Cave of the Birdman is an unforgettable adventure story of a young Chumash boy who discovers fascinating secrets about the history, culture, and traditions of his people. Ricky Lopez is living the life of his dreams! His family owns a horse ranch near Santa Barbara, California. Life revolves around his dog, Sundance, and his horse, Midnight. While riding Midnight deep into the coastal mountains, Ricky is startled to see the entrance of a tunnel hidden in the rocks. "Why haven't I seen this before? Where does it go?" Exploring the tunnel leads to an amazing adventure! Ricky faces grave danger, requiring bravery and skills he didn't know he possessed. Along the way, he makes new friends and discovers more about his Chumash heritage. Cave of the Birdman is a comprehensive teacher resource for planning a unit on Native Americans. Lesson plans can easily be created around the themes of: California geographyChumash lifeChumash artChumash traditions and celebrationsChumash culture Chumash languageChumash legendsChumash astronomyChumash customsChumash cosmology The website associated with the book provides additional resources and references and a means for teachers to share lesson plans. Cave of the Birdman reveals the beauty of Chumash culture and its reverence of nature. Teachers, students and readers of all ages will learn Chumash vocabulary, traditions, astronomy and material culture. This thrilling tale will captivate readers of all ages!