The Legend of the Bluebonnet

dePaola, T. (1983).   The legend of the bluebonnet.   NY: Putnam.

The Comache people speak to the  Great Spirits and ask them what they can do in order to stop the drought that is causing famine and the death of their people.  When the spirits answer that the people have been selfish and must make a sacrifice of their most valued possessions, only She-Who-Is-Alone was selfless enough to sacrifice her only possession- a doll given to her by her family and her only article to remember them by, as she was an orphan.  Because of her sacrifice, the rains came and her people were saved and she becomes "One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People.   To remember her sacrifice, every spring, bluebonnets cover the Texas land.  The main character stays true to traditional literature characters and is not complicated, but represents a goodness.  The theme of selflessness, love, and sacrifice are evident throughout the story and help the reader to like and want to relate to the main character.  Tomie DePaola does an excellent job of keeping cultural authenticity and not using stereotypes, often seen when describing Native American culture.  In addition, the water color artwork does a wonderful job of complimenting the story and telling it without words.  Here is a book trailer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gcGlxsTrqE.