A BOY BECOMES A MAN AT WOUNDED KNEE

by Ted with Wanbli Numpa Afraid of Hawk Wood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1992

A young Lakota describes the commemorative journey marking the centennial of the massacre of his ancestors in December 1890. It's the fifth year that Native Americans and others still ""in pain flora Wounded Knee"" have retraced the last 150 miles walked by Big Foot and his people. Now eight, Wanbli Numpa joins in the six-day ""Big Foot Memorial Ride."" Though the killing rigors of the original journey are not fully reenacted--these travelers fide horses, campsites are set up by helpers in trucks, and Wanbli Numpa takes a needed day of rest midway--the grueling discomforts and dangers are real in the subzero weather. Many goals are achieved (the boy earns his first eagle feather); each clay is dedicated to remembering a group: children, the elderly, the ill in body or spirit, women, ancestors: and in the spirit of peace, the event as a whole is seen as mending ""the sacred hoop of the world"" broken by the massacre. Straightforward and authentic, a moving picture of Native Americans honoring their past while grappling realistically with the present. Wood's rather small, dark color photos take second place to the text but still provide good support; overall, the format is dignified and inviting. Historical introduction; map.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1992

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 42

Publisher: Walker

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1992

Categories: CHILDREN'S