On the Cliffs of Acoma: A Story for Children

This book is the result of the author's lifelong interest in the Pueblo of Acoma in western New Mexico. "When I was a boy, I used to go with my father, a Santa Fe merchant and Indian trader, to the Indian pueblos. Very early, I learned the legends and myths associated with the various pueblos," explains Dressman. "I was particularly intrigued by both the legends and historical facts that related to the Pueblo of Acoma. To me, it was one of the most dramatic and tragic stories of the American Southwest." In his story, the author takes us to modern Acoma and relives the events surrounding the Spanish assault on the cliff dwelling. His two main characters, Peter and Christina, live in this enchanting place where their relatives have lived since long before Columbus sailed. Their people lived a peaceful life for hundreds of years until 1600 when the Spanish, in their conquest of New Mexico, defeated the Acomas in a terrible slaughter. Peter tells the story of the battle; it is a part of his history. Children can add to their enjoyment of this book by asking their parents for some soft, colored pencils and coloring all the illustrations in the book. "School Library Journal" said that the book is "A good choice for school and public libraries, especially those needing bilingual materials...."