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Jim Thorpe's Bright Path
Jim Thorpe’s parents knew he was special from the day he was born. When they held him and his twin brother, Charlie, his mother noticed how the light shone on the road to their cabin. She gave Jim an extra “Wa\-Tha\-Huck,” or “Bright Path.” Jim developed his athletic skills early on, playing outdoors and hunting with his father and brother. But when Jim was sent to Indian Boarding Schools, he was confined to stiff uniforms and strict rules. While he struggled in academics, he always excelled in sports. As Jim moved from school to school over the years, overcoming family tragedies, he always remembered the encouragement of his brother and the words of his father—that the white man’s knowledge was necessary for him and his people to survive. Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path takes a fresh look at a world\-renowned sports hero and allows the reader to meet the person behind the celebrated athlete. Thorpe’s story of determination and perseverance will resonate with every child who dreams of finding his or her own bright path.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2004
4 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Bruchac
279 books597 followersJoseph Bruchac lives with his wife, Carol, in the Adirondack mountain foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York, in the same house where his maternal grandparents raised him. Much of his writing draws on that land and his Abenaki ancestry. Although his American Indian heritage is only one part of an ethnic background that includes Slovak and English blood, those Native roots are the ones by which he has been most nourished. He, his younger sister Margaret, and his two grown sons, James and Jesse, continue to work extensively in projects involving the preservation of Abenaki culture, language and traditional Native skills, including performing traditional and contemporary Abenaki music with the Dawnland Singers.
He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.
As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.
He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.
As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 22, 2021
Abenaki author Joseph Bruchac and Lakota illustrator S.D. Nelson, who previously collaborated on
Crazy Horse's Vision
, join forces again in this second picture-book biography, devoted to the youth of celebrated Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. Born on the Sac and Fox reservation in 1887, Jim Thorpe was the son of a biracial Pottowatomie mother and a biracial Sac and Fox father. He and his twin brother Charlie were inseparable, and although they had different abilities - Jim was more of an athlete, Charlie more of a scholar - they encouraged each other, both at home, and away at residential school. When Charlie died, whilst the two were away at school, it was a terrible blow for Jim, who had to be encouraged to continue his schooling by his parents. Eventually he ended up at the the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where his extraordinary athletic ability came to the fore...
Jim Thorpe's Bright Path - so named because Thorpe's Sac and Fox name, Wa-Tho-Huk, can be translated as "Bright Path" - isn't a complete biography, as the main narrative leaves off at that moment when Thorpe truly comes into his own, as an athlete. That said, the rest of the story - Thorpe's medal-winning performance at the Olympics, his mastery of an astonishing number of athletic disciplines, his participation in professional baseball and football, etc. - are covered in the author's note and timeline at the rear of the book. The main narrative here is engaging, and the accompanying artwork, done in acrylic, is beautifully expressive. I enjoyed the book, and learned quite a bit, gaining an appreciation for Thorpe's great achievement, all around. Although not the focus of the book, some attention is paid to the poor conditions at the residential schools to which so many Native American children were sent (often involuntarily) - conditions that were partially responsible for Charlie Thorpe's illness and resultant death. All in all, an excellent picture-book introduction to the life story of Thorpe, for younger children. Recommended to picture-book readers interested in sports and sportspeople, or in Native Americans of note, as well as to those who enjoy biography.
Jim Thorpe's Bright Path - so named because Thorpe's Sac and Fox name, Wa-Tho-Huk, can be translated as "Bright Path" - isn't a complete biography, as the main narrative leaves off at that moment when Thorpe truly comes into his own, as an athlete. That said, the rest of the story - Thorpe's medal-winning performance at the Olympics, his mastery of an astonishing number of athletic disciplines, his participation in professional baseball and football, etc. - are covered in the author's note and timeline at the rear of the book. The main narrative here is engaging, and the accompanying artwork, done in acrylic, is beautifully expressive. I enjoyed the book, and learned quite a bit, gaining an appreciation for Thorpe's great achievement, all around. Although not the focus of the book, some attention is paid to the poor conditions at the residential schools to which so many Native American children were sent (often involuntarily) - conditions that were partially responsible for Charlie Thorpe's illness and resultant death. All in all, an excellent picture-book introduction to the life story of Thorpe, for younger children. Recommended to picture-book readers interested in sports and sportspeople, or in Native Americans of note, as well as to those who enjoy biography.
