(1) K-3 Illustrated by S. D. Nelson. Born on the Oglala Lakota Nation's Pine Ridge Reservation and orphaned at a young age, a grieving Billy Mills focuses on his father's advice: "The pursuit of a dream will heal you." Mills's dream is to follow in the footsteps of Native athletes Jim Thorpe and Buster Charles. That dream takes him to the University of Kansas's track team and eventually the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Mills confronts racism and health challenges (he is hypoglycemic) at every turn, but his belief in his dream pushes him to overcome all obstacles. Mills becomes one of only two Indigenous American Olympic track-and-field gold medalists when he beats the odds and wins gold in the 10,000-meter event. Written in propulsive and inspiring first-person free verse, this picture-book autobiography is a celebration of Mills, his legacy, and the power of inspiration. Nelson's acrylic illustrations capture Mills's Lakota upbringing, athletic pursuits, determination, and Olympic triumphs with grace and kinetic energy. Sun-drenched pages feature symbolic textures that imbue the art with a visual representation of the ancestral support the text references throughout. Additional information about Mills's life and charitable work off the track, photographs, a timeline, and notes from the three creators complete this stunning package, an essential addition for all sports fans.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by S. D. Schindler. In a rollicking, lively storyteller's voice, Bowman relates a little-known insult gone wrong, the ensuing almost-duel between Abraham Lincoln and fellow Illinois state congressman James Shields, and the lessons both men learned. Watercolor and ink illustrations convey the story's mood and the 1842 setting. An afterword gives additional facts about the incident, its players, and the politics and economy of the time. Bib.

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(2) K-3 Illustrated by Daniel Minter. William "Doc" Key was a self-taught veterinarian who was born into slavery and became a free man after the Civil War. With Doc's gentle, noncoercive training, his colt, Jim, learned to read, spell, write, and do sums, and thus became the star of Doc's traveling shows. Bowman's narration is steady and natural. Minter's woodcut-style illustrations are enticing and warm. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2017

(4) 4-6 Fact Finders: American Indian Life series. Each book begins with the group's history, exploring family life and governing systems; discusses how life changed after the arrival of European explorers and settlers; and concludes with information about how the groups live today. Though cursory, the books could serve as appropriate introductions for third and fourth graders. Photos and historical art adequately illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Fact Finders: American Indian Life titles: The Sioux and The Iroquois.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey