This collection of stories and memories, suitable for adolescents, offers a perspective on both traditional and contemporary ways of California Indians. Some stories are from old reports and books, and some are from people of today. The introduction ties the wide variety of Indians that live in California to the variety of landscape and climate. Before the arrival of outsiders, over 100 languages were spoken in California. Subjects range from descriptive and informational topics, such as how marriages were arranged and how acorns were cooked, to larger concepts, such as the importance of family compared to the insignificance of the individual. The Indian belief that all things are alive in the same way that humans are alive explains why all things are viewed as sacred and why religion is very much a part of everyday life. Leaders were chosen because they were respected, and ruled by getting everyone to agree rather than by strength. Wars were small because winners had to give gifts for the people they had killed. A chapter on growing up Indian discusses family, nonformal learning, childhood games, reminiscences of childhood, toys, teaching-stories, learning to hunt, becoming a woman or man, and getting married. An index, a map of Native California, over 80 photographs, and a list of California Indian resources are included. (TD)