North Dakota Books

I thought this book was wonderful. It has great illustrations, and explains the story of sitting bull very well. I think it is a great resource for teaching about indian culture.

this is a great book to use in class for a biography lesson on sitting bull. it's also a great way to explore american indian naming practices.

When I first opened this book I had no clue the boy called slow was Sitting Bull. When I realized that after reading a few pages, I thought wow! That is so neat. I learned so much about the indian culture and how they came up with their names. I like this book a lot. I'm going to keep it for my children to read when I get older.

Please bear with me as I explain something. When I was an undergraduate in college I did an art project that looked at photographs and their titles. I was interested in the ways in which people will completely reassess their interpretation of a piece of art when they read its title. Many times, a person will completely bypass the art itself so as to see the title and be told what to think. In much the same way, I almost immediately flipped to the back cover of this book to read information about the author. It was as if I had to confirm or deny my suspicions before they'd even formed. As it happens, I was pleased to read that Joseph Bruchac was a Native American storyteller. Would I have enjoyed this books as much as I did had I not read this? I don't know. In any case, the book is lovely. The text is respectful and unhurried, choosing to develop the characters before launching into action. It does not revert to any cliches that I could discover, and the drawings are superb. They are sometimes dreamlike, sometimes evocative shots of people going about their lives, and sometimes tent drawings. I know that some have complained that this book has a bit of a *gotcha* ending, and I have to admit that I agree. It's a surprise ending that comes as no surprise at all. Nonetheless, the story tells well and I would unequivocally recommend it for storytelling to kids. It would pair well with other stories of great Native American heroes.

We read this book for our book club, and rated it on the following items. What is shown is an average of our votes, 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest:

Illustration quality -- 4

Information quality -- 3

Information quantity -- 2

Story quality -- 4

We decided that if we were going to write a paper or take a test having only read this book, we would not do very well, hence the low number to information quantity. Our favorite part was when Slow defeated the other tribe and earned his new name, Sitting Bull.

Very well written. Accuracy not to sure. My wife and I were raised in that area and are unaware of communities talked about in the book.

Fast, easy to read style. Depicts the pioneer life true to form. If you like Laura Ingalls Wilder, you'll love Carrie Young.

There were no reviews at this site when I ordered the book. I wish there had been - as I thought the book would be set around the 1900s and the only story that was set in that time frame was the first. The first story WAS good. But I had purchased it more for research into the Victorian times in North Dakota and so I was disappointed. I was also disappointed in how little I got for my money. The rest of the stories were only so-so.

There were no reviews at this site when I ordered the book. I wish there had been - as I thought the book would be set around the 1900s and the only story that was set in that time frame was the first. The first story WAS good. But I had purchased it more for research into the Victorian times in North Dakota and so I was disappointed. I was also disappointed in how little I got for my money. The rest of the stories were only so-so.

Ironically, I share the same name as the author, although no relation. I agree with the reviewer who said that she still thinks of the characters 4 years after reading the book.

I found myself in awe of what these homesteaders accomplished. The style of writing made for a quick read, and I have found myself going back to the book to re-read it about 2 times per year. Some details I have nearly committed to memory. I can't think of very many books that I can so enjoy when re-read- ing them.

A young girl, taken and raised by plains Indians, is captured and returned to her Christian family. Her struggle to assimilate to her family's ways is central to the story. Along with her failures in her struggle, comes insight and the eventual realization she must return to her Indian people if she is to survive. But her father, a pastor, is determined that she stay and adjust. How this conflict is resolved provides a gentle lesson in the power of mutual yielding and understanding. This is a wonderful story that can be read on more than one level.

The book had am iteresting point of view for fow Native Americans act and how Causasions of that time acted. I believe it was a good book and worth while to read.

This book was truly moving and it was full of emotion. The character was believable, because the way she was brought up was not to show emotion, but to keep it all inside. You could feel her troubled soul through the author's words. Altogether, this was a great book.

The main charicter seemed to be made out of stone, not flesh. She showed no feelings throughout the whole story. Even though her life brought her many challenges and sorrowes, she did not even bat an eye. She was not a believable charicter,and i was dissapointed by the novel over all.

