Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People - Hardcover

Nelson, S. D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1419707310 ISBN 13: 9781419707315

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015

Synopsis

This biographical account of Sitting Bull, the legendary Lakota/Sioux chief, follows him from childhood to adulthood. He killed his first buffalo at age 10; at age 14, he earned his first eagle feather after counting coup (winning prestige through acts of bravery) on an enemy. In honor of his accomplishment, his father gave him the name Sitting Bull, a name that represents his resolve and ability to stand his ground. Sitting Bull grew as a leader and warrior, finally coming to be named war chief, leader of the entire Sioux nation (a title never bestowed on anyone before). He led his people in many battles against the Wasichus (or white man) including the Battles of Killdeer Mountain and the Little Bighorn and became one of the most important figures in Lakota and American history. He and Crazy Horse were the last Lakota/Sioux to surrender their people to the US government and resort to living on a reservation. He was killed by his own people who were Indian Agency police on the reservation. Includes note about the Lakota and ledger art, a timeline, bibliography, and index.

About this title

Review

"Nelson...will leave readers with a rich picture of this noble figure's personal and cultural context. Solidly historical and far more heartfelt than those on the overcrowded shelf of assignment-fodder profiles."--Kirkus Reviews

STARRED REVIEW
"The book is engagingly told in the first person, with Sitting Bull describing his childhood training to be a warrior and a hunter...The book is visually appealing, combining art inspired by ledger book art style (a note explains that American Indians incarcerated on military bases sometimes were given discarded books in which to draw) with period photographs and quotations, demonstrating the intersection of two cultures in a tangible manner... this portrait of a committed leader provides a unique perspective on the man and his time period."--School Library Journal

STARRED REVIEW
"Told through a calm but doomed first-person narrative, this enthralling biography recounts the life of the great chief and warrior Sitting Bull and the defeat of his fellow Sioux... Nelson draws upon the Ledger Book Art tradition developed by Plains Indians in the late-nineteenth century to illustrate key moments in Sitting Bull's life. With an often shocking bluntness, heightened by a papery flatness, these colorful and dynamic drawings depict buffalo hunts, dances, and battles. A tragic true story told in powerfully subdued tones."
--Booklist

From the Author

S. D. Nelson is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas. He is the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Black Elk’s Vision, Gift Horse, Coyote Christmas and The Star People. He lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. Visit him online at www.sdnelson.net. Includes a timeline, a note about the Lakota, and an index.

Edition details

• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1419707310
• ISBN 13: 9781419707315
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 64