The Listening Silence - Hardcover

Root, Phyllis

4.02

40 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060250925 ISBN 13: 9780060250928

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1992

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A young Indian girl triumphs over her fears and proves herself worthy to be the mystical healer of her village

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From Kirkus Reviews:

In a fantasy based on Native American lore, a young woman confronts her destiny as a healer. Kiri, in whose imaginary tribe men and women share duties as equals, has the power of entering the mind and sensations of an animal or person. Adopted by a healer who recognizes her gift, she fears the responsibility and pain it will bring and is reluctant to undertake the vision quest that will test its validity. Meanwhile, Garen, a young man with a warped sense of his identity, goes on his quest at the same time; when the two meet, Kiri's conscience drives her to heal him, and in the process she receives her own vision. She also perceives the nature of Garen's true calling, but realizes he must find it for himself. Kiri's survival in the wild, relying on song and story as well as on her own enterprise and making friends with a wolf-like ``wolken'' (Root invents names for her woodland plants and animals and even provides a glossary), adds interest to the predictable outcome of the vision quest, as does the spare, carefully honed narration. McDermott's full-page b&w illustrations, dark and dramatic, enhance the attractive open format. (Fiction. 8-12) -- Copyright �1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6-- Drawing on the Native American traditions of healing and the vision quest, Root has created a fantasy with a strong, believable young heroine. Orphaned Kiri grows up assisting Mali, the village healer, in his curing rituals. Discovering that she has the rare power to send her spirit ``within'' other beings, she is frightened of using her skills to heal. Mali's increasing age and weakness finally force the 13-year-old girl out into the wilderness, seeking her own spirit vision, to discover whether she really is a healer. Told in smooth, lyrical language, the story evokes a simpler time and way of life through brief descriptive touches and the use of native words for birds and animals. McDermott's dark-toned, detailed, full-page illustrations give concrete expression to both the inner and outer journeys Kiri must face. From the bright cover illustration to the inviting layout with large print and wide margins, the book is attractive and accessible. A fine introduction to the fantasy genre. --Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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