I read this book over 20 years ago as a young teen. I found it at my local library. It was the first book I ever seriously considered stealing from the library (no, I didn't, despite the temptation). Several years later, I tried to buy a copy for myself, only to find it was out of print.

More than any other book I've ever read, this book captures the uncertainty of female adolescence in a fantasy setting. Other writers, especially Andre Norton and Anne McCaffery have written novels that come close. But Knee Deep In Thunder challenged me as a teen, and continues to challenge me today.

Maris, the protagonist, must overcome obstacles and win against the bad guys, just as in most other fantasy novels. But she has to deal with the cost of making decisions, both positive and negative.

The imagery and construction of this book is compelling. Sheila Moon uses elements of Native American myths, along with classic fantasy components. Anyone interested in fantasy as a genre will enjoy this book.

I recommend this book highly, particularly to young women. The fantasy field has few feminine role models. Maris should be known by a much wider audience.

Fantastic book. One I read many times as a child and young adult from our local library. I went back to read it again as an adult and it had "disappeared". I finally was able to purchase two copies through our local book store (before I had internet and Amazon access), one for me and one for my sister. It's one of those books you can read again and again. At any age.

When I was eight, I read this book for the first time. I read Knee-Deep in Thunder at least twice a year for the next ten years. Then the library closed down and sold off all their books. I don't know where this book went, but I missed it. For two years.

Majesty, tragedy, myth, beauty, friendship and the eternal human search for meaning in a world gone mad power this book with an energy that I've never found elsewhere.

A cast of bugs, accompanied by two ragtag young people, shouldn't feel as real as this does, but each character somehow rings true. If you have not read this book, you are missings out on a real experience.

"How many a man has measured a new passage in his life from the reading of a good book. -Henry David Thoreau

HELLO, I AM 24 AND I WILL START TEACHING ON JANUARY. I WILL USE THIS BOOK WHEN TALKING ABOUT ANIMALS AND NATURE. IT IS A USEFUL BOOK FOR GRADES 4TH AND UP BECAUSE OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS AND THE MESSAGE IN POETIC FORM. A MUST READ BOOK! I RECOMEND IT HIGHLY. I AM USING IT NOW FOR MY CHILDREN'S LITERATURE CLASS.

This children's book describes the animal- and plant-life found in the desert in the southwest U.S., including the Papago Indians. Children learn more about what it is like to live in such an environment. The book was illustrated by Peter Parnall and was a 1976 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

Alfalfa Hill is a wonderful book that I wish were still in print and is certainly worth buying used if you can get your hands on one. The illustrations are captivating and so full of details that you see something new every time you read it. The copy, although simple, is beautiful and is perfectly married to the text. This book has been a favorite for a long time and I can't wait until my son is old enough to appreciate it as much as I do!

As a preschool teacher, I was unsure how my students would take listening to the poetry of Byrd Baylor, but as soon as I began reading 20 preschool children sat still as they heard Desert Voices. The children could relate to what was being said, because they too live in the desert. The book sparked conversation about desert plants, animals, and rocks. The poetry brought the desert to life in their minds. I recomend the book to all children, as a way to introduce poetry, learn about the desert, and enjoy the desert.

I read this as a child and adored it. It offers a wonderful view of New York City and a fascinating history of pigeons as well! Like Charlotte's Web, it offers a touching story involving anthropomorphized animals, without being too cutesy. Check out Freddie The CAt! He's a riot! Highly recommended.

I really searched to find this out-of-print song book and do not regret the time spent. A must for piano or guitar players -- with or without small children.

Mountain Girl complains that her family is poor. They sit at a ramshakle table they made themselves as the family discusses what they do have and discover that they are wealthy beyond belief. They have sunsets, eagles, mountins, etc. A good reminder of what is really important.

This is a frequent request by my 5 year-old, and the illustrations,with Parnall's combination of detail and suggestion each contain a "hidden" aspect that the kids love to look for. Language is poetic, and I never tire of reading it to them (a real boon!) A wonderful introduction to the wild world near at hand.

Kavik is a sled dog who is sold and flown over on plane. Only, he never arrives where he's supposed to be. The plane crashes and he's stranded in a cage for days. Then a boy named Andy Evans rescues him. Soon Kavik is well again and the champion sled dog's rightfull owner finds out that his dog survived and claims him back, but Kavik wants to stay with Andy. When Kavik arrives with his rightful owner, he is then 2,000 miles away from what he calls home. He's determined to arrive home again but it's a tough journey for a single dog.

Kavik the Wolf-dog was the first book about wolf-dogs I have ever read. Because of this book, it inspired me to respect and raise my own wolf-dogs and wolves to teach people how noble these animals are. I was in second grade when I read it.Now I'm almost thirty and this book stills vividly sticks in my mind. This is a classic novel.

I read Kavik The Wolf Dog and loved every bit of it. I like how it told a story about a dog trying to find his way home, and the challenges that he had to overcome to get back to the place is loves. I think that this is a book that lots of people would love to read. If you like adventure, this is the book for you!

I use this book in the beginning of each school year with my fifth grade students. It always leads to great discussions about what is important to them and leads into interesting writer's notebook entries. The book is a great tool for inferencing, noticing details, and celebrating the little events in our lives that make us who we are. A good book to use when teaching about differences that make each of us unique and how we all have our own set of priorities.

I stumbled upon this book recently and, as an avid reader of children's literature, believe it is one of the most amazing books I have seen -- for readers of all ages. It is lyrical, humorous and quiet. The illustrations are spare--and that's all that's needed. Life in the desert is depicted beautifully. I felt like the book was speaking me, calling me to a more mindful way of life. I plan to buy it as gifts for all my friends this year, no matter their age.

This is a wonderfully written book about a Native American woman who goes out into the desert and observes the wonders and beauty of nature around her. She records what she finds fascinating and creates her OWN holidays or celebrations. One day she may observe a green cloud and call it Green Cloud Day. On another day, she may observe a shooting star and call it Star Day. She gets outside of herself and observes wonderous things that may only be seen once in a lifetime!