Soaring Eagle [Paperback]

Mary Peace Finley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

When a young Mexican boy, Julio Montoya, accompanies his father to Bent's Fort in Colorado, disaster strikes, and Julio is saved by Cheyenne who carry him to their camp. By the author of Fireflies.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Blond, green-eyed Julio knows he's not Mexican like the rest of his family. In 1845, he accompanies Pap  to Bent's Fort, Colorado, after hearing that someone there may answer the tormenting questions about his origins. After Pap  is killed by Apaches, Julio--injured, snow-blind, starving--is rescued by Cheyennes. Their generosity and kindness overcome his initial wariness, and he resolves the conflict between his Catholic heritage and participation in their ceremonies to become Cheyenne, follow their customs, earn the name ``Soaring Eagle,'' and eventually learn from his friend Dancing Feather the sorrowful lesson that ``Nothing lives long, only the earth and the mountains,'' while a vision quest helps him recall his early life. Though deeply affected by his new ideas, Julio is bereft when Dancing Feather dies in battle. Alone, isolated in anger and grief and unable to accept ``the Cheyenne way,'' he seeks answers and his future at Bent's Fort. Finley's deliberate pace may challenge readers, but her old-fashioned descriptions of the sweat-lodge ceremony, eagle trapping, and other particulars of Cheyenne life are well-crafted and richly detailed. A frequently exciting, thought-provoking story; a good candidate for social studies lists. (Fiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

This fast-paced adventure novel set in the southwest during the mid-1800s is a coming-of-age story of epic proportions. Finley weaves a compelling story of the tension between the encroaching American settlers, the Mexican residents, and the indigenous Native American Peoples. --School Library Journal

This novel is for young adults, but it certainly can be enjoyed by anyone looking to be a part of a compelling and suspenseful journey through three cultures, made completely realistic by brilliant writing, true characters, and genuine situations. --Bloomsbury Review

A good story well told. --Tony Hillerman --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Eakin Pr (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571682813
• ISBN-13: 978-1571682819
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,692,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Young Reader's Adventure, September 26, 2001

By 

Ella M. Beach (Pueblo, Colorado United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soaring Eagle (Paperback)

Ms. Finley writes of the American Southwest in this tale of a young man searching for his true identity. His encounters and new friends will amaze and entertain you to the last page. The author is a native of the locals of the story and it is evident that she has researched her subject matter. Historical fiction at its best.