When I wish a book wouldn't end or at least have another chapter or two it's been a good book for me. Some very delicate material was handeled quite nicely and the relationships are beautiful. I recommend this book to a young teen or any adult.

I liked book one better because it had a deeper more dangerous mystery. The character descriptions and dialog are simply a must read. If you liked Home Front, then get off your duff and read this book. Find out what is happening back in the town and how things are settling in.

There are, however, a few unfortunate things going on in the town and Sparky is just the guy to nail it down.

I really like this book and the first (Home Front) ne in what I hope is long series.

These books makee me think of Jules Clement series by Jamie Harrison with it setting in a small town out in the wide open spaces of the upper Midwest and with other mystery novels driven by the characters' and setting like in the Montana Mystery series featuring Gabriel Du Pre by Peter Bowen and Tony Hillermans books in southwest. If you like this book then I bet you like these and vice a versus

This book is a return visit to Hardwood, North Dakota, where neighbors know everything about each other, but have the good grace to pretend that they don't.

Reprising his role as lead character from "Home Front," Ernest "Sparky" Hemingway again finds his quiet life as a copyeditor disturbed by events beyond his control.

This isn't political intrigue on the national or international level; it's local -- small-town local -- which makes it even more intense and consuming for those it affects.

Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, curl up in a comfortable chair, and enjoy an engaging read about big goings-on in a small place that these people call home.

I read this book based on a short review in a library publication. I ended up getting more irritated as I muddled through it. Little things, like the main character has a dog named Snake and an old friend, also named Snake. There's a character named Thompsen as well as a nearby town of the same name. The main character is an Ernest Hemingway, and he has a friend named Doc Holliday.... oh please.

But it's the plot that was maddening. Hardwood (where Hemingway lives) and Thompsen (or "Thompson" as it was misprinted early on) are competing to attract a new trauma center. To create bad publicity for one of the towns, there's a plot to accuse Hemingway of feloniously impersonating a police officer. To get him off the hook and to make an impression on the decision-makers, his town's leaders concoct a scheme to make him the police chief, thus avoiding prosecution and having a more mature man as chief. Endless pages are devoted to this. There's a side plot involving his foster daughter that doesn't help.

There's also a lot of obsessing about little things: the displaced chief's attitude towards Hemingway; Hemingway's work as a copy editor; and from the "beating a dead horse" school, how to keep a cop from Thompsen from getting into trouble for being outside his jurisdiction. Once again, they make a big deal of this and swear the cop in as a Hardwood officer. Gee, does this sound familiar?

All in all, a very disappointing book.

I read the other review and couldn't disagree more. First of all, this is a sequel-read Home Front first! You could just pick this book up and read it, but you know more about the characters if you read the first one. Also, it is a small-town plot that takes place in a small-town. If you are looking for non-stop action/explosions etc-it's probably not for you. On the other hand, I never wanted to put it down-and I picked it back up as soon as I could until I finished it.

This book is about small time life and the importance of friends/family. The main character is a loveable old codger that mostly wants to be left alone but things keep cropping up that interfere with his simple life.

I sure as heck hope there is another sequel in the works, because I like these people so much. It leaves you with a "homey" feeling and makes you want more.

Having misplaced my earlier printing of this book (by the University of Nebraska Press) I ordered the Kessinger Publishing, LLC release of this title, only to be terribly disappointed. The Remington drawings are so poorly reproduced that some appear as blacked-out, scarcely discernable blobs, rather than the wonderful sketches they originally were. This printing appears to be a very poorly-reproduced copy of earlier ones, with much quality lost. Find a copy of the extremely attractive Nebraska (Bison) edition instead.

From someone who has lived this life on the great plains from cowboy to hunter, this book is in every detail right on. It is written in Teddy's classic modest style (who else could float the Missouri during spring break up chasing criminals with guns and describe it with as much excitement as buttering toast).

