Indian Summer

In Barbara Girion's 'Indian Summer,' twelve-year-old Joni spends her summer vacation on an Indian reservation, expecting a fun escape. Instead, she encounters a challenging social dynamic with Sarah Birdsong and her friends, who hold Joni accountable for the prejudice they face from the outside world. This chapter book delves into themes of cultural understanding, the impact of prejudice, and the journey towards empathy and friendship. It's a poignant story suitable for late elementary and middle school readers, offering a valuable opportunity to discuss complex social issues and the importance of bridging divides.

While spending summer vacation on an Indian reservation, twelve-year-old Joni has a difficult time getting along with Sarah Birdsong and her friends, who seem to hold her responsible for the prejudice they experience outside the reservation.