Cady and the Bear Necklace

Join us for the first book of the CADY WHIRLWIND THUNDER MYSTERIESWinner of the Historical Society of Michigan's book award for Children & Youth (2020)Winner of the Midwest Book Award for Young Adult Fiction (2020)Winner of the Upper Peninsula Notable Books award (2020)

Cady, a 13-year-old girl of Native American heritage, has experienced major changes in the past year-her father's marriage to a younger woman, a new baby brother, and a move from Minnesota to Michigan where she attends a reservation school for the first time. One school day, Cady finds an eagle feather on the floor outside a classroom and reports it to the principal. When thanking her for this act of honor, he tells her that a mystery might soon appear in her life. Later, Cady discovers an antique Indian beaded necklace hidden under the floor of her bedroom closet. Is this the mystery the principal predicted might appear? She consults with elders who tell her it is her "job" to find out why. Helping her are her new friends Irish, John Ray and a talking blue jay.

"Ann Dallman's Cady and the Bear Necklace ingeniously pulls together a mystery that is hard to put down. The reader is constantly engaged, while being seamlessly exposed to Native American traditions in a way that is honorable and fits in a manner that borders on spiritual while offering greater perspective. Dallman typifies Cady's relatable teen years with all of Cady's self-conscious yet tenacious ways that put a smile on the reader's face. Cady's commitment to her culture is a source of pride and should be exemplary for young native readers exploring their own cultures. Cady is an endearing and wonderful role model, and her ability to stay the course in the discoveries she makes is inspiring. Ann Dallman has crafted a book that is easily visualized and cohesive In its narrative from start to finish." -- Raquel Fernandez-Earns, Ph.D., President, Soo Locks Children's Museum Board

"I was enthralled by the story, its interesting characters, the mystery plot, the author's beautiful writing style spiced with wisdom and humor, and what I learned about tribal cultures and customs." -- Christine DeSmet, author of The Fudge Shop Mysteries

"I LOVE IT. I could not put it down. I read the last few chapters slowly as possible the past few days because I was sad it was almost to the end of the book. I am looking forward to the next one." -- Faye DG Auginaush, from the White Earth Ojibwe in MN & Hannahville MI Potawatomi.

"What a beautifully written story of a young Native American girl, Cady, and her search for love and answers. The author's descriptions and authentic dialogue will immerse the reader in Native American culture and history." --Gregory L. Renz, author of Beneath the Flames

"Besides delving into real-world commentary, there's an enticing mystery for readers to unravel-the heart of it being a captivating bear necklace (hence the title). This kicks off a central element of the book's plot, making it the driving force behind the main storyline. As a core contributor to the book's entertainment value, I enjoyed the balance between its presence and the more serious themes the book occasionally touches upon based on the real world" -- Anne Clarence, The Reading Life

Learn more at www.AnnDallman.com

From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com