In an attempt to escape the harsh winter, Paul continues to head south. Soon Paul finds himself facing a greater challenge: a big black bear. He manages to defeat the bear and save an Indian man. Paul soon finds himself adopted into an Indian tribe. He is renamed Fearless by the Chicasha Indians. It is here he meets Reverend McClure and learns first hand the prejudices and hardships his new family will face.

Throughout Shadow of an Indian Star, Bill Paul and Cindy Paul share fascinating traits and cultural characteristics of an Indian tribe. For example, snow would be thrown on hunting meat in order to keep it frozen. It was believed that eating bear meat would make one lazy like a bear. And the dialogue brings to life how Indians were able to communicate with the white man.

Although the book is a work of fiction, it pieces together true stories shared from newspaper articles, history records, and the Paul family. The authors, Bill Paul and Cindy Paul, bring the story and historical events into a very vivid, realistic, and well organized tale. The main character, Smith Paul, teaches and learns many important lessons, including the value of all human life. Shadow of an Indian Star tells about an important part of history, and reminds us of the sacrifices, losses, and tragedies our country and people have faced.