May 13, 2021
3.5 out of 5
Jim Thorpe's Bright Path is an inspiring picturebook biography of James Francis Thorpe, a Native American boy who grew up to be a dominant sports figure of the 20th century.
Joseph Bruchac's straightforward and engaging text covers Jim Thorpe's childhood through college, and the back matter contains more information on his life after college with photographs and a timeline.
S.D. Nelson's acrylic illustrations are expressive and I just LOVE the colors:
Jim Thorpe's Bright Path is an inspiring picturebook biography of James Francis Thorpe, a Native American boy who grew up to be a dominant sports figure of the 20th century.
Joseph Bruchac's straightforward and engaging text covers Jim Thorpe's childhood through college, and the back matter contains more information on his life after college with photographs and a timeline.
S.D. Nelson's acrylic illustrations are expressive and I just LOVE the colors:
November 3, 2018
This book is suitable for adolescents looking to read sports and indigenous history. It’s a picture book but it is filled with rich, detailed text in Jim Thorpe’ life. I was thoroughly impressed with his accomplishments to be honest. He really was the greatest athlete of the 20th century. Written and illustrated by indigenous creators which makes this book almost the perfect package.
February 2, 2014
Jim Thorpe's childhood was not easy as a Native American at the turn of the 20th century. His twin brother, Charlie, died when the boys were sent away to the Agency Boarding School. Both of his parents also died, but not before Jim understood the value of an education.
By the time he attended Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, Jim was a great athlete who was talented in many sports. Starting with the track team Jim later played football, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, and handball for Carlisle.
This book ends before the Olympics, but the Author's Note at the end of the book includes some actual photos and good information about Jim's life beyond Carlisle Indian School.
#nfpb2012
By the time he attended Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, Jim was a great athlete who was talented in many sports. Starting with the track team Jim later played football, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, and handball for Carlisle.
This book ends before the Olympics, but the Author's Note at the end of the book includes some actual photos and good information about Jim's life beyond Carlisle Indian School.
#nfpb2012
May 12, 2015
Jacob and mom rates this 4 stars, Ellie 3 stars
November 6, 2019
Jim Thorpe's Bright Path is a children's picture book written by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by S.D. Nelson. It is a biographical picture book of Jim Thorpe – a legendary athlete and Olympian.
November, at least in my part of the world is Native American Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, preferably a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
James Francis Thorpe was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe became the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States. Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, he won Olympic gold medals in the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon, and played American football (collegiate and professional), professional baseball, and basketball. He lost his Olympic titles after it was found he had been paid for playing two seasons of semi-professional baseball before competing in the Olympics, thus violating the amateurism rules that were then in place. In 1983, 30 years after his death, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) restored his Olympic medals.
Bruchac's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Bruchac's gives a cursory, but informative narrative of Thorpe's life. An author's note and timeline highlighting important events could be found in the backmatter. Nelson switches to a less-stylized, mystical look for the illustrations, depicting Thorpe growing from lad to burly manhood, chasing down a jackrabbit, standing downcast at lonely or sad moments, dashing past rival runners or football players as he flashes a faint, restrained smile.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Bouncing between boarding schools, young Jim Thorpe never finds academics as compelling as sports. Yet despite the deaths of his twin brother, mother and father over an eight-year period, Thorpe thrives at Carlisle Indian School, his feats there just the beginning of a life filled with athletic success.
