First published 1977
Jamie Ghost Horse stands at the crossroads between two worlds. Growing up on the reservation, he learned the old ways from his grandmother, absorbing stories and ceremonies passed down through generations. Now he must navigate life in modern America while holding onto his tribal identity. The pull between ancient traditions and contemporary pressures creates constant tension in his daily existence. His grandmother's teachings about the wind ceremony carry deep meaning, but Jamie struggles to understand how these beliefs fit into his current reality. Friends and family members choose different paths, some embracing assimilation while others reject outside influences entirely. Jamie searches for his own way forward, seeking to honor his heritage without becoming trapped by it. The story explores how cultural identity survives and adapts across generations, examining the personal cost of preserving tradition in a rapidly changing world.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, native-american, cultural
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: America, Reservation
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
192 pages · Hardcover · Avery