Ava and the Raven is the story of a Native American girl who sets out to discover the meaning of her name. Ava is guided by Raven who helps her understand the importance of being caring, helpful and knowledgeable about her culture. Throughout her journey Ava encounters native animals, plants and environments of what is today Southern California. Native Americans made this region their home for over 12,000 years. The earliest peoples were hunter-gatherers and traveled with the seasons. Later in time, the Native Americans settled into villages and had complex societies with rich cultural traditions. Jeannine Pedersen-Guzman is a Curator at the Dr. John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center in Santa Ana, California and the mother of two beautiful daughters, Ava and Luna.