Traditional Literature

Sky Dogs
by Jane Yolen

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yolen, Jane. 1990. SKY DOGS. Ill. by Barry Moser. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0-15-275480-6.

PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes the reader back in time, via the memory of a Native American elder, to a time when horses were first introduced to his tribe. He was a motherless Piegan boy who was as astounded as everyone else when three Kutani people and three horses ride up to his village. This was the first time his people had seen horses, and they named them "sky dogs". The boy timidly was the first to approach one of the horses and touch it. The father of the boy married the Kutani woman, who taught the boy all about horses. He comes to be called He-who-loves-horses and earned a place in the council of warriors.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this adaptation of several Native American legends, Jane Yolen captures the voice of the Native American people. This book is difficult to read aloud without using a Native American accent, which tells you how strongly the characters come through. The word choice is truly beautiful, and the story is one that warms the heart. At the same time, a feeling of sorror is almost overwhelming as the reader contemplates how much this man has seen in his life. He went from a time of his people respecting the land, through learning how to ride like the wind, then to a point where he no longer rides and the land now belongs to the white man. The pictures are all set in browns, oranges, and tans, which makes the reader feel the heat of a peaceful sunset and possibly a warm fire glowing nearby, where all of the elders are sitting and telling legends much like the story itself.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Book, 1990
Walden Books Best Children's Book of the Year Honor, 1990
Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 1990
Young Hoosier Picture Book Award nominee, 1990
"Writer and artist together have produced a fine evocation of a place and a people." - Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle

CONNECTIONS
This book is an excellent to read during a unit on legends and folk tales. Though this is an adaptation, its voice and word choice really convey the importance of respect for land and nature and the life of our Native American predecesors.
"Night Tree" by Eve Bunting
"The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie DePaola