Module 5/Genre 5 - Historical Fiction/Biography

Bibliography
Freedman, Russell. 1987. Indian chiefs. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823406253

Plot Summary
Indian Chiefs is a collection of biographies by Russell Freedman. This books starts with a summary section called “War Chiefs and Peace Chiefs” which includes a simple map of the West in 1840. Following that Freedman includes biographies on Red Cloud, Satanta, Quanah Parker, Washakie, Joseph, and Sitting Bull. The book ends with a rich resource section including a list of photographic sources, an index, and a very useful bibliography.

Critical Analysis
Indian Chiefs is a book that has a full bibliography and seems very well researched. Direct quotes, actual photographs, and researched information make up this easy to read biography. The layout of the book is very logical. The book starts with a general summary and then goes into detail about six important and very interesting Indian Chiefs. Freedman does stick with western Indian Chiefs, not really including eastern ones at all.

The photos in this book really make it incredibly fascinating. Seeing each chiefs piercing eyes and leathered skin make them all the more real. The most intriguing photo is one of many Native Americans at the White House with President Johnson. There are also pictures of art that depict how life was back then that are also interspersed throughout the collection. The Remington art pieces really show great detail and help tell the story, as do the photos. These along with Freedman’s interesting depiction of western life for Indians make this an easy read. The most fascinating story was of Quanah Parker. He was the son of an Indian and of a white woman, Cynthia Parker. Ms. Parker was abducted and taken to live with a tribe. This soon became her home and she learned to love the life so much, that when she was returned to her family she tried to escape. Mr. Freedman relates the history of Quanah Parker and his mother so well that one can feel their emotion, passion, and heartbreak.

Russell Freedman seems to just tell the facts, heartbreaking or cruel as they are, without adding extra biases or commentary. He’s very open about sharing the bad things about the Indians or about the U.S. He also freely tells when someone did something well. This may not be the best biography for younger children, but older children, teens, and adults can appreciate this well written and very informative biography on Native American leaders of the past.

Review Excerpt
Kirkus Review: "The humanity, courage, compassion and steel resolve of these dignified, resourceful leaders make a strong impact. With a true biographer's dispassion, Freedman simply tells what happened, what was said, and what effects actions had."
Publishers Weekly: “Their biographies serve as guidelines for negotiation styles, reminders of our government's shame and mother lodes of historical information. Excellent reproduction of the photos gives this reference book a handsome coffee-table look.”
School Library Journal: “Freedman does not romanticize the Indian viewpoint, nor is he judgmental against the whites. He presents a factual, human account of cultures in conflict.”

Connections
Investigate other Russell Freedman western books:

Children of the Wild West ISBN 0395547857

Cowboys of the Wild West ISBN 0395548004

An Indian Winter ISBN 0823411583

The Life and Death of Crazy Horse ISBN 0823412199

In the Days of the Vaqueros: America’s First True Cowboy ISBN 0395967880

Buffalo Hunt ISBN 0823411591

Have students do an internet scavenger hunt for photos of Native American Chiefs and see what new ones they can find in addition to the ones already in the book.

With young adults, have a discussion about the U.S.’s treatment of Native Americans.