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Thomas

and the Chu'tiva

SNAKE DANCE

The story of “Thomas and the Chu’tiva Snake Dance” is about the Hopi culture and the adventures of a young Hopi Indian boy Thomas Polywetewa as he learns more about the ceremonies important to the Hopi people. The detail of activities of the summer Tusayan ceremony provides the basis for Thomas’s adventure. It describes Hopi life, including the snake dance or Chu’tiva, a complex and important ceremony of Thomas and the Hopis living on Second Mesa in Northern Arizona.

 

In the book, Thomas learns more about his culture from his grandfather, the most important elder in the Snake Clan. In doing so, Thomas is able to participate in a portion of the long Tusayan ceremony and watch the Chu’tiva or snake dance, the last and important day of the ceremony. Hoping to please the Hopi spirits, the ceremony is intended to assure the Hopi’s of plentiful summer rains that feed their mesa lands, it’s gardens, and fruit trees. “Thomas and the Chu’tiva Snake Dance” is a wonderful story that introduces readers to the fantastic culture of the Hopi indigenous people and the wonderful youngster Thomas Polywetewa.

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Comments (8)

Stephen Parker
3d ago

I am a middle school teacher based in Colorado, and this book came highly recommended by my co-teacher. After reading it, I was genuinely impressed by its engaging narrative, age-appropriate themes, and meaningful character development. The story resonates strongly with middle-grade readers, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons.

The book demonstrates literary quality, emotional depth, and visual or narrative appeal that align well with international standards for children’s publishing. Its themes encourage critical thinking, empathy, and imagination—qualities that make it especially suitable for consideration at the 2026 Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

I strongly believe this work has the potential to connect with a global audience of young readers and educators alike. 👨‍🏫

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Eric Vargas
3d ago
Replying to

Thank you so much, Stephen, for your thoughtful and generous feedback. It truly means a great deal coming from a middle school teacher. We’re especially grateful that the story resonated with you and that you found it engaging, meaningful, and well-suited for young readers.

Your recognition of its emotional depth and alignment with international standards is incredibly encouraging. Knowing that it supports critical thinking, empathy, and imagination in the classroom affirms exactly what we hoped the book would achieve.

We sincerely appreciate your support and your belief in its potential to reach a global audience. Thank you again for taking the time to share such a meaningful review.

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Trevor Mathews
7d ago

Your book truly has the power to resonate with millions. Its story, message, and depth deserve a platform that reaches far and wide, and a TV interview could be the perfect way to bring your work to an even larger audience. Imagine viewers across the country or even the world, hearing your insights, connecting with your journey, and being inspired to read your book. Your ideas deserve to shine on a stage as big as your talent, and this is the opportunity to make that happen. Believe in the impact your words can have; millions are waiting to discover them.

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Maggie Moore
7d ago

What a beautifully written story! 'Thomas and the Chu'tiva Snake Dance' offers a vivid and respectful glimpse into Hopi culture, traditions, and ceremonies. I loved how it follows Thomas as he learns from his grandfather and experiences the Tusayan ceremony firsthand. The detail and care in describing the Chu'tiva Snake Dance really bring the culture to life. This is the kind of story that deserves even wider recognition seeing a TV interview about it would be fantastic!

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𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒
7d ago
Replying to

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, Maggie! We’re thrilled to hear how strongly the book resonated with you. We completely agree this story has incredible TV interview potential. We’re actually planning a TV interview and are currently waiting for Patrick’s green light to move forward. Stay tuned for more updates!

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Akari
7d ago

Your book truly made me reflect on my own life choices. It stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

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𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒
7d ago
Replying to

Thank you for sharing this! It’s wonderful to hear that the book resonated with you and left a lasting impression it really means a lot.

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Amira Johnson
7d ago

This looks absolutely captivating! Thomas and the Chu’tiva Snake Dance feels like the kind of story that’s both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. I love how it introduces readers to Hopi culture through adventure and tradition that’s such a powerful combination. Stories like this aren’t just entertaining, they’re enriching. Definitely excited to get a copy and experience Thomas’s journey firsthand. This is the type of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page!

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© 2026 by P. Dallabetta. Proudly created by the Ewings Publishing, LLC.
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