It also is a repeat of some of his earlier works as this seems to be a bit of transitional book of when he was about leaving the Elkhorn for the east.
The Wilderness Hunter is more poetic and Hunting Trips of a Ranchman is a better read, but the history in this book of how Montana and the Dakotas were made safe by lynch justice makes this one interesting too.

The sketches by Remington are wonderfully historic to study and add a great deal to this book.
This book though is like all of Teddy's in settling down with a friend and always looking for his next book to find a campfire with him again.
Thank God Mr. Roosevelt wrote so many wonderful books.

"Ranch Life And The Hunting Trail" is Theodore Roosevelt's narrative of his life and experiences during his time in the Dakota Territory of the 1880s. Published in 1888, it displays Roosevelt's writing at this finest. His picture words make the scenes come alive in all their splendor. This is a TR I never knew existed. For anyone with a love of western adventure, this book is it!

Besides providing the sheer enjoyment of reading, this book actually teaches the reader much about the life and economy of the era. I had always heard about the open range and the roundup, but this book makes the concepts clear. Cattle and horses were left to feed on the open range. The herds were divided during the roundup, with the calves given the brands of their mothers, as the way to assert property rights in the cattle. The devastation of a severe winter cannot be imagined until you read an eyewitness account, and few are written as well as this. The challenges of the hunt and the unique characters of the West can be experienced vicariously through the pages of this book.

Frederic Remington's illustrations add visual images to the written word.

This book is an excellent choice for anyone with longing for the lure of the Old West or a window into the world of Theodore Roosevelt.

"Ranch Life And The Hunting Trail" is Theodore Roosevelt's narrative of his life and experiences during his time in the Dakota Territory of the 1880s. Published in 1888, it displays Roosevelt's writing at this finest. His picture words make the scenes come alive in all their splendor. This is a TR I never knew existed. For anyone with a love of western adventure, this book is it!

Besides providing the sheer enjoyment of reading, this book actually teaches the reader much about the life and economy of the era. I had always heard about the open range and the roundup, but this book makes the concepts clear. Cattle and horses were left to feed on the open range. The herds were divided during the roundup, with the calves given the brands of their mothers, as the way to assert property rights in the cattle. The devastation of a severe winter cannot be imagined until you read an eyewitness account, and few are written as well as this. The challenges of the hunt and the unique characters of the West can be experienced vicariously through the pages of this book.

Frederic Remington's illustrations add visual images to the written word.

This book is an excellent choice for anyone with longing for the lure of the Old West or a window into the world of Theodore Roosevelt.

I have an original copy of this classic. Not a photo-copy. NOT much else of Americana as spectacular.

Just as beautiful as the state it honors. Magnificent photography of breathtaking scenery, it does justice to this faraway land beloved to the few of us who have been fortunate enough, even if only for a little while, to make it our home.

I bought this book as a Christmas present for someone homesick for his home state of North Dakota. I think he really enjoyed it, especially the large, beautiful nightlight(s) picture of his home town. I do wish the book were a little bigger but all-in-all, it was a great purchase.

I think that this book is a well above average "picturebook." It's short on narrative, unlike "North Dakota ...Land of Changing Seasons," for example. I've had "Simply Beautiful" for about a week and find myself thumbing through it time and again. I expect that I will continue to do so for some time. Disclaimer: I've been a ND resident for 38 of my 40 years.

This book has beautiful pictures of around the state of North Dakota with awesome country scenes. It did show one city picture of Minot which was nice however I think to have made the book complete He should of had a city picture of Grand Forks, Fargo or even Bismark the capital. I feel most of the pictures were of the western side of the state however the book was good and the pictures were impressive.
Worth buying.

This is a terrific book for the coffee table and for those wanting a superficial glimpse of a terrific state.

Still, a few maps would help readers gain perspective into the various regions. First thoughts of outsiders regarding North Dakota? Cold and flat. Yet, the state does have a lot more variety and warmer summers than other states. Maps tied to the pictures would help. So, too, would brief descriptions of the counties interspersed between some of the fantastic photos.

Despite the omissions alluded to above I recommend this book to all readers interested in North Dakota.

