When Thunders Spoke

by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

Norman Two Bull is a modern and savvy fifteen-year-old Sioux who lives on a Dakota reservation with his parents. He is impatient with, if not faintly contemptuous of, the “old ways.” Encouraged by his grandfather, Norman makes a perilous climb to the top of a sacred butte, searching for agates where Indian boys had once gone for spirit visions. There, unexpectedly, he finds an ancient relic with the power to make strange things happen—and they do! When Thunders Spoke is a haunting story whose strength often lies in what is not said.

95 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1993

About the author

Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She was the daughter of an Episcopal priest and a Lakota Sioux mother. Sneve received her B.S. and M.Ed. in 1954 and 1969, respectively, from South Dakota State University. She has taught English in public school of South Dakota, and at the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau. Her career also includes editor at the Brevet Press in Sioux Fall, S.D. Sneve is a member of the board of directors, Native American consortium, Corporation for Public Broadcasting ; member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe; member of board of directors of United Sioux Tribes Cultural Arts; and Historiographer of the Episcopal Church of South Dakota.

Reviews

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story. Norman goes on a path to find out what he believes in

[Karlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story about embracing heritage while living in a world actively trying to reject it. Overtones about the beauty and power of nature around us, and how existing in harmony with it will bring better things to our lives. Also very insightful about reservation life and how it's up to us to preserve history respectfully.