The Legend of the Bluebonnet

DePaola, T. (1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet. New York, New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. The Comanche tribe is enduring a terrible drought and famine that many tribe members have perished. The shaman goes up to the hill to ask for guidance from the spirits. The spirits ask them to sacrifice their prize possessions as a gift. A small girl, She-Who-Is-Alone offers her warrior doll, the only thing she has left from her loved ones that died from famine. The next day, bluebonnets the color of the feathers and Blue Jay, bloomed across the field. The people believed it was a sign of forgiveness and began to live again. The beautiful earth tone colors illustrate the beauty of the Hill Country in Texas. The theme of love and sacrifice are displayed through the illustrations and descriptive text of the girl. This would be a great opportunity to discuss how family members and themselves love and sacrifice for one another. They can also fill out a web and illustrate their examples.