.Amazon.com Review
Some Arizona books have these large sections dotted off--the Indian reservations the authors think you needn't know about--but this book takes you there. It's informed, pragmatic, and refreshingly free of hype. The "Important Things to Know" chapter includes Navajo creation stories along with health precautions and how to buy a Navajo rug. From Four Corners National Monument to the Grand Canyon, Fran Kosik gives needed survival advice on motels, camping, restaurants (and gas stations, which aren't as plentiful as you may think), interspersed with scholarly archeological, geographical anthropological information, and sensitive attention to the people who still live there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

the single best......
i bought a used copy of this book thinking that it would give me the highlights of the various roads of "indian country".. i was a bit disappointed in this for about the first hundred pages - until i finally figured out what the book was about.it was subtle detail about everything. once i slowed down and started understanding what the author was doing,i suddenly realized that i had in my hands one of the most amazing books i have EVER read. history, politics, geology, rug patterns,
hotels, shops- of the hopi and navajo nations -it is all here. buy this book if you travel in these areas. it is simply wonderful.

Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations, Newly Revised.
Not often does a road guide go in to the category of leisure reading, but this one certainly does. The descriptions capture the magic of this part of the country, and serve as a reminder of previous visits to the area, and as a stimulus for future visits.

Hopi & Navajo Road Trip Guide
I'm just going to quote Tony Hillerman, he says it best: "NATIVE ROADS is loaded with all sorts of helpful iinformation, well designed, easy to use. Don't head for the reservation country without one."

Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations
If you are going to travel in this area, and DON'T want to get lost. Buy this book

NATIVE ROADS
THIS BOOK WAS VERY EASY TO USE AND SO VALUABLE IN "FINDING" PLACES TO VISIT.WE TRAVELED IN THE HOPI RESERVATION RECENTLY AND USED THIS BOOK.WE TOOK THE BOOK'S SUGGESTIONS ON TWO SPECIAL PLACES TO DRIVE OFF THE MAIN ROAD AND FOUND SPECTACULAR VIEWS.ONE SUGGESTION WAS TO DRIVE TOWARDS THE WINDMILL, WHICH WE DID AND WHAT WE SAW WAS UNBELIEVABLE.COAL MINE CANYON OPENED UP BEFORE OUR EYES - SURPRISING BEAUTY FOUND IN A SPECIAL RED AND WHITE CANYON.YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS THERE EXCEPT FOR THIS BOOK.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING AREAS LESS "TOURISTY". ... Read more

Product Description
When the Navajo's crops fail yet again, the boy Red Bird is sent to ask Spider Woman for her help.His journey leads him to a flock of sun-yellow birds, a lizard, a Gila monster, and a snake.To each of the animals, Red Bird asks the same question: "Could you tell me where Spider Woman lives?"At last, after traveling in each of the four directions, Red Bird finds Spider Woman sitting in her web.Will she help him?Red Bird's quest to save his people will serve as an inspiration to all readers with responsibilities that sometimes seem impossible to fulfill. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

powerful poetic voice
I loved Zinnia: How The Corn Was Saved! The book has a powerful poetic voice. The story is beautifully told and the colors are rich and vibrant. More stories like this please!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

remarkable sharing
This book offers a remarkable sharing, not just of weaving, but of cultural traditions. The reader gains a new understanding and insight of Dine philosophy. It does an exceptional job of conveying a message of mutual love and respect between generations.

A good resource for classroom studies of Native Americans and how they live today.

Author Brings Honor to his Subjects
"Songs from the Loom: A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave" is the BEST, most sensitive and comprehensive children's book on the subject. Photographer and writer, Monty Roessel, took a personal approach to creating this book when he chose his daughter and his mother as subjects. He documented his ten year old daughter, Jaclyn, as her grandmother taught her to weave. The fifth grader learned about the practical aspects of weaving; like shearing sheep, carding and spinning wool, natural dyes, and weaving techniques. Nali Ruth (Grandmother) also taught Jaclyn about important Navajo stories related to weaving and the significance of each tool.

This book has an informative, well written text and wonderful graphics. It has many photographs and informative diagrams. Small samples of different rug patterns appear in the margins every few pages, leading to a full page map of the regions associated with the patterns. The wooden Navajo loom is shown in a labeled drawing. The traditional stories of how weaving originated for the Navajo people are on separate pages from the rest of the text, bordered by a rug-type design. I would recommend this book for both adults and children over 8 as a delightful way to learn about this subject. He honors his mother, his daughter, and Navajo weaving with this book.

If you are buying this book for a child, "Navajo Rugs and Blankets: A Coloring Book" by Chuck and Andrea Mobley, with Sam Mike as illustrator, is a must have supplement. Children interested in "Songs From the Loom" will find themselves inspired to experience Navajo rugs and this coloring book is a great way to extend the story! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Helpful, interesting - THE book on Navajo courts!!
This is a great resource for anyone interested in American Indian courts and of course, the Navajo justice system.Former Chief Justice Rayond Austin writes so clearly and the cases he discusses are fascinating.The index is extremely helpful in finding Navajo concepts discussed in the book.This book teaches the reader that there are many different lenses through which one can view justice, and American judges at all levels could learn a lot from reading it.Highly recommended!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The Navajo Indians live on a large reservation in thestates of Arizona and New Mexico.These sketches for coloringillustrate their lifestyle of ranching, farming, and arts & crafts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Coloring book with Navajo lifestyle descriptions
I got this for 3 of my Navajo nieces & nephews and they loved it!It isn't necessarily for very small children unless you are progressive enough to know that coloring outside of the lines is wonderfully expressive!The illustration descriptions were succinct and easy to understand.The illustrations themselves seemed just a tad stiff to me.It certainly didn't ruin the overall reaction to the book, but it wasn't as simple or well defined as I've seen some other coloring books.That being said-this is the only Navajo coloring book I've been able to find and that, in itself, says a lot for it!I'd recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

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Reference of Navajo jewelry ... Read more

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This book investigates how Navajos navigate their medically and religiously pluralistic world while coping with illness.Focusing on Navajo attitudes toward invasive procedures, Schwarz reveals the ideological conflicts experienced by Navajo patients and the reasons behind the choices they make to promote their own health and healing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A powerful dialogue on Native cultural beliefs and modern health issues
"I CHOOSE LIFE": CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES IN THE NAVAJO WORLD tells how the tribe views modern medicine, radical medical treatments, and conflicts with traditional understandings of health. Both health libraries and those strong in Native issues will find this a powerful collection of interviews with patients, herbalists, and members of the Native American Church and Christian denominations alike. A powerful dialogue on Native cultural beliefs and modern health issues emerges.
... Read more