The Legend of Minnesota

Winner of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Honor Award

The definition of the word “Minnesota” is known to most as the Dakotah word for “sky-tinted waters.” However, in her research about the origin of the state’s name, acclaimed author and native Minnesotan Kathy-jo Wargin uncovered a little-known, but age-old, Ojibwe tale.

The Legend of Minnesota tells the story of an enduring friendship between an Ojibwe girl and a Dakotah boy, and how their kindness toward one another gives the beautiful land of Minnesota its name.

Author Kathy-jo Wargin has won acclaim for many of her children’s titles — including the bestselling Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of the Lady’s Slipper.