A Boy Called Slow
by Joseph Bruchac
1. Bibliography:
Bruchac, Joseph. A Boy Called Slow. Ill. Rocco
Baviera. The Putnam and Grosset Group. New York: 1994. ISBN: 9780698116160
2. Plot Summary:
A Young boy wants to earn a different name. In his
culture you are named for your actions. He is called Slow. He received his name
because he thinks before her reacts to a situation. As the years pass, he
finally earns a new name. The new name is named after he displayed bravery, and
determination; Sitting Bull.
3. Characters:
Slow has a unique way of expressing himself with a
slow, but well thought out before he reacts. He listens and learns from people
have told him. This helps him in the long run to develop his character. Being a
dynamic character, he changes the course of his own story by taking the lead
for his tribe.
4. Setting:
Lakota Sioux tribe is supported by hunting of buffalo
that roamed the land they lived on. The Lakota Sioux used the buffalo for food
and clothes. Specific uses of the buffalo are shown in the writing and
illustrations. The Moccasins and breech cloth that Slow wore on a daily basis.
Slow hunted his first buffalo and his mother made him a robe to wear from the
skin. In the illustrations you see these clothing plus more like war paint and
the full head dress to represent the leaders, before going into battle. In this
culture the dreams and visions were explained to show that within these dreams
the tribe can better themselves.
5. Illustrations:
The oil pastels wall murals are found throughout the
book to tell the story. The illustrations could stand alone and tell the story
of Sitting Bull’s young life. Most pictures are dark except the focus symbols
in each illustration. When Slow’s uncle Four Horns tells the story of horse the
illustration show they are a blue like color. This symbolize the important of
the horse to the tribe’s people and the story how they received horses. Other
illustrations depict the importance of his journey to his new name.
6. Theme:
The theme in the book shows what people are capable of
doing. The author support this with the naming of a child and the changing
names as one earns them. The father earned four more names with the buffalo
event.
7. Cultural Marker:
The stereotypes were not as apparent in the story. Most
apparent stereotypes where to educate the reader of the past. Underlining of
some stereotypes are seen with the Native Americans like going to battle with
the Crow tribe. This could be interpreted as they love to fight. The authentic
setting is specific to the diversity, it is supported by the illustrations of Teepees,
war parties, and head dresses. The book demonstrates the culture in true facts
of this tribe and of Sitting Bull. The detailed illustrations of buffaloes, what
the Native American wore give the facts of this tribe’s culture. There are no
source notes or author /illustrator’s information. I had to search for information
to see if they were qualified to portray the diverse culture. My conclusion is
yes, they are very qualified from their own back ground, and other books they
have written. All characters are shown as equal in this society. The reader may
argue that the child was not, but he had to know his worth to his tribe. All
non-English words were used correctly; Tatan’ka Iyota’ke which means Sitting
Bull was use when his father was in a council meeting changing his name. This
story needs the multicultural characteristics to explain the story of Sitting
Bull’s name.
8.
Connections Teacher and Library Corner:
Traditions and customs are very important throughout
the story. Students will write about a tradition or custom that happens in
their family. The students must include the name of the tradition, why is the
tradition special to them, and what part of the tradition do they take in.
Afterward they will create an art mural of this tradition. Once all projects
are completed the students will walk around with post it notes and leave
positive compliments.
9. You Tube:
There is not an official book trailer. There is a
video of Sitting Bull’s great grandson, Ernie LaPointe talking about the oral
history of Sitting Bull.
"Being named Slow and growing up in the shadow of
a great warrior hardly dwarfed the prospects of this protagonist: he grew up to
be Sitting Bull. Bruchac's sensitively told story of Sitting Bull's
coming-of-age reassures young boys that success comes through effort, not
birth." Booklist
"Satisfying for its attention to historical and multicultural issues; stirring in its consummate storytelling." Publishers Weekly
11. Children’s Review:
“I liked all of the pictures. I feel sorry that his
name was Slow. That does not sound like a nice name, but then when it changed I
think he would be very proud of himself.” Tyler age 7
1996 ALA Notable Book
13. Book Suggestions by Joseph Bruchac
Crazy Horse’s Vision
ISBN: 9781584302827
Children of the Long House
ISBN: 9780140385045
Other Books:
How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo
Legend by Jerrie Oughton ISBN: 9780395779385
The Rough-Face Girl
by Rafe Martin ISBN: 9780698116269
14. Official Website:
15. Rating:
I give this book 5 stars. This book is beautiful
created. The illustrations are mesmerizing and tell their own story. The story
of Sitting Bull’s name is fascinating how the culture creates and earns their
names.
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