Book details

Night Of The Full Moon (Stepping Stone, paper)
Description
Based on true accounts of the Potawatomi Indians' forced migration from Michigan territory in 1840, this sequel to Next Spring an Oriole portrays the friendship between two families--one white, one Native American. An exciting adventure that provokes strong feelings, it is suitable for new or reluctant readers and would make a good read-aloud. The story follows Libby Mitchell's winter journey in 1840 to visit her friend Fawn during a special ceremony. However, when soldiers force everyone at the camp to leave their land, Libby and the others must face displacement and hardship. With each passing day moving farther from home, Libby wonders if she will ever see her family again. The book features updated content that aligns with Common Core standards and emphasizes the importance of nonfiction, making it ideal for home, school, and library bookshelves.
Age
7-10
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
64 pages
Book in series
#2
Why to read
- Engaging Historical Fiction: 'Night Of The Full Moon' by Gloria Whelan offers readers a captivating glimpse into the past, specifically the time of the forced relocation of Native Americans known as the Trail of Tears. It provides an engaging way to learn about this significant and emotional period in American history.
- Character Development: The book features strong character development, particularly the young protagonist, Libby, whose perspective allows readers to experience the events and emotions of the era through the eyes of a child. This can help readers, especially younger ones, to connect with the historical context on a personal level.
- Moral Lessons: The story presents important moral lessons about empathy, courage, and the impact of governmental policies on individuals and communities. It encourages readers to think critically about the past and its relevance to contemporary issues.
- Accessible Reading: As part of the Stepping Stone series, 'Night Of The Full Moon' is written in a way that is accessible to a wide range of readers, including children who are transitioning to chapter books. The book's language and structure are designed to build confidence in young readers while still providing a rich and compelling narrative.