They Dance in the Sky: Native American Star Myths

by Ray A. Williamson and Jean Guard Monroe

Book Overview

For countless generations, Native American storytellers have watched the night sky and told tales of the stars and the constellations. The stars themselves tell many tales--of children who have danced away from home, of six brothers who rescue a maiden from the fearful Rolling Skull, of the great wounded sky bear, whose blood turns the autumn leaves red, and many more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618809120
• ISBN13: 9780618809127
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.2" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Very detail and a good reading

I agree this book doesn't go into detail about the significance of the myths or the specific stars that figured into the tales, but it does give a broad representation of the kinds of tales told by the various peoples. This makes it a lighter read and make also to any researcher a good initial guide for etnoastronomy.

broad overview of Native American star lore tales

"They Dance In The Sky" is divided into chapters that focus on particular regions of North America. Within each chapter are descriptions of the tribes in that region and then retellings of several of their star myths. At the end of each chapter the reader will find a listing of each tribe's constellations or important stars, and the Western equivalent, if known. This book doesn't go into detail about the significance of the myths or the specific stars that figured into the tales, but it does give a broad representation of the kinds of tales told by the various peoples. This makes it a lighter read, and for some that's just right. Don Childrey, author of "STAR TRAILS: Navajo, A Different Way To Look At The Night Sky"