To Spoil the Sun by Joyce Rockwood explores 16th Century Native American life as seen through the eyes of Rain Dove, a young woman who’s tribe lives in a town called Mulberry in south Appalachia. At the beginning of the story, Rain Dove dreams of marrying a young warrior. However, her dreams are put in jeopardy when omens of death and destruction reach her tribe. Among the omens which would spell out death was the coming of the “Immortals.” Rain Dove eventually marries and has children. However, her family and everybody around her are put into harms way when Europeans arrive in their village, bringing with them the deadly disease Smallpox.
To Spoil the Sun deals with he topic of Smallpox on Native American life, as well as the issues associated with European contact in general, which I feel can often be misunderstood by young people. This novel could be a great introduction into student understanding of the troubles that Native Americans faced at this time. Although the story deals with dark and heavy subject matter, the ending provides a sense of hope and resilience from the main character, which could be a valuable lesson for young people.
This novel is written in a plain diction which could easily be read by students in a seventh or eighth grade classroom. Although the subject matter is quite heavy at times, it is important that students get a glimpse of this period in time in order to understand its impact on Native American culture.
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