The Legend of the BlueBonnet

DePaola, Tomie. (1983). The legend of bluebonnet. New York:  G.P Putnam's Sons
 
The Legend of the BlueBonnet is a multicultural and folk tale about a young Comanche Indian girl named "She-Who-Is-Alone." The story takes place in Texas and "She-Who-Is-Alone" is alone because her family died during a drought when it did not rain for a long time. The Comanche Indians pray and chant in song with drums to the Great Spirits.  They pray to the Great Spirits so that crops can grow and so that there will be plenty of animals for hunting.  "She-Who-Is-Alone" decides to give up her most valuable possession which is her corn husk doll made by her mother. She hopes that the Great Spirits will send rain because of her gift to them. Will the Great Spirits answer the prayers of the Comanche Indians?  
I think this is a beautiful story because the family of "She-Who-Is-Alone" are in heaven and are sending their blessings to their little girl.  The beautiful BlueBonnet flowers are a sign from her family that everything will be alright and will become peaceful again.  "She-Who-Is-Alone" also shows that she is not selfish when she gives the Great Spirits her favorite possession.  She wanted so badly to help her tribe because she cared about them and wanted everything to get better.
This book also teaches students about the culture of Native Americans.  Their passion for music is shown in the book while they prayed in a ritual to the Great Spirits. It also teaches students about how the Comanche Indians watched over and protected one another.  For instance, they became the new family to "She-Who-Is-Alone" and adopted her after her parents and grandparents died.   
BIG questions for students are...
"Have you ever done something nice for a friend or family member? Explain what you did."
"Why was it important for the Comanche Indians to have water?"
"Have you ever hoped for something big to happen? What were you hoping for and why?"