Southwest Children's  Literature

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Runs with Horses

Freshmen English students at Cienega High School read Runs with Horses. University of Arizona (UA) graduate students asked them questions about the authenticity of this book and discussed the rites of passage in their own lives.


Question: Do you think this book shows how Apaches actually lived? How do you know, or how could you find out?


Entry #1

Trevor: Yes, because when I watch old movies they show it.

UA Lacey: Yes, but old movies often have a lot of stereotypes.

Trevor: Maybe, but not all of them are like that, like ones that say based on a true story.

Entry #2

Chase: Yes, I think this book shows some of the way the Apaches actually lived. But they had to make some of it up. I also believe that they where always at war over the land and their freedom.

UA Lacey: True, some things always have to be changed to make a story. And the wars over land are true.

Question: What future rite of passage are you most looking forward to? Why?

UA Marianne: My husband and I will be moving into our first home in a few weeks, so I'll complete this rite of passage in a matter of days. I'm excited about meeting and getting to know our neighbors (even though we're not really "people people"). I wonder how long it'll take before this space feels like home, and I wonder if I'll ever have a home spot that feels as comfortable to me as my parents' house. I'm also looking forward to planting our commemorative tree that will mature and grow old with us. And, finally, I'm really geeked up about having a comfortable space we can share with family and friends.

Joe: My most significant rite of passage has been turning into a teenager because I am older and I'm moving on. I'm looking forward to growing up and living the adult life and see how it is and see if I like it and see it is better than being a kid.

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