The American Bison: The Buffalo's Survival Tale

History Comics

by Andy Hirsch

In History Comics: The American Bison, learn how millions of buffalo once roamed the American prairie--until they were nearly driven to extinction.

In the early 18th century the American prairies shook under the hooves of nearly 30 million bison. Fast as a horse, tall as a person, and heavier than both combined, they roamed from coast to coast. A century later, people struggled to find a single one left alive. How did the great herds disappear, and what will it take to bring them back?

Genres: Graphic Novels, History, Animals, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Nature, Juvenile

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Andy Hirsch is a cartoonist living in Dallas, Texas. He is the author and artist of a stack of entries in hit series Science Comics from First Second Books, covering topics from dogs to geology to outer space. His most recent book, Good Boy, follows a mismatched boy and his dog as they overcome obstacles from bar jumps to anxiety dreams in the exciting world of canine sports. His work is consistently selected by the Junior Library Guild and has appeared on the American Library Association's Best Graphic Novels for Children reading list.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, energetic run through the history of bison in North America, whose health and subsequent push to extinction were intertwined with the fate our prairies and indigenous people. It's nice introduction with enough humor and action to keep a young reader's attention until maybe the long list of bison conservationists toward the end.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The American Bison is a solid, fun entry in the History Comics series, but it's a tad hamstrung by its topic - the story of the bison's near-extinction and painfully slow recovery isn't exactly invigorating. It's either deeply sad or filled with hard-to-follow political wrangling. History isn't always the perfect subject, alas.

Admittedly, Andy Hirsch does a good job of uncovering the complex history of bison conservation (I had no idea the bison numbers were so dramatically reduced and that it took so much effort to get conservation on the menu). Hirsch's art is also amusing and bright. But there's plenty of padding here in the form of awkwardly funny dramatizations. Kids will probably dig The American Bison, but I wanted more of the thoughtful introduction.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel history of the American bison in North America, the golden centuries when the Native Americans and bison lived in a well-balanced ecosystem, and how and why the population became threatened to the point of near extinction 100 years ago, and efforts to help bring the wild population in North America back up since then.

A very readable history of not only an animal but also the people and land around it. Hirsch writes and illustrates his graphic novels in such a way that you forget you’re learning things. It’s entertaining and educational. This would be a fantastic addition to history classes or science studying the American West or endangered species. The Science Comics and History Comics FirstSecond have been putting out are quite popular with both students and teachers at our school. We’ll for sure be adding this to both our Elementary and Secondary libraries. Highly recommended.

Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues or sexual content. (A man who decided to marry 2 different women and also saved a bison herd comes up. No sexual details.) Hunting of animals, battles between various people groups, and mistreatment of Native Americans all comes up over the course of this history. All topics are treated with respect, and nothing really gory is shown on page. (Some vague butchered meat is as bloody as it gets. Dead animals are mostly portrayed cartoon style.)

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from First Second Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Our city is literally named after this amazing animal so I had to jump at the chance and see for myself the entire history of the buffalo. The History Comics series is very popular with our library community and our school teachers and when they heard about this book they keep asking my opinion so I had to give it to them straight, this was a remarkable book. The dialogue was very informative and witty which will keep readers engaged and learning at the same time. The artwork is brilliantly executed and very colorful that brought the history of Buffalos to life and along for the ride.

We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting history, but it felt like it jumped all over the place and was a little hard to follow. I appreciated that it started with a foreword by Dr. Rosalyn LaPier and thought that meant there would be a little more Indigenous content in it than there was. It sort of petered out near the end, but it would have been nice to bring it back and tie it all together as elegantly as Dr. LaPier did in the foreword.

Not bad, but I'm not sure it will be enjoyed as much by kids as other history comics because of the lack of a narrative thread. I'd still recommend it to kids who like history comics.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book details the history of the American bison. Before America was widely colonized, the bison, the Indians, and the various grasses all supported each other. Various factors led to bison being hunted and killed. A popular opinion was if you killed the bison you killed the Indians. Bison came very close to going extinct, but thanks to a few people that saw that this would be detrimental, they were saved. Bison do not exist in the wild in the numbers that they used to and their range is not nearly as large, but they are still here. #NetGalley

[Sarah Schanze · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun introduction to a long and complicated piece of history. Pretty much everyone knows about the bison's near extinction, but I certainly didn't know much about the effort to preserve and protect them. This is for kids, but it doesn't hide the violence and greed inherent in a lot of American history either. It manages to keep things light, and the art was always cute and lively, but because of that it's good to remember it is a history comic for children. It's a good jumping off point.

