Synopsis
A discussion of the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Cheyenne Indians.
Nancy Garhan Attebury - Children's Literature
Smiles from four Cheyenne children on the cover of this book in the "Native American Peoples" series are inviting. Readers will be smiling too when they realize how much knowledge the book presents. Four well-organized chapters tell the story of the Cherokee people as it progresses from their roots to today. Each chapter is divided into concise, short sections to help the reader find information easily. A map on page one shows where the people lived in the 1600s and another at the book's conclusion marks the Montana and Oklahoma areas where many live today. Several paintings and drawings depicting Cheyenne life are scattered throughout. Some of those showcase buffalo hunting, a fight at Little Bighorn, and a lone Plains Indian painted by artist Frederic Remington. Photographs included from the 1800s, picture a treaty signing, Chief Dull Knife and Chief Little Wolf, and a travois piled high with belongings of a moving family. Clothing with fancy beadwork, parfleches (cases to carry things), and bright colored porcupine quills used for decoration are just a few of the photos that enhance the text. Sidebars give additional information as well as direct quotes from some Cheyenne people and army personnel of the time. A time line, glossary, index, added resources, and a page of things to do round out the book. Teachers and librarians cannot go wrong when adding this book, along with others of the series, to school settings. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 8 to 12.