Crystal Manyfeathers is caught between two worlds: her life at a modern American high school, and her life with the Dineh, her Navajo people, where spiritual ceremonies and traditions prevail. In deference to her father, Crystal prepares for her upcoming womanhood ceremony. But days before it starts, a valuable rug Crystal has been weaving for the event is mysteriously stolen. Her best friend Henry believes the theft is punishment for Crystal's stubborn refusal to weave in the spirit line, a required tribute to the Navajo goddess Spider Woman. Despite their spiritual differences, Crystal and Henry launch a bold and dangerous search for the rug. Will they find it in time? And will Crystal at last learn to be at peace with her Navajo identity?
This book has realistic characters, a good mystery, and does a really excellent job of introducing 5th to 9th graders to Navajo culture in a non-boring and non-lecturing way. My daughter and I read the book together in the evenings, and it was so interesting to her that she was finding excuses to head up a bit early. I really hope the authors consider writing another book for children this age.
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