All in all, Jim Thorpe's Bright Path is a wonderful cursory biographical picture book about Jim Thorpe – an outstanding athlete and Olympian.
November, at least in my part of the world is Native American Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, preferably a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
James Francis Thorpe was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe became the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States. Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, he won Olympic gold medals in the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon, and played American football (collegiate and professional), professional baseball, and basketball. He lost his Olympic titles after it was found he had been paid for playing two seasons of semi-professional baseball before competing in the Olympics, thus violating the amateurism rules that were then in place. In 1983, 30 years after his death, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) restored his Olympic medals.
Bruchac's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Bruchac's gives a cursory, but informative narrative of Thorpe's life. An author's note and timeline highlighting important events could be found in the backmatter. Nelson switches to a less-stylized, mystical look for the illustrations, depicting Thorpe growing from lad to burly manhood, chasing down a jackrabbit, standing downcast at lonely or sad moments, dashing past rival runners or football players as he flashes a faint, restrained smile.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Bouncing between boarding schools, young Jim Thorpe never finds academics as compelling as sports. Yet despite the deaths of his twin brother, mother and father over an eight-year period, Thorpe thrives at Carlisle Indian School, his feats there just the beginning of a life filled with athletic success.
All in all, Jim Thorpe's Bright Path is a wonderful cursory biographical picture book about Jim Thorpe – an outstanding athlete and Olympian.
May 24, 2025
This book can serve as a good introduction to the man identified as the "World's Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century". From his simple beginnings on the Sac-Fox Reservation in Oklahoma, the lessons that Thorpe learned in his childhood are shared for the young reader.
For example, in his early youth he lost his twin brother and mother in death, and then his father in his late teen years. At that point, the Indian School at Carlisle became a kind of "refuge" in his situation.
The wonderful color illustrations by S.D. Nelson really draw you into the story.
Here, a young child might be helped in dealing with the loss of a loved one. Thorpe always maintained a fine, positive attitude in life, he struggled academically, but kept on pushing forward.
He seemed to be mechanically inclined, so he enjoyed engineering. He worked hard in the chores, the physical work that they were assigned at the school, and their job sites,and was appointed a foreman.
He was very strong physically and would excel at any game that he learned. (It is not brought out here of the incredible physical strength of his father and that his father, himself was an incredible hunter and athlete in the few games that he had time to play).
The book ends when legendary coach, Pop Warner adds Thorpe to his track team, and finally after an incredible tryout, Thorpe makes the football team! As they say, the rest is history, and this is where the book ends. The painful disappointments that will face in his later Olympic and professional careers are only covered in a concluding "author's note" and a lifetime timeline.
For a full, adult level account of the man's entire life, I highly recommend "Path Lit By Lightning " a biography of Jim Thorpe written by David Maraniss.
For example, in his early youth he lost his twin brother and mother in death, and then his father in his late teen years. At that point, the Indian School at Carlisle became a kind of "refuge" in his situation.
The wonderful color illustrations by S.D. Nelson really draw you into the story.
Here, a young child might be helped in dealing with the loss of a loved one. Thorpe always maintained a fine, positive attitude in life, he struggled academically, but kept on pushing forward.
He seemed to be mechanically inclined, so he enjoyed engineering. He worked hard in the chores, the physical work that they were assigned at the school, and their job sites,and was appointed a foreman.
He was very strong physically and would excel at any game that he learned. (It is not brought out here of the incredible physical strength of his father and that his father, himself was an incredible hunter and athlete in the few games that he had time to play).
The book ends when legendary coach, Pop Warner adds Thorpe to his track team, and finally after an incredible tryout, Thorpe makes the football team! As they say, the rest is history, and this is where the book ends. The painful disappointments that will face in his later Olympic and professional careers are only covered in a concluding "author's note" and a lifetime timeline.
For a full, adult level account of the man's entire life, I highly recommend "Path Lit By Lightning " a biography of Jim Thorpe written by David Maraniss.
