Not since Mari Sandoz wrote The Horsecatcher has there been a more powerful young reader book about early American Indian life. Native Americans of the North American plains are generally depicted as horsemen, but that is only a recent part of their culture. Based on historical facts and legends, this book offers high adventure and accurate information about the 18th century Blackfoot Nation before the horse culture began.

The feelings and attitudes of the heroine, Spotted Flower, are skillfully brought in focus as Spotted Flower finds a ponokomita (horse) on the Norther...