William S.E. Coleman, who is one of America's best writers to begin with, has created the definitive history of the tragedy at Wounded Knee. The consummate western researcher, Doctor Coleman has been one of the foremost experts on William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody for several decades. His knowledge and fascination with the bridging of the wild west into the theater of the 20th century has led him on this profound, oral excavation of the events that signaled the final betrayal of the American Indian and particularly the Sioux culture. This mesmerizing project presents the actual words of the principal witnesses to the massacre of non-combatant men, women and children near Wounded Knee Creek in 1890. There has never been a truer or more accurate accounting of the events that formed the Messianic, Ghost Dance rituals of the Oglala and Lakota Sioux, which were ultimately misinterpreted by the Eurocentric, white settlers and military. Beginning with the reminiscence of Ben Black Elk in a hypnotic, 1971 interview, Coleman uses the written transcripts of the participants, observers, government employees and the Indians themselves to describe the shattered treaties, subcultural prejudices and provocative press accounts that spawned the genocide. His resources are varied and composed alongside each other in an unusually egalitarian mixture, allowing the reader to judge complicity and culpability without bias. Voices is the ultimate deconstruction of an extremely confusing and dangerous time in the United States as the home, lifestyle and spiritual essence of the first Americans all but evaporate with the final settling of the frontier. 118 years seem to vanish as the very words of those involved allow us an intimate and authentically immediate recounting unlike any ever offered. It is a masterpiece of human understanding and one of the most exciting histories I've ever read.

This book was very informative and Coleman's style of writing took me back in time during the time of Wounded Knee. Coleman's sources are the most accurate on the subject of the Soiux Nations struggles, Because he interviewed a Soiux tribal member. I thougt it was awesome the way Coleman takes his son's to meet the author of " Bury my heart at Wounded Knee." or at least the author's grandson.

I thoroughly appreciated Coleman's technique of piecing actual historical record (interviews & letters) with a minimal of commentary - While hardly a dry presentation, Coleman's technique recreates the atmosphere of the time, and made me feel like I was "living" the events of the time as if I was recieving real-time press reports and actually listening to interviews of the participants. Coleman also reminds the reader of the importance of studying "unfiltered" historical material - His organization of such material into a comprehensive chronolgy is what makes this book truly unique.
From a historical perspective - the book is also a must-read and should be REQUIRED READING in ALL US HISTORY COURSES. As usuall, our national crimes and shame in mistreating the American Indians - particulary the Lakotas - continues to be white-washed. Reading actual writings from many of the key individuals of the time (Red Cloud, McLaughlin, Short Bull, Nelson Miles, Sherman, and various newspaper editorials) provides a shocking view of America's virulent racism, the press's penchant for creating panic and militaristic feeling, political greed and ambition, Indian despiration and hoplessness. If reparations are due anyone - its these people.

This book is atrocious. The "voices of Wounded Knee," represented in the eyewitness accounts that the editor claims to have spent thirty years gathering (remarkably inefficent work, considering the many sources he missed),are heard in a disjointed fashion. The typeset constantly alternates between normal face and italics - one of many aggravating features of the book. The Wounded Knee tragdy deserves far better than this.

A very informative, well written book. It shows the injustice that the "white man" did to the Native Ameican. It is a Must Read for all. Am glad that the author had first hand information from someone that was there at the time.

To tell the truth, Century of Dishonor put me to sleep. I was forced to read it for a AP US History class. If you can stay awake to read it, it details everything you need to know about how the U.S. government has swindled and cheated Native Americans in this country. It was written in the late 1800's and we just don't talk like that anymore as a country. Like my teacher said: "The reason this book was so powerful was because it listed every incident with many tribes to bring home this point: There needs to be a change how they handled the Native Americans." No one in the class read the book cover to cover, including myself. I would never recommend reading this book, except for research (there's a 150 page or so Appendix along w/ the actual book)or if you're REALLY into that stuff. Even in the latter case, theres lots of better choices.

Bearing in mind that this book was written at the time when Native Americans were still "Savages" and totally responsible for all atrocities perpetrated in the west,in the eyes of the White Europeans, Helen Hunt Jackson made a brave stand in trying to educate these same people to the needs and requirements of the Native Americans.

