Morning Girl

Dorris, M. (1992). Morning Girl. Hyperion Book CH.

ISBN: 978-1562822842

Morning Girl, who loves the day, and her younger brother Star Boy, who loves the night, take turns describing their life on an island in pre-Columbian America; in Morning Girl's last narrative, she witnesses the arrival of the first Europeans to her world.Tells the story of Morning Girl and her brother, Star Boy, two Native Americans of the Taino tribe, their family, and their community, as they grow up together in the Bahamas in the fateful year of 1492

-Amazon

Analysis:

This story is a beautiful portrait of a Native Bahamian family living in 1492. Depictions of family life, spirit, and culture are told through the eyes of two siblings. The older sister, Morning Girl,  is steady as the morning, constant, still, and obedient. The younger brother, Star Boy, watches over the night. He experiences the world by doing, seeing, hearing, and being. The only thing he despises is “nothing”. Something must always be happening. The two resent their differences and struggle to accept the complementary nature of their relationship. The story is told with lovely figurative language that is close to meditation. 

Both children, at different points in the story, wonder what they look like. Looking for similarities, Morning girl touches her face with one hand while touching her mothers face with the other. Their father has them look at their reflection in his eyes and they wonder who those people are living in his pupils. This is profound as the readers begin to realize the value of something as simple as a mirror to show you who you are.

The spiritual traditions and beliefs of their small community are widely accepted and practiced. And yet, human nature to judge, tease, or question are as real in this 1492 depiction as they are today. Human experiences like their mother’s miscarriage, the death of grandparents, parenting, making mistakes and moving forward, hunger, and loss are all part of the story. This element provides connections that keep the reader engaged. 

The sea, the wind, and the forest all have roles in the writing that become secondary characters. The old tree that becomes a refuge for Star Boy lends a connection to his ancestors and the earth itself. Dorris uses these symbolic and tangible references throughout the book.

The historical importance of this story does not fully come to light until the epilogue. All at once the safety, security and traditions of this family are threatened and as 21st century readers we know that they will fail and their island will be conquered. 

Book Reviews:

“The way this text and recording bring alive a lesser-known side of a well-studied bit of world history may well spark discussion in classrooms and family kitchens.”

--Publishers Weekly

“A Soulful, affecting portrait of a Bahamian family in 1492.”

--Publishers Weekly

Connections:

Parts of this book could be used as a meditation. 

The story is a history lesson  with an introduction that draws you in and then breaks your heart. 

Awards:

Phoenix Award, 2012

Scott O’Dell Award, 1993

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5361.