Directions: symbol
The directions not only organize the novel; they are a powerful symbol of where the novel's protagonist, Daunis, is on her hero's journey. The novel begins in an easterly direction (where all journeys begin, according to tradition); it ends in a northern direction (where all journeys end, according to practice).
Fire: symbol
Fire is an important symbol in the novel. It is not only symbolic of Daunis' Native American heritage and history, but it is also symbolic of the story of the old firekeeper's daughter, who Daunis identifies with because of the bad situations they find themselves in.
The crows: symbol
The crows are symbolic not only of Daunis' Native American heritage but of death and tremendous wisdom (as is typical in Native American tradition).
Daunis' father's green scarf: symbol
Daunis' father's green scarf is perhaps the most important symbol in the novel. It is symbolic of Daunis' evolving relationship with her father. More importantly, however, it is symbolic of her growth as a person and her newfound willingness to accept shades of grey in her life.
Drugs: symbol
Drugs are symbolic of change in Daunis' life. For instance, after her uncle takes drugs and seemingly dies, her life is radically changed. It is also drugs that inspire Daunis to become an informant for the FBI, a role in which she hopes to play a significant part in ridding her town and people of the scourge of drugs.
