The Buffalo and the Indians: A Shared Destiny (Hardcover)

by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (Author), William Munoz (Photographer) "In the days of the grandfathers, buffalo lived under the earth..." (more)
Key Phrases: North America, United States, White Buffalo Calf Woman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 4-8–This beautiful, well-written book opens with the years before the Europeans came to America, discussing how the bison and Native Americans came to the New World, the importance of the animal to the survival of the Plains Indians, and the Native peoples' spiritual relationship with the buffalo. The next two chapters discuss how the arrival of the white men brought the horses that improved the hunting techniques and lives of the Native Americans, but also led to the destruction of their way of life and the near extinction of the bison. The final chapter relates the myth of the white buffalo and ties the 1994 birth of a white buffalo to the recent resurgence of interest in Native American ideas, rituals, and respect for the natural environment and the increase in buffalo populations. Each chapter opens with a retelling of a Native myth. Patent's narrative is clear and her writing is almost lyrical. Muñoz's breathtaking color photos of bison, landscapes, and artifacts are mixed with reproductions of period art and illustrations. Although The Buffalo Hunters (Time-Life, 1999) covers much of the same material in greater depth, it is more suited to an older audience and is not as well written as this title. Patent's remarkable book deserves a place in every collection.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
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From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. According to President Ulysses S. Grant and many army leaders, the buffalo had to be destroyed if the Indians were to be defeated. Consequently, in the latter part of the nineteenth century, whites slaughtered and nearly wiped out the powerful animals, which enabled the settlers to take over the prairies, force the Indians onto reservations, and nearly obliterate their cultures. The horrific climax of destruction and loss is quietly told in this stirring, full-color photo-essay that celebrates the long-lasting connection between the Plains Indians and the buffalo. The first half of the book traces how the fates of early peoples and early buffalo species intertwined, a relationship that ended as settlers moved west and took over the land. Final chapters discuss the current recovery of many Indian tribes and the reintroduction of buffalo to their natural habitat. The lucid narrative and spacious book design--with large type, photos by Munoz, and reproductions of beautiful artwork by painters such as George Caitlin and Karl Bodmer--will draw readers into the history and prompt discussion of the connection between human and animal rights. A fine companion to Russell Freedman's Buffalo Hunt (1988). Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (June 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618485708
• ISBN-13: 978-0618485703
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #769,896 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)