BOOKS
Ranging from Native American biography to wildlife conservation to contemplative writing and poetry, McBride has written six books, chapters in a dozen others and numerous co-authored volumes, including several editions of four anthropology textbooks. See below for short descriptions of selected books and the Buy Now/Amazon.com links.
Please consider checking with your local bookstore before purchasing on Amazon.
MOLLY SPOTTED ELK, A PENOBSCOT IN PARIS
This Biography chronicles the extraordinary life of performance artist Mollydell Nelson, whose life began and ended on Indian Island, Old Town, Maine (1903-1977).
“An irresistible story…” New York Times
"An engrossing account of Molly’s adventurous life…" Publisher’s Weekly
"Enriched by Molly’s diaries and McBride’s interviews…this is a first-rate telling of an unusual life story." Kirkus Reviews
"Although McBride’s anthropology credentials are obvious in her depictions of Molly’s cultural heritage, the exuberant writing fairly pulses with the same energy and keen intellect possessed by Molly herself.” Booklist
WOMEN OF THE DAWN
The stories of four remarkable Wabanaki Indian women who lived in what is now northeast America during the four centuries that devastated their traditional world. Their creative and courageous responses to tragedies born of European contact comprise the heart of this book.
Friends of American Writers National Literary Award Winner
“A prose poem of beauty and honesty…” Maine Times
FROM INDIAN ISLAND TO OMAHA BEACH: The D-Day Story of Charles Shay
This 115-page volume features 10 chapters from a forthcoming full-length biography about Shay, a combat medic who grew up on the Penobscot reservation in Maine. It brings to light the mostly ignored or forgotten service and sacrifice made by Native American soldiers and their communities in WWII.
INDIANS IN EDEN
This richly illustrated book recounts the intersecting lives of Maine’s native Wabanaki peoples and wealthy summer “rusticators” on Mount Desert Island during the 19th and early 20th centuries when Wabanakis set up encampments where they sold their crafts and offered guiding services.
“A fascinating window into a time and place when the native peoples of Maine lived alongside the descendants of their invaders.” Maine History
ASTICOU’S ISLAND DOMAIN: Wabanaki Peoples at Mount Desert Island 1500-2000
618 pages. Vol. 1 presents an ethnographic baseline of Wabanaki lifeways and then relays how Maine’s First Peoples resisted, adapted and survived centuries of colonial warfare and oppression. Vol.2 features a detailed narrative on traditional Wabanaki uses of flora and fauna, with an illustrated inventory of 240 species. Commissioned by National Park Service (NPS). PDF available free on the NPS website. VOL.1. VOL.2
“The most thorough overview available of the last five centuries of Wabanaki history and culture.” Maine History
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY FIELD GUIDE TO AFRICAN WILDLIFE
This guide offers comprehensive coverage of the continent with nearly 600 color photographs of habitats and wildlife, detailed descriptions of parks and reserves, and information on over 850 species. Collaborating with 3 coauthors, McBride researched and wrote the sections on East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
“A magnificent guide…” The Economist
BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON
This book is a series of inspirational essays, all in one way or another, related to the moon. Part parable, part memoir, each essay is a contemplation on what happens when we reach for and give attention to the light within us and others, even when it is eclipsed by darkness.
“…I found myself underlining entire passages, marveling at McBride's beautifully spare prose and the depth and clarity of her wisdom…” Christina Baker Cline, New York Times best-selling author of Orphan Train and The Exiles.
WHEN WINGS BECOME SOUND: A HAIKU ALMANAC
This collection of haiku and full-color pictures was penned and photographed during daily outings in coastal Maine. Each poem/picture pairing tracks the weather, along with observations and insights that bring meaning to every day of the year. It serves as a perpetual calendar and daily devotional.
EARTHSHINE: GIFTS OF REFLECTED LIGHT
In these contemplative essays, McBride chronicles experiences of being touched, shined, and uplifted by the light of twelve distinct individuals from contrasting corners of the world. They are stories of struggle, courage, curiosity, resilience, redemption, compassion and insight – stories that prompt one to reflect upon choices, priorities and what each of us brings to the feast of Life.
“Deeply personal, heartbreaking, beautifully told and rich with soul searching, these essays are sparks that kindle the fires of hope, gratitude, and appreciation.” Donna Loring, Penobscot elder and author of In the Shadow of the Eagle
“An inspiring roadmap for our life journey.” Dean Sluyter, author of Natural Meditation, Nautilus Gold Medal.
“Necessary parables for our times.” Lucas Bessire, author of Running Out, National Book Award finalist.