January 27, 2020
S picked this out at the library the last time we were there, which was a surprising move. This isn't a particularly "on brand" choice for him, as he mostly hasn't been gravitating to picture books anymore these days and doesn't tend to show a huge amount of interest in sports. Personally, I knew nothing about Jim Thorpe prior to reading this, other than that he was a football player and there's a town in PA named for him that we drive past sometimes when we're in the Philly area.
The big kids and I all learned quite a bit from reading this, and it was an interesting and sometimes very sad story of a boy's resilience. I wish it had covered his athletic career a bit more, as the majority of the biography focused on his childhood, but it was still interesting.
The big kids and I all learned quite a bit from reading this, and it was an interesting and sometimes very sad story of a boy's resilience. I wish it had covered his athletic career a bit more, as the majority of the biography focused on his childhood, but it was still interesting.
October 21, 2018
This book broke my heart, while inspiring me. I thought it was extremely devastating that all of Jim’s family members died. I can’t imagine going through that while being at school away from home. I like how Jim’s father always encouraged him, especially after his twin brother and his mother die. I think if it wasn’t for Jim’s father, the story would have turned out completely different. I like this book because it’s inspiring. I think children can learn to push through adversity through reading this book.
November 7, 2018
A book that tells the story of Jim Thorpe, a Native-American and how he overcomes obstacles in a time where Native-Americans were still segregated from "whites." It's a great story that shows what working towards your hopes and dreams can get you despite how others try to stop you. This book would make for a great "across the curriculum" story to read with a class. There are a few difficult words throughout the book so I wouldn't suggest it for young readers. However, it would make for a good read-aloud classroom story.
April 6, 2019
Jim was an Indian boy with a twin. Jim loved to run and loved all sports. He beat his brother in every game they played. At the age of six, Jim and his twin were sent to a boarding school. Jim did not like it. Charlie had to help him through it. Charlie later died of pneumonia and their mother shortly after. Jim went to a few schools after that, but hated them. Jim's father suggested an Indian school. Shortly after, his dad was bitten by a snake and died. This made Jim stay in school and try really hard to get through. He ended up being the best football player at the school.
October 21, 2018
A biography of the legendary Native American Jim Thorpe. He was voted the Greatest Football Player and Greatest Athlete of the Half-Century. This is a very informational book and could be used for students to do a project on him.
January 3, 2020
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations, and a very well done depiction of Thorpe's youth, and his family's and his constant perseverance in the face of hardship and injustice! When teaching, I would pair this with another book about his remarkable adult life as an Olympic medalist and beyond.
June 6, 2024
It's good, but a little wordy and Jim loses all of his immediate family while going through the boarding school experience. It is handled pretty gently, but probably better for slightly older children.
November 29, 2020
A great introduction to the Native American athlete, Jim Thorpe, and his story. Born in 1887, he was voted as Athlete of the Century by ABC's Wide World of Sports in 2000.
January 27, 2022
So far the best picture book about Jim Thorpe. I loved the illustrations:)
Want to read
May 28, 2022Reading Level: Upper Elementary
Tags: Native Americans, Biography, Equality-Nonfiction, American Indigenous People
Tags: Native Americans, Biography, Equality-Nonfiction, American Indigenous People
February 13, 2011
I found the illustrations to be one of the strongest attributes of this book. S.D. Nelson does a great job of using full two page spreads to show scenes from Jim Thorpe's childhood, from the house where he was born to the fields he played in. This book is full of details about Thorpe's childhood, but it only takes you from his birth to high school, not even touching on the Olympic scandal. This is saved for the Author's Note at the end of the book, which I found to be very informative and vital to a true understanding of this man's accomplishments as an athlete. Jim Thorpe was definitely very close to his family, including his twin brother, Charlie, his mother, and his father. Despite Jim's love for being home and learning how to work on his father's farm, Jim's father sends Jim and Charlie to a school for Native American children. There Jim learns that athletics are definitely his calling. The reader learns that Jim was not necessarily a good student, and that he longed to be home with his family for much of his education. When his parents and brother died, Jim committed to finishing school. He went on to accomplish feat after feat in numerous sports and even winning two Olympic gold medals.
