Cady and the Bear Necklace

Praise for Cady and the Bear Necklace “Cady is a beautifully drawn and very likeable character. Readers will feel lucky to have found Cady and accompanied her on a journey of self-discovery. Cady grows to appreciate how her people are much more in touch with the natural world, possess an ingrained sense of wonder, and a firm belief that nature in all its myriad forms communicates with them. Best of all they live in harmony with the natural world. And oh yes, this is a YA novel, but I defy anyone of any age to read a few pages and not become totally absorbed in Cady's life.” —Tom Powers, Michigan In Books “Ann Dallman’s debut middle grade novel Cady and the Bear Necklace is an enthralling tale that is equal parts mystery and first-love pangs. Cady Whirlwind Thunder is a Native American girl in the 8th grade at the Four Eagles school in the fictional town of Barnesville, Michigan, somewhere near the Escanaba area. I strongly recommend this book to both middle grade readers and parents alike, because it is a compelling, character-driven novel with a rich cultural background and a positive message for everyone.” —Victor R. Volkman, Marquette Monthly “Ann Dallman’s middle grade novel, Cady and the Bear Necklace, is a passionate look at Native American culture and how it affects a young girl as she grows from a child to a young woman. This coming of age novel is full of mystery and native culture. The plot develops with growing tension as the reader wants to know more about the necklace as much as Cady does. Young readers will certainly feel connected to Cady and all her feelings and growing up emotions, struggles, and conflicts. The characters are realistic and the Native American history and culture is an interesting added bonus. The author has developed a wonderful tale of adventure, mystery and native culture. Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.” —Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers’ Favorite “As the Director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library (MI), I highly recommend this book! It has mystery and adventure, with a hint of romance. I have bought this book for gifts, and it is just great. Ann Dallman can really write a tale for tween children that speaks to them on their level. Don't overthink it. Just put this in your cart now and buy it!” —Evelyn Gathu “I highly recommend Cady and the Bear Necklace as a classroom read-aloud for middle school. My students and I were able to read the book together. Ann is not just an author but a teacher. Cady and the Bear Necklace introduces students to a culture that may be different from their own but yet the students feel connected to the character. Ann opens dialogue, through Cady, about issues students are facing. I was able to develop mini lessons to go along with the book. My students wrote letters to Cady giving her advice, they researched information on Native American nations, and they did character comparisons. The level of readability, the young woman as the main character, and the mystery captures all types of readers. A good book to captivate all levels within a classroom.” —Gina Zanon, Michigan Master Teacher/Middle School “What a beautifully written story of a young Native American girl, Cady, and her search for love and answers. This book is both an engaging mystery and a story of family with characters who will tug at your heartstrings. The author’s descriptions and authentic dialogue will immerse the reader in Native American culture and history. The author’s masterful skill with vivid sensory details brings the story to life and will have the reader forgetting they are reading a story and instead, experiencing it. I love how the characters give us a view of the world through the eyes of Native Americans. This is but a small sample of the wisdom that jumps off the page. The crisp pacing will defy you to put the book down. Nicely done, Ms. Dallman.” —Gregory L. Renz, author of Beneath the Flames “Author Ann Dallman is our spirit guide through an America we don’t see often enough, a world so rich with beauty and wonder that we hate to leave.” —Ruth Knafo Setton, author of The Road to Fez “This is a special story that gives the reader a wonderful window into the rich traditions of Cady’s heritage along with an intriguing mystery to solve. Cady’s complicated family life is relatable and well told. The author has a keen ability to make us feel what it’s like to be young and attempt to fit in at a new school in a new town, which in large part comes from the skillful dialogue and the author's experience as a teacher! The story is perfectly paced with well-placed clues that urge the tenacious Cady to hunt for the truth. The sweet age-appropriate romance is a nice touch! This is a must have addition for your home or classroom library! You’ll want to know what comes next from Cady, so I hope we’ll get another story with this sweet girl.” —Valerie Biel, author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series “Cady Whirlwind Thunder knows that answers are not always given in straightforward words. While learning to adjust to a new school and a new family, Cady performs an act of honor by safekeeping an eagle feather. It is after this that Cady encounters the mystery of an antique beaded necklace. She learns to trust herself and to pay attention to the teachings of her elders as she unravels this mystery and learns to look to herself to see the woman she’ll become. Helping her are her new friends Irish, John Ray Chicaug, and an amazing talking blue jay.” —Amy C. Laundrie, author of The Whinny of Wild Horses “In this delightful coming of age story, Cady Whirlwind Thunder finds a sacred eagle feather. A portent of things to come, Cady soon finds herself trying to unravel the mystery behind a traditional beaded bear necklace she found. As she delves into the history behind the necklace, she learns to appreciate her family, her culture, and herself.” —Ann McCallum Staats, author of Eat Your Math Homework “It's so exciting to read the book you wrote! It was so deeply detailed, I almost felt like I experienced my years at Hannahville all over again. It meant a lot to see that our culture and tradition played such an important role in your writing. So proud of ya, Ms. D.” —Cassie Gill, former student and member of Hannahville tribe