The Shadowman's Way

by Paul Pitts

Nelson, a native American boy living on a reservation, manages to avoid the wrath of Benjamin Nez, but when Nelson befriends a white boy, he angers Benjamin, who forces him to choose between his heritage and his new friendship. Original.

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Sandra Strange]

This novel, written in the early 90's, is NOT dated. The story traces the growth and testing of a friendship of a white boy who comes to live on the Navajo reservation with a reluctant "Shadowman," a young Navajo who tries to avoid conflict by fading into the background of reservation teen drama. Pitts narrates normal nastiness between prejudiced teens, with basketball adventure, real jeopardy, and honest reactions from the reluctant Navajo narrator. Well told, still good reading--recommended for teens who need to see how prejudice works.

[Laura]

What could have been a decent YA novel was marred by disastrously wrong apologetics for Native boarding schools. Very disappointing as the author was a person situated and privileged enough to know better.

[Roderick]

Advocates the usual patronizingly racist masochism to AmerIndian victims of cultural decimation: racist Caucasians suffer no punishment, while their victims should forgive their unrepentant invaders

[Lindsay]

Paul Pitts is such a fun author! I remember staying home on Halloween in eighth grade finishing my book report on RACING THE SUN also by Paul Pitts, thinking how sad it was to grow up....both books are a great read for kids. I think I will track down RACING THE SUN again, it's been a few years... these books have fun information about the Navajo Culture in them.

[Susan]

Nelson Sam, a Navajo, tries to stay so he is not noticed. It keeps him out of trouble. Then Spence West, a biliganna (white man) comes to town and wants to be friends. Youth fiction.