Scan barcode
seaofthesun14's review
4.0
Plot Summary:
This book recounts the true story of how the well-known Lakota Sioux Indian, Sitting Bull, acquired his name. Having been named Slow (Slon-he) as a child, Slow’s determination to earn a praiseworthy name like his father, Returns Again, motivates him to become a great warrior. He learns to become an excellent horse rider and hunter with bows and arrows. As a result of his persistence, Slow leads a successful raid against the Crow warriors thus meriting him the name Sitting Bull (Tatan’ka Iyota’ke).
Critical Analysis:
From the beginning, it is apparent that this story is a tale treasured by the Lakota Sioux Indians. Told in third person narration, Slow is not a complicated character. The plot of the story is also simple as Slow only wants to acquire a praiseworthy name as well as honor his people. However, Slow must perform a heroic deed that proves himself worthy of a significant name. Slow’s journey of earning a new name is full of action and the conflict reaches a satisfying resolution when Slow leads a successful raid and is given the name Sitting Bull. Although time passes quickly from Slow being born in 1831 to him reaching adulthood, the setting gives readers an understanding of the protagonist. In addition, the author stresses the theme quite well so that readers can realize that determination and effort pays off in the end. In regards to the style used in the story, Bruchac maintains the integrity and authenticity of the Lakota Sioux culture by including culturally specific words, phrases, and customs in the story. As a result of this, readers gain a better understanding of the Lakota Sioux culture and their legendary hero, Sitting Bull.
As for the illustrations in the book, they complement the story well and reflect the cultural heritage authentically. The artist uses a beautiful blend of colors to portray sunrise, sunset, and night. Teepees, feathered war bonnets, bow and arrows, horses, and other regalia and clothing characteristic of the Lakota Sioux Indians are also illustrated and are appropriate because they create the setting in the story. In addition to these illustrations, some words and phrases used by the Lakota Sioux Indians are incorporated in the story to help readers gain a better insight of the culture and customs. The last illustration in the book, which is a realistic painting of Sitting Bull, is skillfully done in a manner that evokes reverence. All in all, I recommend this book because it superbly represents the Lakota Sioux culture and honors the legendary Sitting Bull.
This book recounts the true story of how the well-known Lakota Sioux Indian, Sitting Bull, acquired his name. Having been named Slow (Slon-he) as a child, Slow’s determination to earn a praiseworthy name like his father, Returns Again, motivates him to become a great warrior. He learns to become an excellent horse rider and hunter with bows and arrows. As a result of his persistence, Slow leads a successful raid against the Crow warriors thus meriting him the name Sitting Bull (Tatan’ka Iyota’ke).
Critical Analysis:
From the beginning, it is apparent that this story is a tale treasured by the Lakota Sioux Indians. Told in third person narration, Slow is not a complicated character. The plot of the story is also simple as Slow only wants to acquire a praiseworthy name as well as honor his people. However, Slow must perform a heroic deed that proves himself worthy of a significant name. Slow’s journey of earning a new name is full of action and the conflict reaches a satisfying resolution when Slow leads a successful raid and is given the name Sitting Bull. Although time passes quickly from Slow being born in 1831 to him reaching adulthood, the setting gives readers an understanding of the protagonist. In addition, the author stresses the theme quite well so that readers can realize that determination and effort pays off in the end. In regards to the style used in the story, Bruchac maintains the integrity and authenticity of the Lakota Sioux culture by including culturally specific words, phrases, and customs in the story. As a result of this, readers gain a better understanding of the Lakota Sioux culture and their legendary hero, Sitting Bull.
As for the illustrations in the book, they complement the story well and reflect the cultural heritage authentically. The artist uses a beautiful blend of colors to portray sunrise, sunset, and night. Teepees, feathered war bonnets, bow and arrows, horses, and other regalia and clothing characteristic of the Lakota Sioux Indians are also illustrated and are appropriate because they create the setting in the story. In addition to these illustrations, some words and phrases used by the Lakota Sioux Indians are incorporated in the story to help readers gain a better insight of the culture and customs. The last illustration in the book, which is a realistic painting of Sitting Bull, is skillfully done in a manner that evokes reverence. All in all, I recommend this book because it superbly represents the Lakota Sioux culture and honors the legendary Sitting Bull.
More...