Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Legend of the Bluebonnet summary
Brief summary
The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola is a beautiful retelling of a Native American legend. It tells the story of a brave girl who makes a selfless sacrifice to save her tribe, and how this act leads to the creation of the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Summary of key ideas
The Origin of the Bluebonnet
In The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola, we are transported to the time of the Comanche people. A severe drought has struck their land, and the tribe is suffering. The elders gather to discuss the situation, and they conclude that the drought is a punishment from the Great Spirits for their selfishness and greed. They decide that each member of the tribe must sacrifice their most prized possession to appease the spirits.
A young girl named She-Who-Is-Alone, who lost her family in a battle with the enemy tribe, is deeply moved by the elders' decision. She decides to give up her only possession, a doll made by her mother, the only thing she has left of her family. She-Who-Is-Alone believes that the doll is the most precious thing in the world, and she hopes that her sacrifice will bring rain to save her people.
The Sacrifice and the Miracle
She-Who-Is-Alone dresses her doll in the finest clothes and places it on a small pile of sticks. She then sets the doll and the sticks on fire, watching as her most cherished possession is consumed by the flames. She sits by the fire all night, mourning her loss and praying for rain. The next morning, the tribe gathers to witness the miracle that has occurred overnight.
From the ashes of the fire, a beautiful blue flower has grown. The elders recognize this as a sign from the Great Spirits, a symbol of the young girl's selflessness and sacrifice. They name the flower 'The Spirit of the Doll' and declare it the most sacred flower of all. The bluebonnet, as it comes to be known, is a reminder of the importance of selflessness and the power of sacrifice.
The Legacy of the Bluebonnet
The bluebonnet becomes a symbol of hope and renewal for the Comanche people. They learn to appreciate the beauty of the flower and the lesson it represents. She-Who-Is-Alone, now known as One-Who-Is-Loved, becomes a respected member of the tribe, and her act of sacrifice is remembered for generations to come.
In conclusion, The Legend of the Bluebonnet is a heartwarming tale of selflessness and the power of sacrifice. It teaches us that sometimes, the greatest gifts come from giving up what we hold most dear. The bluebonnet, with its vibrant blue petals, continues to bloom in the fields of Texas, reminding us of the young girl's act of love and the enduring legacy of her sacrifice.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Legend of the Bluebonnet about?
The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola is a beautiful retelling of a Native American folktale. It tells the story of a young girl named She-Who-Is-Alone, who makes a great sacrifice to save her people from a devastating drought. This poignant tale celebrates the power of selflessness and the beauty of the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet.
The Legend of the Bluebonnet Review
The Legend of the Bluebonnet (1983) by Tomie dePaola tells the story of a brave Native American girl who sacrifices her most prized possession to save her people from a devastating drought. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its rich cultural context and beautiful illustrations, it offers a glimpse into the traditions and legends of Native American tribes.
- The book teaches important values of selflessness and sacrifice, resonating with readers of all ages and promoting empathy and compassion.
- Through its suspenseful plot and emotional depth, it captures the reader's attention, ensuring that the story is not only educational but also entertaining and engaging.
Who should read The Legend of the Bluebonnet?
- Readers who enjoy folktales and legends
- Those interested in Native American culture and history
- Parents and teachers looking for a story that imparts important lessons about sacrifice and community
Categories with The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Book summaries like The Legend of the Bluebonnet
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Legend of the Bluebonnet FAQs
What is the main message of The Legend of the Bluebonnet?
The main message of The Legend of the Bluebonnet is the selflessness and sacrifice for the greater good.
How long does it take to read The Legend of the Bluebonnet?
The reading time for The Legend of the Bluebonnet varies, but it can be completed in a short amount of time. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Legend of the Bluebonnet a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Legend of the Bluebonnet is a beautiful book that teaches valuable lessons about compassion and sacrifice. Highly recommended!
Who is the author of The Legend of the Bluebonnet?
The author of The Legend of the Bluebonnet is Tomie dePaola.
What to read after The Legend of the Bluebonnet?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Legend of the Bluebonnet, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley