Waterless Mountain
Encyclopedia
Waterless Mountain is a novel by Laura Adams Armer
that was awarded the Newbery Medal
for excellence in American
children's literature
in 1932.
Indian living in Arizona in the 1920s, wishes to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and become a medicine man
. To accomplish this task, he must undergo several arduous years of training, to learn all of the ancient songs and customs of his ancestors. This includes a journey to the Pacific Ocean in the far west, participating in traditional ceremonies, and climbing the nearby Waterless Mountain. Throughout his training, his Uncle relates to him numerous legends of their culture.
Uncle- The brother of Younger Brother's mother. He is the medicine man for the local community, and is thus highly respected. He serves as Younger Brother's mentor, guiding him through the process of learning the ceremonies and stories that are required for his position.
Big Man- A caucasian man who owns the local trading post. He has a great interest and respect for Navajo culture, and helps out the community whenever he can. He and Younger Brother have an abiding affection for one another, referring to each other as "Grandfather" and "Grandson".
Laura Adams Armer
Laura Adams Armer was an American artist and writer. In 1932, her novel Waterless Mountain won the Newbery Medal....
that was awarded the Newbery Medal
Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ...
for excellence in American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
children's literature
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
in 1932.
Plot
Younger Brother, a NavajoNavajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is a semi-autonomous Native American-governed territory covering , occupying all of northeastern Arizona, the southeastern portion of Utah, and northwestern New Mexico...
Indian living in Arizona in the 1920s, wishes to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and become a medicine man
Medicine man
"Medicine man" or "Medicine woman" are English terms used to describe traditional healers and spiritual leaders among Native American and other indigenous or aboriginal peoples...
. To accomplish this task, he must undergo several arduous years of training, to learn all of the ancient songs and customs of his ancestors. This includes a journey to the Pacific Ocean in the far west, participating in traditional ceremonies, and climbing the nearby Waterless Mountain. Throughout his training, his Uncle relates to him numerous legends of their culture.
Characters
Younger Brother- The main character, who aspires to become a medicine man. His true name is Dawn Boy, but as this name can only be spoken in special circumstances, others usually refer to him as Younger Brother, or Little Singer. He often displays a great deal of insight on many situations, which convinces his Uncle that he is destined to become a medicine man. The book spans the period from when Younger Brother is eight years old until his early adolescence.Uncle- The brother of Younger Brother's mother. He is the medicine man for the local community, and is thus highly respected. He serves as Younger Brother's mentor, guiding him through the process of learning the ceremonies and stories that are required for his position.
Big Man- A caucasian man who owns the local trading post. He has a great interest and respect for Navajo culture, and helps out the community whenever he can. He and Younger Brother have an abiding affection for one another, referring to each other as "Grandfather" and "Grandson".