For the young adventurer curious about American history, this book offers a gripping tale of courage and conflict in the Old West, exploring themes of duty and resilience.
A parent might reach for this book when their adventurous middle-grade reader shows a keen interest in American history, particularly the conflicts of the Old West. "North Against the Sioux" is a classic historical novel that plunges the reader into the harsh realities of Red Cloud's War in 1866. Through the eyes of a young bugler named Tom, the story explores themes of duty, immense bravery in the face of fear, and the brutal nature of survival. While it's a gripping tale of perseverance, it's important for parents to know that it reflects the historical perspective of its time (1969) and presents a one-sided view of the conflict. It serves as an excellent, action-packed catalyst for conversations about history, perspective, and the complexities of war.
Presents a one-sided, Euro-centric view of the American Indian Wars without the Native perspective.
Sad ThemesMild
Deals with the loss of friends and the trauma of surviving a violent conflict.
Sensitive Topics
Death and violence are central and depicted directly. The Fetterman Fight is a massacre, and the book includes descriptions of battle, killing, and scalping from the soldier's perspective. The approach is secular and historical. The narrative's perspective on Native Americans is a product of its time, portraying them as antagonists in the conflict. This is a significant cultural content gap by modern standards. The resolution for the protagonist is one of survival and somber resilience, not of peace or understanding between cultures.
Ideal Reader
An 11-to-14-year-old reader who is fascinated by military history, survival stories, and classic adventure tales. They are likely drawn to action and may not yet be looking for nuanced, multi-perspective historical narratives. This book is for the child who has outgrown simpler adventure stories and is ready for a more gritty, realistic depiction of historical conflict.
Parent Prep
A parent must be prepared to provide historical context. They should explain that this book tells only one side of a complex story about land, treaties, and cultural survival. The Sioux were defending their ancestral lands from encroachment. It's crucial to frame this as a historical viewpoint, both of the characters and the era in which the book was written. Previewing the battle descriptions on pages surrounding the Fetterman Fight is recommended. A parent hears their child say, "I want to read about real cowboys and Indians," or sees them engrossed in historical war movies. The parent is looking for a book that has action and historical weight but also wants to ensure it's age-appropriate and can be a learning experience.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely be captivated by the action, the descriptions of fort life, and Tom's personal bravery. An older reader (13-14) is more likely to grasp the tactical blunders, the arrogance of command, and the tragic futility of the battle. They may also be more equipped to discuss the problematic portrayal of the Sioux and the one-sided nature of the narrative.
What Makes It Special
Unlike contemporary historical fiction that often strives to present multiple viewpoints or critique past injustices, this book's uniqueness is its unapologetic, classic "Western adventure" tone. It serves as a historical artifact itself, offering a window into how these events were popularly framed in the mid-20th century. Its focus on a specific, disastrous military engagement provides a concentrated and intense look at the human cost of a single historical event.
Read plot summary
The story follows Tom, a young bugler who joins the U.S. Army and is posted to Fort Phil Kearny in Wyoming Territory during Red Cloud's War. He navigates the daily life and dangers of the frontier, witnessing the escalating tension between the army and the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. The novel culminates in the Fetterman Fight of 1866, a disastrous historical ambush where Captain William J. Fetterman's command is wiped out. Tom is one of the few who witnesses and survives the catastrophic event, forcing him to mature rapidly amidst the chaos and violence.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Captain Fetterman disobeyed Colonel Carrington's direct order not to pursue the warriors over Lodge Trail Ridge. Why do you think he made that decision? Was it bravery, arrogance, or something else?
2
The story is told entirely from the perspective of the U.S. soldiers. How do you think a young Sioux warrior would have described the events leading up to the battle at Fort Phil Kearny?
3
At the beginning of the book, Tom has certain ideas about being a soldier. How did the reality of the Fetterman Fight change his understanding of war and courage?
4
This book was written in 1969. Do you think a book about this same event written today would tell the story differently? What might be added or changed?
