A Montana Story
Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita

author: K Follis Cheatham
illustrator: Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer


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click here to see full cover art


KAIOS Books
ISBN 0-9714287-1-9 Second Edition
November 2001,
96 pages, trade paper, black and white illustrations,
references, history notes

Retail price $12.95 U.S.

Online autographed price $12.00 + S&H

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KINDLE ebook edition $2.99, complete with illustrations, expanded history notes and references.


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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 Montana 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 marvelous cover and illustrations by American Indian artist Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer bring the story extra life.

Excellent for North American Indian studies.

Teachers' Supplement available with vocabulary list, history remarks and student projects.

America Writes for Kids

Click here to learn about other Cheatham titles.

Karyn's comment


Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita takes place in the 1730s on the Northern Plains east of the 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).

This is the second edition of the book, and with it I created a Teacher's Supplement that lists more references, including those on the Internet.


PROGRAMS TO DELIGHT AND EDUCATE

By Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer
Indian Customs: A rich array of American Indian history, tradtions, art, economy and leisure activities.
Living With The Land: The American Indian struggle for survival, triumph over hardships, and spiritual and creative achievements.


By Kae Cheatham
Dog Days to Horse Culture (Northern Plains Lifestyle Before the Horse):
Maps, models and lively dialogue show how people lived during the thousands of years before the hose came to the Northen Rockies.

These programs are available directly from the presenter and through
Humanities Montana Speakers in the Schools programs.