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From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4–Thorpe, who was named "Wa-tho-huck," or "Bright Path," by his
Pottowatomie mother, spent a childhood marked by remarkable physical
prowess until he was sent to an Indian boarding school at age six. He
lost his twin brother (pneumonia), his mother ("sudden illness"), and
his father (snakebite), but persevered, finally proving himself on the
Carlisle Indian School football field in his teens. Bruchac ends this
picture-book biography here. He sticks to the facts, occasionally
employing bits of dialogue. He includes details about the unfair
treatment of Native Americans, such as the mandatory Indian boarding
schools that had unsanitary living conditions and educated students only
to be maids and laborers. The theme of overcoming personal and societal
obstacles to reach success is strongly expressed. The author keeps his
subject linked to his heritage; for example, referring to Thorpe's speed
and endurance as skills that had enabled his American Indian ancestors
to provide for their families. Unfortunately, Nelson's acrylic
illustrations are not as successful as the writing. The human bodies are
stiff, with hands and feet that would be at home on wooden marionettes.
Athletes appear frozen rather than moving fluidly. An author's note and
a chronology, both illustrated with small black-and-white photos, sketch
the rest of Thorpe's life.–Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library,
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