This book is great as a read aloud for 3rd to 5th grade students. It could be used as a resource for a biography project as well. Overall, I enjoyed learning about Jim Thorpe, having heard his name before but never making the connection that he was not only a fantastic athlete, but also a Native American. I would like to learn more about Jim's athletic abilities, to see how much he actually practiced and how much was just pure talent. The text states that he was even good at sport like figure skating and hockey!
This book is great as a read aloud for 3rd to 5th grade students. It could be used as a resource for a biography project as well. Overall, I enjoyed learning about Jim Thorpe, having heard his name before but never making the connection that he was not only a fantastic athlete, but also a Native American. I would like to learn more about Jim's athletic abilities, to see how much he actually practiced and how much was just pure talent. The text states that he was even good at sport like figure skating and hockey!
March 4, 2011
Published: 2008, Lee and Low Books
Age: 5-10
This is the story of athlete Jim Thorpe. His mother named him “Wa-tho-huck” meaning Bright Path in Pottawatomie. He had a twin, Charlie, and they were both sent to an Indian boarding school because his father wanted them to get an education. Charlie excelled in school where Jim excelled in races. The author tells of the horrible conditions in the Indian boarding schools. In just the third year, Charlie ended up sick and dying of pneumonia, as did so many others at the school. His father sent him to a stricter boarding school, and Jim did better there because they had football. But when his father got hurt, Jim ran all the way home to him and never went back. He then went to Carlisle, another Indian boarding school that was known for its sports teams. Here, Jim’s potential was discovered. He excelled at every sport despite many obstacles: His father died of a snakebite and mother died of a sudden illness. Today, he is still recognized as the “Athlete of the Century.” This is an inspirational book for students to read to show that even though there may be obstacles in your life, with determination you can overcome them and do amazing things. It would be a good introduction to a discussion on Indian boarding schools and the treatment of American Indians. The author’s note and time line at the end continues Jim’s life story and is an interesting addition.
Age: 5-10
This is the story of athlete Jim Thorpe. His mother named him “Wa-tho-huck” meaning Bright Path in Pottawatomie. He had a twin, Charlie, and they were both sent to an Indian boarding school because his father wanted them to get an education. Charlie excelled in school where Jim excelled in races. The author tells of the horrible conditions in the Indian boarding schools. In just the third year, Charlie ended up sick and dying of pneumonia, as did so many others at the school. His father sent him to a stricter boarding school, and Jim did better there because they had football. But when his father got hurt, Jim ran all the way home to him and never went back. He then went to Carlisle, another Indian boarding school that was known for its sports teams. Here, Jim’s potential was discovered. He excelled at every sport despite many obstacles: His father died of a snakebite and mother died of a sudden illness. Today, he is still recognized as the “Athlete of the Century.” This is an inspirational book for students to read to show that even though there may be obstacles in your life, with determination you can overcome them and do amazing things. It would be a good introduction to a discussion on Indian boarding schools and the treatment of American Indians. The author’s note and time line at the end continues Jim’s life story and is an interesting addition.
May 1, 2015
Bruchac, J. and Nelson, S. (2004). Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path. Lee & Low Books.
Theme/Topic: The childhood of Jim Thorpe, and his experience through school and sports
Critique (comments, observations, questions):
One major theme that I enjoyed throughout this book was seeing through Jim Thorpe’s experience in the boarding school, especially with the discrimination and treatment of young native children. I think it’s really important to have realism when it comes to Native American history, especially in treatment for the government. Not much of Native American history is portrayed accurately or in depth to tell the truth about the basis structure of the U.S.
