Sitting Bull: Dakota Boy (Childhood of Famous Americans) [Paperback]

Augusta Stevenson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Childhood of Famous Americans

Sitting Bull was admired by friends and enemies alike for his courage, strength, intelligence, and humanity. A great Sioux chief, he fought to preserve his people's homeland and way of life from the encroachment of the white man. Illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689806280
• ISBN-13: 978-0689806285
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Series > Historical > Childhood of Famous Americans Series
  • #68 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > 1800s
  • #77 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An exciting read but could use some editing, May 26, 2004

By 

DONALD G. FOX "Santee Sioux" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sitting Bull: Dakota Boy (Childhood of Famous Americans) (Paperback)

I picked up this children's book thinking that it might be appropriate for my church's library (a Native American Episcopal Mission). After reading it, I'm not really sure if it is appropriate. The story is exciting. The character of Jumping Badger (later to be Sitting Bull) is strong and develops well. The illustrations, while not marvelous, are fine. Values and morals are taught fairly well in this novel.

One of a few things that worried me (as a Santee Sioux person) was the use of the denigrating and dehumanizing word "squaw" throughout the book. Among my people, it would be a great, great insult to call a woman such a terrible thing. I think if the story were to be re-edited, the wonderful word "woman" could be placed in those instances. Another instance that worried me was the calling one woman a "witch". While there have always been "medicine women" throughout many ages, the use of the word takes the reader to another place that is not consistent with Dakota/Lakota/Nakota history and culture. An afterword by the editors on the use of the name "Sioux" and the words mentioned above may be of good use.

These two instances do not deter me from recommending this book. If anything, they may lead to conversation and a better understanding of Sioux cultures (note that there are more than one) and the use of language around concepts not indigenous to our own culture, i.e., "witch" vs. "medicine woman".

This is a great book for kids, but they may need a little guidance with it. I still haven't decided if it would be appropriate for my church's library and will first talk about this book with other elders.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book about Sitting bull and the Sioux nation, January 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sitting Bull: Dakota Boy (Childhood of Famous Americans) (Paperback)

I love this book. It is exciting and interesting. It involves war, bravery, and honor to be a sioux!