Soaring Eagle — Mary Peace Finley

With his blonde hair and green eyes, Julio Montoya is different from the others in his village, but as far as he is concerned, he is Mexican. Still, he can't help but wonder whether there's some secret about his birth. In the first novel of the Santa Fe Trail Trilogy, Julio discovers his own strength and develops a strong friendship with the Cheyenne when he is stranded in the wilderness after the death of his father. Julio's story is set against a backdrop of historical details with accurate depictions of places. people, and events. A Teacher's Guide is available to supplement use in the classroom. COLORADO AUTHOR'S LEAGUE TOP HAND AWARD COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE FINALIST“This fast-paced adventure novel set in the southwest during the mid-1800s is a coming-of-age story of epic proportions. Finley weaves a compelling story of the tension between the encroaching American settlers, the Mexican residents, and the indigenous Native American Peoples.” – School Library Journal