Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

From the Publisher

"The economical and graceful narrative of a memorable story is a fitting capstone to the long career of this most distinguished creator of historical fiction." Horn Book Guide

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

At the request of the late Newbery medalist O'Dell ( Island of the Blue Dolphins ), his widow, Hall, collaborated on this story about Sound of Running Feet, the daughter of Chief Joseph of the Ne-mee-po, or Nez Perce Indians. Sound of Running Feet narrates the betrayal of her people, their flight, last battles and final surrender. In typical O'Dell fashion, the novel serves up a generous helping of historical fact and general information about the Ne-mee-po and their way of life. Unfortunately, a formal and reserved tone (``I had loved him for a long time, for as many moons as there were stars'') keep the reader at arm's length from the characters, which in turn does little to amplify or personalize their plight. Readers may find that the novel's choicest parts are those trimmed closest to the factual bone--though topping Chief Joseph's ``Hear me, my chiefs'' speech will prove difficult, this work may encourage youngsters to sample some of its source material. Ages 10-14. (Apr.)

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- A poignant story as told by Sound of Running Feet, the daughter of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce people. In her clear, unflinching voice, she tells of the long, tearful, bloody trail that her people were forced to follow from their beloved home in Wallowa Valley, Oregon, to their final confrontation with the American soldiers at the Bear Paw Mountains in Montana. There, in now famous words, `` `. . . From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever,' '' Chief Joseph surrenders on behalf of his once proud warriors who are cold, surrounded, and outnumbered. As stated in the foreword written by O'Dell's wife, who finished the book after his death, many of the people, events, and even words used in the story are based on historical record. Other characters and events are fictionalized or composites. Most notable among them is Swan Necklace, who is initially a pacifist but who becomes enraged as he witnesses the oppression and injustice his people suffer at the hands of the soldiers. The story's effectiveness is weakened, however, by the unnecessary and sometimes jarring romance story line between Sound of Running Feet and Swan Necklace. Despite this flaw, this is an admirable final addition to O'Dell's legacy of powerful novels. --Jane Marino, White Plains Public Library, NY