[Karen Meno · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject matter is very interesting. My students love reading the Science Comics series and this will make a great addition to my collection. The author focuses on the decline and reintroduction of bison to the plains. He also tells the story of the symbiotic nature of the bison, the Native Americans and the ecosystem of the plains. The illustrations will keep the intended readers (middle grade). The author also conducted intensive research as evidenced by his bibliography and use of primary source documents.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I really enjoyed reading this and there was so much information about the Bison. Of course, man tries to eliminate a species because, well, reasons. Luckily, there are conservation groups trying to keep Bison around. I did learn a few things from reading this book.

page 52 - The ASPCA was founded in 1866.

page 73 - William Hornaday, who wanted to conserve the Bison finds a calf and names it Sandy. A wonderful name.

I'm interested in reading more of these History Comics.

[Kirsti Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative, entertaining, realistic depiction of the truth behind the Wild Wild West and how the buffalo all but disappeared from the Plains to present-day rehabilitation programs. The depictions of violence and gore were friendly enough that my ten-year-old daughter wasn't phased by it, but there are sufficient blood and weapons for history's sake. I appreciated the telling of Native tribes also disappearing alongside the bison and how the colonization caused so much disruption to the natural order of the Americas.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the other History Comics, this book doesn't have a framing device. I'm actually grateful for that. I don't always find the framing devices in History or Science Comics compelling, and often I feel they distract from the actual nonfiction narrative. And this book proves that you don't need a goofy overlay to make history interesting and even funny at times. This is one of my favorite History Comics.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of the American bison that lived in perfect balance in its ecosystem between itself, man, and the prairie grasses for hundreds of years ubtil they begin to disappear almost to the point of extinction.

This is a good read on the science of the American bison in its natural habitat and the history of the native Americans, colonialism, and westward expansion that threatened its survival.

[David Schwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, awesome book. While I thought I knew the history of Bison in America this book dispelled many myths. Very quick read, and fun to look at graphics. Part of a series from First Second (they also have a great series about science).

[Carl Grider · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great telling of the tale of the Bison. Full of information that I didn't previously know it is geared towards children but provides knowledge for readers of all ages. Loved this short excursion into the world of what I consider to be my spirit animal.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense. Informative. A bit boring. The art is fine. And the writing is fine. Just not gripping, I suppose it's a pacing issue. Or a focus issue. Nice to see a graphic novel tackle a subject like this. Perhaps others in the series will be better.

[Grace GA10918 · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cool to read. read it like 20 or so times. it explains all about what happened in history. espacioly becouse of the begining. i did not like the end when that buffolo guy came in and said to eat bisson meat.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of the American bison is also the history of America, the history of indigenous Americans, and the important role bison played in the ecosystem and how they were almost wiped out.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and unique - although a little scattered.

[Sam Bloom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Saw so many stereotypes (including a happy mixed group at the First Thanksgiving… ugh, WHY) in the first 30 pp. I about threw this book against the wall. Why are we still doing this, publishing?!

[Rob McMonigal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hirsch tackles a very complex and lengthy subject and does a really solid job of distilling it with a nice touch of humor, too.

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and pictures. Expanded my understanding of the demise of bison in the 19th century.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting - I'll be recommending it as much as I can. I loved the art and learned more than I thought I would about bison. I look forward to reading other books in the series.

[Brian Clopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! 5th grade teachers will love how it ties into so much of our curriculum: ecosystems, westward expansion, government, food chains.

[Amy M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. I love crying about bison so this got the job done, but there were a couple of parts that I wish would have transitioned better.

[NonFiction 24/7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a 6 star book. Awesome pictures and story make for a great book.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Christina McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

As comprehensive as a graphic novel can be when weaving several events into a full picture of the American bison. I learned a lot.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, easy introduction to the history of bison and human interactions. Not perfect, but more nuanced than I expected for such a slim book. Bonus points for the adorable bison pictures.