The Buffalo Soldier [Hardcover]

Sherry Garland (Author), Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2006 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Freed slaves who headed West to start careers in the army after the Civil War were nicknamed "buffalo soldiers" by the Cheyenne Indians because of their hair and their displays of strength. A buffalo soldierís account of the bravery and courage of the Tenth Calvary during the Indian wars and the Spanish-American War.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–They promise to pay me thirteen dollars a month. More money than that I never saw at once. This poetic narrative evokes the emotion of emancipation and the courage and endurance of a newly freed man who joins the U.S. Army, protecting new settlements from Indians and bandits while earning a living, an education, and the respect of his country. He worries about family left at home and takes pride in a paycheck, finding a new life but facing loneliness in a life lived apart from loved ones. …Sally says she hopes my fingers freeze off so I can't sign up for five more years. Paired with watercolor illustrations, each spread echoes the daily life of a buffalo soldier. This brief story both informs and pulls at the heartstrings of readers as the retired man compares his experiences to those of his son fighting in World War II, while readers view the shadow of his former comrades riding past his porch rocker.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Using the perspective of a fictional recruit, Garland recounts the history of the two African American cavalry regiments that served the U.S. from 1866 through 1953. Nicknamed "buffalo soldiers" by the Cheyenne Indians because of their curly hair and bravery, the men protected settlers on the western frontier, marched up San Juan Hill in 1898, and continued to serve until the military was integrated at the end of the Korean War. Garland's mythical enlistee sees the regiment as a means to earn a steady income, obtain an education, and gain respect, despite adversity on and off the battlefield. Himler's vibrant illustrations capture the broad vistas of western landscape, the excitement of horseback pursuit, and the hardships of the work, at the same time conveying respect for the loyal soldiers who endured it all. An author's note provides more about these soldiers and their contributions, making this an excellent introduction to a sometimes-overlooked part of American history. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (August 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589803914
• ISBN-13: 978-1589803916
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sherry Garland is the award-winning author of thirty books for children, teenagers and adults. Several of her books focus on the Vietnamese culture due to her close friendships with Vietnamese families. As a fifth generation Texan, she also sets many of her books in the Lone Star State. She especially likes to write historical works. For more information, visit her website: www.sherrygarland.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buffalo Soldiers for children, December 8, 2010

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This review is from: The Buffalo Soldier (Hardcover)

Finally, a good book at a child's level on this important part of US History. Great illustrations and good information.