Based on a Zuni myth recorded a century ago by anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing, The Boy Who Made Dragonfly tells the compelling story of resilience, wisdom, and survival. Written for readers ages 10 and up, this classic tale shares the profound lessons learned during one of the tribe's most challenging times. Long before white settlers arrived in North America, the Zuni people—then known as the A'shiwi—suffered a devastating drought that destroyed their crops. Forced to abandon their village of Ha'wi-k'uh to seek refuge with the neighboring Hopi, they accidentally left behind a young boy and his sister. To comfort his frightened, lonely sister, the boy crafted a tiny dragonfly out of corn husks. Miraculously, the toy came to life. Serving as a messenger to the Council of the Gods, the dragonfly petitioned for blessings on behalf of the abandoned children, guiding them toward the wisdom and maturity needed to lead their people home.
Browse The Boy Who Made Dragonfly (1972) Collections:
The Boy Who Made Dragonfly Book Galleys
The Boy Who Made Dragonfly Correspondence