With each chapter given to a different Native American nation she tries, and in my opinion succedes,to make people understand the hopelessness the Native Americans found themselves in, and the only recourse they had was to fight to preserve their way of life, all too sadly with devestating consequences.

Through each chapter the same theme occurs, the whites cheat,steal, murder, and abuse the Native American and very few Whites tried to correct these wrong doings, and the biggest offender the US Government, and even today the US Government do not appear to be too interested in the Native Americans.

The book is "heavy going", and one can be forgiven in thinking, as they read through it, that I've been here before, because the facts are presented in the same way for every nation, but that notwithstanding, I feel this is a book that should be in anyones library who professes to have an interest in Native Americans.

Yes Helen Hunt Jackson was a brave pioneer to voice her opinions in favour of the redman all those years ago, had more people listend, perhaps the Native American culture in all its glory would still be with us today.

This (unfortunately) timeless work is a scathing indictment of US Indian policy from independence until the 1880s. It includes a general treatment of bad-faith attitudes and policies, and a series of more detailed case studies of exceptionally egregious violations of legal treaties & human rights. It is timeless because of ongoing popular and official ignorance or lack of concern for American Indian rights, economic problems and indigenous culture---witness, for just one chilling example, the continuing imprisonment of Oglala/Anishinaabe activist Leonard Peltier, for murders he did not commit.

Jackson was a pioneer activist for Indian rights, and commitment shines through on nearly every page. While it is true that her writing style may seem dated to some contemporary undergraduates, her subject's intrinsic interest holds the attention of any reader with more than a marginal interest in the topic. It is still useful for research purposes, though it is perhaps most valuable for history and/or anthropology courses on changing attitudes & policy toward Indians.

In teaching about American Indian history, a main reservation about assigning it is the need to present what Indians themselves have said and/or written about their encounters with Euro-Americans. For a fine variety of views on these issues, see P. Nabokov ed, "Native American Testimony," and (among many other sources) memorable works by two premier Indigenous scholar-activists: Ward Churchill, "From A Native Son," and Vine Deloria Jr., "Custer Died For Your Sins."

Like books written by Dickens and Hemmingway, this book is a classic. Written over a century ago, it describes actions and policies of the US and its people towards native Americans that are horrific, cruel and downright unamerican.

Yet he who is ignorant of history is condemned to repeat it. In this case, even though the history was well documented in this book, we continued to repeat it through continued mistreatment.

Helen Jackson's book is evidence that Americans knew what they were doing, knew that what they were doing was cruel and wrong and that they did it anyway.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a minor gem of the national park system. Something like half of its "visitors" do no more than stop at a rest area on I-94 that is nominally within the park, where they enjoy the vistas into Painted Canyon. Most of the rest go on a scenic drive through the South Unit, where they enjoy seeing a high density of Great Plains animals such as bison and prairie dogs. Fewer still visit the North Unit, about 90 minutes away, with distinct badlands and a somewhat different suite of animals. Only a few dozen make the difficult drive to the Elkhorn Unit, which protects the site of Roosevelt's cabin.

Novey has given us an enthusiastic invitation to visit the park, written at about a middle school reading level. He provides a little bit of information about everything, from wildlife and geology to driving routes and hiking trails. All this information is available once you're in the park, and most of it is also available on the park website ([...]). But here the information is helpfully collected in a book. The book has nice pictures, some helpful maps, and even a quiz at the end.

About two-fifths of the text talks about things to do elsewhere in the general region, which conveys the impression that there isn't enough to do at TRNP itself. That's probably right if you want only a driving tour. There are some pleasant surprises if you're willing to hike a few miles and not afraid of fording a shallow river.

There's enough information here to help you find those places. But I wish the book went into greater depth about the park.

