Moqui & the Kachina Doll

Moqui is a 10-year-old Hopi Indian girl living in a pueblo in northwest Arizona during the 1700’s, but in some ways the problems she faces are not much different from the problems girls face today. Moqui wants to fit in with the other girls her age. She wants to do fun things, but her mother thinks she is too young. She is upset about all the boring chores she has been given and wants to be trusted with the care of the Kachina Dolls. When a Zuni refugee family from another pueblo joins them, Moqui becomes friends with Hanovi, who is four years older. Hanovi is cheerful about her chores and finds ways to make them challenging and fun. Hanovi befriends Moqui and soon she is being included in more interesting chores. At first it is fun, but soon Moqui realizes the fun includes responsibilities. Life becomes more complicated. She is so caught up with her own struggles that she doesn’t realize how difficult life has been for Hanovi and her family. At the peak of Moqui’s achievement, the truth is unveiled and Moqui must decide if she wants to make a huge sacrifice to help Hanovi. This story unfolds with history and authentic Hopi customs. It is a fast read for a suggested audience of ages 8 to 12.