Spotted Tail by David Heska Wanbli Weiden - ADVISABLE

Spotted Tail by David Heska Wanbli Weiden, illustrated by Jim Yellowhawk and Pat Kinsella, PICTURE BOOK Reycraft Books, 2019, $10. 9781478868910

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Chief Spotted Tail wad the leader of the Sicangu Lakota people. Born in 1835, he had a traditional childhood and became a warrior, fighting battles between the Lakota people and the U.S. Army. He was brave and became a leader. While serving time in an army prison in Fort Leavenworth, he learned to read and write English. As the chief of his people he tried to keep peace, encouraged education, and always had the good of the Lakota in mind.

A well-written biography, beautifully illustrated. Incorporated into some of the illustrations are questions for the reader to think about, like, "Do you think that the government should apologize for the terrible events that happened long ago?" Also talks about Lakota Customs, including Giveaways and Spirit Names, a short history of the Lakota people and information about the author and illustrators.

Lisa Librarian