Navajo Long Walk : Tragic Story Of A Proud Peoples Forced March From Homeland (Hardcover)

by Joseph Bruchac (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"We were given two ears so that we may hear both sides of every story," notes Bruchac at the start of this detailed, sobering account of the Navajo people's forced relocationon footfrom their homelands in what is now Arizona to the Bosque Redondo Reservation in the New Mexico Territory between 1863 and 1865. Writing initially in the present tense, Bruchac imagines a group of Navajos gathered around an elder. Their "circle of peace" is shattered by the arrival of American soldiers and their allies, the Utes, who will force the Navajos to abandon their lands and the "path of balance and beauty" to embark instead on "a trail of suffering and loss." He then chronicles the events leading up to the Navajos' displacement, beginning with their embattled relationship with the Spanish settlers in the 16th century, and he describes the horrors of the so-called Long Walks (the people walked over 470 miles) and of the makeshift reservation. The author examines the roles of U.S. leaders, such as General Carleton, who "did not listen to the native side of the story," and explores the conditions that led to the closing of the reservation in 1868 and the signing of "the first fair treaty" between the Navajo people and the U.S. government. Begay's (The Magic of Spider Woman) paintings, rendered with acrylics on clay board in swirling brushstrokes, convey urgency and emotion. His art reaches a new level of accomplishment and his captions, explaining his use of symbols, will help youngsters interpret the cryptic moments in his work. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7 As Bruchac states, this story is one of tragedy and triumph that all Americans should know. Here, he and Begay offer an introduction to it. The book opens in 1864 with the peaceful Navajo world shattered by events beyond its control. The author then explains the circumstances leading up to the forced relocation of Navajo people, and their eventual return to their homes and way of life in 1868. Both the full-color acrylic paintings and duotone watercolor pictures evoke a sense of hopelessness and doom. Ultimately, they show the strength of the Navajo nation. Throughout, Begay comments on his illustrations. Beside one depiction, he states, "I can feel the cold chill in the bones of these battered and subdued people living on the brink of nonexistence." While Native words such as Dook'o'oosl"d are explained in the text, there is no pronunciation guide. With large type and larger illustrations, this title has a picture-book look about it, but it is aimed at an audience with some knowledge of Navajo history. -Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792270584
• ISBN-13: 978-0792270584
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,753 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thayer's book review, November 25, 2002

A Kid's Review

Navajo Long Walk is an exciting book about an Indian family who is forced to go to camps and live the white sholdiers' way. The main characters are Kee, Hasba, Gentle Woman, the mother, Strong Man, the father, and Wise One, the grandfather. This family, like all the other Navajo families, have to move to different for-away camps that are called forts. Some of the forts they go to are Fort Defiance and Fort Summer.

Kee learns that you can be friends with white soldiers like when he neets a white soldier, his horse and his son.

The reader will enjoy this book becasue it is very detailed and you can picture every word in your mind. You will have a great experience reading about the Navajo way of life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied Customer, March 25, 2009

By	Native Pride "Native Curiosity" - See all my reviews

I waited a few extra days, but the book was delivered. It is in good condition. Thank you.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Navajo Long Walk : Tragic Story Of A Proud Peoples Forced March From Homeland , September 23, 2007

By	C. RICHARDSON - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent Research Book. Help make clearer how them like other tribes had to leave there homeland and travel someplace else. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a nations struggle for survival.