Runs With Horses

Sixteen years old in 1886, Runs With Horses is a member of the last small band of Apaches continuing to resist the U.S. Army. His training for manhood as a Chiricahua Apache has been difficult but thrilling, and he is eager to accomplish the final two of the four raids required to be-come a warrior. Sadly, this is not possible when they at last surrender to the U.S. Army. “With its compact size, terse sentences, large print, and action-packed plot, the book is certain to lure reluctant readers, and history buffs will applaud the factual epilogue and bibliography.”—Booklist

Sixteen years old in 1886, Runs With Horses trains to become a warrior with Geronimo's band of Apaches in the American Southwest.

Sixteen years old in 1886, Runs With Horses is a member of the last small band of Apaches continuing to resist the U.S. Army. His training for manhood as a Chiricahua Apache has been difficult but thrilling, and he is eager to accomplish the final two of the four raids required to be-come a warrior. Sadly, this is not possible when they at last surrender to the U.S. Army. “With its compact size, terse sentences, large print, and action-packed plot, the book is certain to lure reluctant readers, and history buffs will applaud the factual epilogue and bibliography.”—Booklist

The ALAN Review

Brian Burks attempts to portray the thoughts and feelings of Runs With Horses, a sixteen-year-old Chiracahua Apache brave preparing to become a warrior in Geronimo's last band of free Apaches. Runs With Horses distinguishes himself in the rigorous tests of mind and body only to be denied the final test in battle by Geronimo's surrender to General Miles in 1886. Brian Burks writes a well-researched, credible story, holding back neither the brutality of the Apache in battle nor the dishonor of the white man in treaty. More than that, Runs With Horses is a well-written piece of fiction that will likely capture the imagination and educate the sensitivity of readers young and old. The only criterion is that they are capable of responding to the uncomplicated language and structure of this worthwhile human study. This slim volume also offers a magnetic oral read. I loved it no less than the fourth and seven graders and college students with whom I shared it.

Brian Burks's Wrango was recently awarded the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Western Juvenile Fiction. He lives in Tularosa, New Mexico.