Mary Peace Finley
Award-winning author of books for young people
From Kirkus Reviews, 10/15/93: "Blond, green-eyed Julio knows he's not
Mexican like the rest of his family. In 1845, he accompanies Papa to Bent's
Fort, Colorado, after hearing that someone there may answer the tormenting
questions about his origins. After Papa 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 ...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." -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus
Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
From Booklist: "This historical coming-of-age story will certainly appeal to young
readers."
Also reviewed by: The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, School Library
Journal, VOYA, and Horn Book Guide.
© Mary Peace Finley 2012
