Sing Down the Moon

O’Dell takes care in Sing Down the Moon to provide details that are historically accurate and reflect the realities of Navajo life during the period in which the novel takes place, 1863–1865. As an outsider to Navajo culture and the historical period in which his novel is set, O’Dell’s characterizations of Navajo culture are limited. However, the specific details he includes convey his intent to treat Navajo culture and history with respect. These details reflect the geography of Navajo culture in 1863–1865, including Bright Morning’s village in Canyon de Chelly (in Northeastern Arizona) and Bosque Redondo in New Mexico, where the white soldiers lead the Navajo.

O’Dell’s novel also resists viewing Native American culture as homogenous. It instead stresses the diversity of Native American tribes, with the Kiowa, Comanche, Nez Percé, Zuñi, Apache, Hopi, and Ute among the groups mentioned in the novel alongside the Spaniards and other settlers of European descent. The novel provides as much detail as possible regarding Navajo life through the vehicle of Bright Morning. For example, Bright Morning’s fixation on sheep not only reflects her personal desires and goals, but also the importance of sheep within Navajo culture.