As a Nez Perce Indian, ten-year-old Jessie (Wind Dancer to her family) can trace her heritage back through centuries of ancestors who once lived on the land now known as Oregon. But she still feels strange in her new Oregon home. She isn't sure she'll ever fit in at the Macintire Ranch or the local valley school. She's the only one wearing moccasins. She's the only one with olive skin. And she's the only one who seems to care about the true history of this expansive northwestern territory.

"Nez Perce," a beefy boy in bib overalls and a plaid shirt repeated. "Say, aren't you that tribe that wears rings in your noses?"

Everyone in the room laughed, and Jessie felt her face instantly heat up. "That's not true!" she cried.

Miss Quimby adjusted her glasses and peered at the boy. "Floyd, they don't' wear rings now."

"That's right, Jessie said raising her chin indignantly. "We've never worn nose rings."

Miss Quimby lifted one finger. "It's my understanding that your people did wear decorations in your noses. That's how your tribe got it's name."

"Um, excuse me, Miss Quimby," Jessie replies, "but I was taught that that story is all wrong."

Horses --- the famous Nez Perce Appaloosas her father has been hired to breed --- are Jessie's only true friends. And it is these spotted wonders that will help her find the strength she needs to stand proud in the face of misunderstanding.

Jahnna M. Malcolm has weaved a great deal of Native American history into this story of personal pride. Though her protagonist begins her new life among the white men trying to balance her bliefs with a natural desire to fit in, she gradually discovers that being herself is the only way to find real acceptance.

   --- by Kelly Milner Halls