Olivia Godat

The Blue Mesa Olivia Godat

In the settling of the American Southwest, the Indians won many battles but only one war: The Pueblo Rebellion of 1680. In the midst of this war, two teenagers, Diego and his twin sister Estrella, face a life-changing event.

As the war rages, an Apache warrior kidnaps Estrella. Diego rescues her and they take refuge on the Blue Mesa, a sacred mountain of the Pueblo Nation. All is going well, until a strong wind whirls from a cave, picking up Diego and his horse, carrying them to the 21st century.

Diego befriends three boys and learns the fate of the settlers: those who were not killed escaped to El Paso. Diego enjoys the wonders of the 21st century-hot showers, automobiles, pizza-but he never forgets his duty: he has to find a way to return to his own time and warn his people.

The Blue Mesa, by Olivia Godat, tells of the hardships endured while settling the Southwest and captures the spirit of a young boy determined to do the right thing, no matter the cost.