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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 Rockies plains in the 1730s. Cautiously she makes friends with the beast and leads it to her village.

It's just the right blend of story and fact that will delight younger readers. The splendid cover and illustrations by American Indian artist Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer bring the story extra life.

Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita takes place in the 1730s on the Northern Rockies. That was when the horse was introduced into the cultures of the region--cultures that had existed for centuries without horses. The book gives information about the lifestyle that was about to end, while offering an adventure to which young people can relate (adults, too).