Pale as the Moon — Donna Campbell Smith

About book: Pale as the Moon unfolds in the 16th century on one of the small, sandy Outer Banks islands off the North Carolina coast. This is the tale of the enduring friendship between a young Indian girl, Gray Squirrel, and a wild Outer Banks pony. Told primarily from the viewpoint of this visionary young girl, the book examines the tenuous relationship between the native Indians and the English colonists who settled on Roanoke Island. Through both mystical and practical means, Gray Squirrel and her pony manage to prevent war from breaking out, and help the colonists to survive. The story of these achievements is powerful, filled with adventure and distinguished by bravery. Original and imaginative, Pale as the Moon offers an alternative understanding of what might have happened to the Lost Colony of the Outer Banks. This well-crafted historical fiction quickly engages the reader and transports not only into the past, but also, with vivid description, surrounds with sound, taste and a clear inviting view of coastal life. Though the story is based on a true historical mystery about an English Colony that disappeared, Campbell Smith's creative interpretation of "what might have happened" makes Pale As The Moon, not only a good read, but entices the reader to question what really did happen. Included is a concise bibliography and study questions for teachers who might want to include this book in their curriculum. Topics covered include Native American Life, Early American Colonists and Explorers and the history of the Wild Ponies of North Carolina.