David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Author; Jim Yellowhawk, Illustrator
This memoir/children's book is about famous statesman and Lakota leader Spotted Tail. What makes this a children's book gem is that the illustrations are just gorgeous, which makes up for the fact that there is just way too much small text.
Once you read through the words, though, Spotted Tail's life is an important history to pass on. We need more sliding glass door books like this that bring readers into a life perhaps unknown until now. What it does for middle and high school readers is that it gives an important message about telling our elder's stories lest they be forgotten. It encourages young writers to do their own oral histories and turn them into books. It also will encourage young readers to read more.
If the story does not grab them, though, the illustrations will.
From the Publisher:
Named as one of the best books of 2019 by American Indians in Children's Literature, this biography of Spotted Tail traces the life of the famous Lakota leader who expertly guided his people through a pivotal and tumultuous time in their nations history as they fought and then negotiated with the U.S. government. Spotted Tail is remembered for his unique leadership style and deep love for his people. Today a university is named in his honor.
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