Customer Reviews

From Slave To Superstar Of The Wild West: The Awesome Story Of Jim Beckwourth

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This is a well-researched and very engaging biography of Jim Beckwourth, born into slavery in 1800, then freed by his white father to go on to become a celebrated Mountain Man, Chief of the Crows and overall jack of all trades (Demund lists 40 "jobs" that Jim held at one time or another). Demund's conversational style and his demystification of the history-writing process make this an excellent educational tool. At every turn, the author asks his readers what they think about what he's just told them. He explains that some historical accounts aren't necessarily trustworthy, including a man's own writings about his life, since people lie, fudge & exaggerate. He also talks about how he chose to believe, or at least to accept as either most likely or most entertaining certain stories about his subject. Beckwourth died in 1866 after a life of high adventure across the West from St. Louis to Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and finally, California.

Jim Beckwourth, born the son of a plantation owner and a slave, was a pioneer. His story is told in FROM SLAVE TO SUPERSTAR OF THE WILD WEST. Jim was freed from slavery by his father/owner while still a child and was allowed the opportunity to attend school. As he grew older his thirst for adventure led to a thrilling and trailblazing life. During his lifetime he had many careers, he was a blacksmith, store owner, hotel owner, messenger, guide, and even an Indian chief. As author, Tom DeMund, shares Jim's adventurous story, readers learn what life was like for pioneers in what would later become the western United States. Time is spent discussing the landscape, style of dress, dietary habits, daily living habits, and even recreational activities that were common during the era. The result is a well-rounded and exciting history lesson.

Tom DeMund has put together so much more than a simple biography. He carefully incorporates history and explains the spirit of the times in which Jim Beckwourth lived. By highlighting the cultural nuances of the times, he effectively shatters myths not only about blacks in the west, but also about life in the 1800's. His conversational style makes reading the book a breeze and adds to the intensity of the overall learning experience. The book is a wonderful teaching tool that would especially lend itself to group settings. I highly recommend FROM SLAVE TO SUPERSTAR OF THE WILD WEST, it emphasizes the glitzy and not so glamorous sides of life in the Wild West and highlights an important historical figure.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

From Slave to Superstar of the Wild West by Tom Demund is a lively story about Jim Beckwourth. Jim was born on a plantation, the son of a plantation-owner father and slave mother. Jim's story is unique in that he was given his freedom by his father at age nine, and was sent away to school. It was fascinating to read how Jim made his way from place to place and how he was able to master many languages and customs.

Jim had an adventuresome spirit that led him to travel the country meeting different people. A very interesting component of Jim's story is that he became a member and then a chief of the Crow tribe. Reading how he became a member of the tribe was one of the more interesting chapters. In the middle 1800's, Jim discovered a famous pass over the Sierra Mountains called the Beckwourth Pass. There is also a small community on the northwestern edge of the Sierra Valley named Beckwourth in Jim's honor.

Mr. Demund has done a remarkable job in re-creating the history of a little known freed slave. It is obvious that he did intensive research. There are many good illustrations in black and white and color. This book is written in an easy-to-read style that I would recommend for children's libraries. I would also recommend it to history buffs.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

From Slave to Superstar of the Wild West: The Awesome Story of Jim Beckwourth is the incredible true-life story of a biracial ex-slave turned American mountain man who lived over 200 years ago. The son of a wealthy slaveowner and a black slave, given a limited education and his freedom by his father, Jim Beckwourth's natural talent for languages and diplomacy as well as his physical strengths and yearning for adventure led him to a hard life of venturing into territory known only to Native Americans, trapping animals for their fur, and survival in the wilderness. His exceptional career led him to become a member and later a chief of the Crow tribe, and he saved lives and escaped death by the skin of his teeth numerous times. From Slave to Superstar of the Wild West reconstructs Beckwourth's life from civil records, known historical details, and information gleaned from Beckwourth's own autobiography. Illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs written in a lively, friendly style to appeal to preteen readers, From Slave to Superstar of the Wild West is an enthusiastically recommended for grade school and children's library collections.

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