My brother who lives in Minnesota is traveling with his family to the Dakotas this summer. So I have been doing a bit of research for him on sites to visit. I was delighted to come across this recent publication of perhaps one of the lessor known but yet very interesting national park in the Dakotas. What I like most about this book is the vivid picture it creates of the park. It enables me to vision what I will see and hear if I were to hike and drive through the park. The way the book is organized provides a pictoral flow to what one will see when touring both the north and south sections of the park. The maps provide a helpful macro view of the park and the clear directions in the text of the book make touring the park see quite manageable for a family.

I like the personal inviting writing style of the author and the many side bars that offer interesting historical accounts, information about the geography and geology, as well as, animal life on the high dessert praire. I look forward to sending the book to my brother and hope that he adds Theodore Roosevelt National Park to his summer travel plans.

Super book ! I have used a number of guidebooks, so when someone offered to loan me a copy I was skeptical at first. Now I am ordering a copy of my own. This will really help me organize my upcoming North Dakota trip.
The writing was engaging and I think the author gave a good overall sense of the place. I think most people would want to go there for many of the aspects covered. I want to get into the history and hope to see lots of animals.
It was especially good to know that there are possible side trips that look like fun nearby. I almost always get to talk to other people who try to " make the rounds " of the National Parks so now I think I could give them some good tips that I read about.
Next time, I'm going to look at the Falcon book first because it was very clear and got me excited. Some of the others look good to start with but when you get down to it they get carried away with too many things that I think would be boring to most of us. It was easy to go to the index when I wanted to find something specific. And my son will probably get a kick out of the questions in the back.

This is an okay guide book, best for those for whom the very idea of traveling to North Dakota is mind-blowing, or for those who want a watered-down version of the same info available in the visitors center's kiosks. Definitely not very useful for hikers/backpackers or folks planning to actually do much at the park. In fact, slightly less than half the book consists of information on the park itself. The rest treats the surrounding area, the life of TR, ND in general, or simply repeats information given in other parts of the book. Many sections seem designed for an 8-year-old: "Is It Buffalo or Bison?"; "Are Prairie Dogs Really Dogs?"; the quiz at the back of the book to test your ability to read; etc.

I'm glad that Mr. Novey is enthusiastic about the park. But given that this seems to be the only guidebook out there dedicated to TRNP, it's too bad it wasn't done properly. Since there's not much else available, the book does have its uses. But you can probably find the same material after a few minutes with a search engine. If you plan to backpack the map here isn't sufficient. If you plan to drive the one they give you for free at the entrance is. Backpackers will need 2 USGS maps (together they cost a bit more than this book) or one National Geographic map (a bit less than this book) to cover the park.

This tired story has shown to be rife with fabrications and made-up alibis. Peltier's true story can be found in the Federal Register, where court after court has affirmed his conviction. All of these major decisions preceded testimony in another trial (U.S. v. Arlo Looking Cloud, Feb, 2004) that revealed Peltier bragged about committing the murders in front of four witnesses.

Reading this book inspired me to somehow get involved in the movement for Leonard Peltier. This man was convicted of a crime there was no proof he committed and the situation has gone largely ignored by our government for 20 years!!! Read this book, learn the facts, and then get involved. Whether it be by talking about Leonard Peltier to other people and informing them, or by writing letters to your elected officials, DO SOMETHING! A fellow American has been unjustly imprisoned and it's our duty to help him.

Imagine for a moment. A political prisoner has been languishing in prison closing in on 20 years. Evidence has pointed to his innocence. His extradition from another country was based on false testimony. Even the agency that arrested him admitted to the strong possibility of his innocence. Where am I? Nazi Germany? Communist China? Russian Gulag? NOPE!! I'm right here in the GOOD OL' U.S.A.!! For close to 20 years Leonard Peltier has sat in Leavenworth. His charges of killing a federal agent has been proven false. Appeal after appeal has gone against him. So why is this injustice allowed to continue? BECAUSE WE ALLOW IT!!! If this book doesn't get you motivated to do something about this, then you are part of the problem, not the solution

This book was written to get his side of the story. The U.S Gov't would like to portray him as a cold heartless Indian who deserves to be in jail. If 1000s of people worldwide , which include leaders of countries and celebrities.
If you thought all the "bad stuff" the government did to American Indians the last 300 years was over......read this.