Various Teaching Ideas:
I would definitely teach this book to students in both native and non-native students in my classroom because it shows (1) the true history and treatment of Native Americans for several centuries, (2) it provides multiculturalism in the classroom and (3) its teaches students that they can overcome barriers throughout their lives.
Theme/Topic: The childhood of Jim Thorpe, and his experience through school and sports
Critique (comments, observations, questions):
One major theme that I enjoyed throughout this book was seeing through Jim Thorpe’s experience in the boarding school, especially with the discrimination and treatment of young native children. I think it’s really important to have realism when it comes to Native American history, especially in treatment for the government. Not much of Native American history is portrayed accurately or in depth to tell the truth about the basis structure of the U.S.
Various Teaching Ideas:
I would definitely teach this book to students in both native and non-native students in my classroom because it shows (1) the true history and treatment of Native Americans for several centuries, (2) it provides multiculturalism in the classroom and (3) its teaches students that they can overcome barriers throughout their lives.
February 9, 2015
3-5 Biography
I enjoyed reading this inspirational book.
It is the tragic yet uplifting story of Jim Thorpe, a one day Olympic athlete. The book describes his childhood with his Native American family. He has a mother that believes he has a bright path, a father that wants more for him and pushes him to get an education, and a twin brother that is his best friend. Jim has many trials in his life but he preserves on and pursues his own dreams and dreams in memory of loved-ones.
I would uses this book in my 3-5 classroom to write letters to our future selves about the dreams we want to pursue, and persevere in.
I would also use it as an opportunity to write a letter of encouragement to someone we know. Together we would talk about things we notice that other do well, then write and letter telling them what we see in them and believe they can do.
I enjoyed reading this inspirational book.
It is the tragic yet uplifting story of Jim Thorpe, a one day Olympic athlete. The book describes his childhood with his Native American family. He has a mother that believes he has a bright path, a father that wants more for him and pushes him to get an education, and a twin brother that is his best friend. Jim has many trials in his life but he preserves on and pursues his own dreams and dreams in memory of loved-ones.
I would uses this book in my 3-5 classroom to write letters to our future selves about the dreams we want to pursue, and persevere in.
I would also use it as an opportunity to write a letter of encouragement to someone we know. Together we would talk about things we notice that other do well, then write and letter telling them what we see in them and believe they can do.
July 14, 2010
Format: Picture book
Age level: Elementary
Protagonist: Jim Thorpe, Native American athlete
Brief Summary: This book is a brief biography of Jim Thorpe's life. It covers his early life as a child through his college years. There is additional information on his life at the end of the book, as well as a timeline of important dates.
Age level: Elementary
Protagonist: Jim Thorpe, Native American athlete
Brief Summary: This book is a brief biography of Jim Thorpe's life. It covers his early life as a child through his college years. There is additional information on his life at the end of the book, as well as a timeline of important dates.
November 13, 2011
Powerful story that sends a great message to readers; to always follow your dreams. Story about the life of athlete Jim Thorpe. Highlights his constant determination of fufilling his dreams. Colorful and vivid illustrations. The end of the book provides readers with a timeline of Jim Thorpe's life and achievements, as well as an author's note that contains actual photographs of Thorpe.
February 11, 2014
I really liked this book, even though it was sad with the death of his family members, Jim was able to pursue his dreams in athletics and academics and was able to represent his family and his Indian heritage. It's a great example of pursuing your passions and being able to deal with hardship and adversity to experience success and happiness.
September 16, 2008
This is one of the best informational books that I have read. It is an autobiography of Jim Thorpe. It's an easy read, very information, and engaging. I would recommend it to any young boys who are interested in sports.
October 2, 2011
This was use to explain how Jim Thrope grew up. He became one of the greatest atheletes in America during his time. I would use this to help explain how Indians lived and were treated after they were moved west.
July 26, 2010
Author's note adds historical piece as well as the timeline.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews