For children curious about American Indigenous cultures, this book offers an introduction to the rich history and traditions of the Great Plains Dakota tribe.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is studying American Indigenous history in school or expresses curiosity about different cultures and ways of life. "The Story of the Sioux" provides a foundational overview of the Dakota people of the Great Plains, covering their history, daily customs, relationship with nature, and notable leaders like Sitting Bull. For children aged 8 to 12, it serves as a straightforward historical introduction. Because it was published in 1972, it offers a valuable opportunity for parents to discuss how perspectives on history change over time and to introduce conversations about justice, resilience, and the importance of cultural identity.
Published in 1972 by a non-Native author; may contain outdated terminology and perspectives.
Racism & DiscriminationMild
The book factually describes historical events rooted in systemic racism and discrimination.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with historical violence, war, displacement, and broken treaties. The approach is factual and historical, not metaphorical. The resolution is realistic, depicting the historical outcome of these conflicts, which involved immense loss and cultural disruption for the Sioux people. The overall feeling is one of historical tragedy but also highlights the resilience of the people.
Ideal Reader
A 9 to 11-year-old who is doing a school project on Indigenous Americans or who has become fascinated with Plains history after a museum visit. This child is beginning to grasp concepts of history and fairness and is ready for a factual account that doesn't shy away from difficult truths.
Parent Prep
Crucially, parents must preview this book. Published in 1972 and written by a non-Native author, it may contain outdated terminology (like the broad use of "Sioux") and perspectives. Parents should be prepared to provide context: explain that our understanding of history evolves, and that today we often prioritize perspectives from within a culture ("own voices"). Pages discussing battles and the Ghost Dance may need extra conversation to ensure understanding. A child comes home asking, "What happened to the Indians?" or "Why did cowboys and Indians fight?" This book provides a direct, albeit dated, answer to those questions, serving as a solid starting point for a deeper conversation.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the details of daily life: the tipi construction, the buffalo hunts, and the roles of family members. An older reader (10-12) will be more capable of understanding the complex and tragic history of broken treaties, forced assimilation, and the concept of injustice on a national scale.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is its age. It serves as a historical artifact itself, representing how this history was commonly taught to children in the 1970s. For a media-literate family, it can be a tool not just for learning about the Sioux, but for learning how the telling of history has changed. It is a concise, illustrated primer that covers a wide swath of history quickly.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book provides a historical overview of the Sioux Nation (referred to by the author as Dakota). It covers their traditional lifestyle on the Great Plains, including their reliance on the buffalo, their social structure, customs, and beliefs. The book also details their history of conflict with the United States government, covering key events, broken treaties, and famous leaders such as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, culminating in their forced placement on reservations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book explains how the Dakota used every part of the buffalo. What does this tell us about their relationship with nature and their environment?
2
We learn about several treaties that the U.S. government made with the Sioux and then broke. How do you think leaders like Red Cloud felt when this happened? Why is it important to keep promises?
3
The book describes leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. In your opinion, what qualities made them good leaders for their people during such a difficult time?
4
This book was written over 50 years ago. If someone wrote a book about the Sioux today, what parts of the story do you think they might tell differently? Why?
