Morning Girl

Title: Morning Girl
Author: Michael Dorris
Genre: Historical Fiction (chapter book)

Summary

The book Morning Girl is narrated by both Morning Girl and Star Boy, in alternating chapters. Morning girl is a twelve-year old Taino and Star Boy is her younger brother. The two of them tell the readers what life was like on a Bahamian Island in 1492. The end of the story brings a sense of fear and change among the Taino, which refers to the arrival of Columbus. This is a minor part of the story, however it reminds us as the readers that the coming of the Europeans will eventually lead to the destruction of the Taino and their way of life. Some good discussions that could occur in the classroom in relation to this book are relationships, family life, and customs.



Classroom Connection

Since this book is considered historical fiction, students could do research on the time period of 1492 or on the Native Americans, specifically the Tainos. Students could then compare what went on in the book to what actually accured in history. This would help students understand what the term "historical fiction" really means.