Reaping the Whirlwind : The Apache Wars

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Narrative histories that cover important periods of Native history. Of the two, Reaping the Whirlwind, an account of the 40-year Apache wars, is a darker story that emphasizes the inevitability of the Indian's defeat. More than 20 black-and-white maps and reproductions of historical documents and photos are well captioned and credited. Less background material is included in this title and there is more stereotypical language and tribal name confusion. Apache are frequently described as "sullen" or "noble." Tecumseh provides evenhanded biographical information on the visionary orator and war chief who desired to establish a unified Indian confederation. Stefoff covers interesting facets of Shawnee life, explains and dispels myths, and weighs evidence carefully where there are conflicting historical accounts. The tone is clear and explanatory, but there are a few instances when the word choice is stereotypical or overworn. In one case, Indian life is described as one lived "in harmony with nature." Names for tribal groups are well handled, although there is a slight confusion of the distinction between Chippewa and Ojibwa. In both books, supplementary detail is found in sidebars. The uneven quality of the titles in this series recommend that they be considered individually.-Loriene Roy, University of Texas, Austin