by Joseph Bruchac (Author), S. D. Nelson (Illustrator)
This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Jim Thorpe, an exceptional athlete with natural talent and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States.
Jim Thorpe's parents knew he was special from the day he was born. He developed his athletic skills early on, playing outdoors and hunting with his father and brother. But when Jim was sent away to Indian boarding schools, he was confined to stiff uniforms and strict rules. While he struggled in academics, he always excelled in sports. As Jim moved from school to school over the years, overcoming family tragedies, he always remembered the encouragement of his brother and the words of his father--that the white man's knowledge was necessary for him and his people to survive.
The Story of All-Star Athlete Jim Thorpe is a fresh look at a world-renowned champion and allows the reader to meet the person behind the celebrated athlete. This chapter book in our "Story" line includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.
Author Biography
Joseph Bruchac, a citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, is the author of more than 100 books for children and teens, including multiple picture books published by Lee & Low, and the young adult Killer of Enemies trilogy, which received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. A Rockefeller Fellow and an NEA Poetry Writing Fellow, Bruchac has received numerous recognitions and awards over his long-standing career. In addition to writing, Bruchac is an editor at Greenfield Review Press, a literary publishing house he cofounded with his wife. He lives in Greenfield Center, New York. To find out more about him, visit josephbruchac.com.
S.D. Nelson is an award-winning illustrator, whose work includes Lee & Low's Crazy Horse's Vision, Jim Thorpe's Bright Path, and Quiet Hero. He is also the author and illustrator of many picture book stories inspired by the traditions of his Lakota heritage--including Gift Horse, winner of the Parents' Choice Award, and The Star People, an Oppenheim Gold Award winner. A former middle school art teacher, Nelson is now a full-time artist whose paintings are held in both private and public collections. He is of Lakota (Sioux) descent and lives with his wife in Chandler, Arizona. Visit him online at sdnelson.net.