Doe Sia: Bannock Girl and the Handcart Pioneers

Amazing Indian Children

by Kenneth Thomasma, Rusty Talbot (Illustrator)

"Radiates a strong love for the outdoors"."Rings with authenticity".

"[The author] has steeped himself in Indian lore and legend".

These are a few of the rave reviews by educators and children's book critics for the Amazing Indian Children series, which draws accolades for its sensitive, accurate portrayal of Native American history. Most importantly, it entertains boys and girls ages 9-13 with spine-tingling adventure based on historical events.

Set in the mid-1800s in the Great Plaines region, Doe Sia tells of an eleven-year-old Bannock girl who is already known for her bravery: She and her heroic pet, Otterdog, saved a little boy from drowning. On the other side of the world, Danish Emma also gains a reputation for valor when she rescues an elderly man from a burning farmhouse. When Emma immigrates to America and joins the Mormon "Handcart Pioneers", she meets up with Doe Sia and they form an immediate bond. The two are caught together in a blinding snowstorm and must rely on their wits -- and Doe Sia's native wilderness savvy -- to survive.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Religion, Young Adult, Historical

203 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

About the author

Kenneth Thomasma is a professional storyteller and writing workshop leader who lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Reviews

[Kiya Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about how a Bannock Girl and a Pioneer Girl cross paths and help each other survive in the harsh conditions of nature. It is a pioneer story filled with faithful prayers, hardship, and heroism. The Pioneer girl, Emma, gets lost in a storm and is saved by Doe Sia who then helps her to return back to her family on their trek to Salt Lake City.

I really liked this book, because it had some nice pictures and was a really quick and easy read. I also liked it because of all the emotions and cried a few times during the book because of the characters' faith and love. I enjoyed thinking about all of the worries and struggles that the pioneers had and went through to better understand how inspiring their trek was. It helped me gain a greater appreciation for the saints and their willingness to risk their lives to go to Zion.

[Dane The · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book i read is Doe Sia the Author of this book is Kenneth Thomasma. This book has 203 pages and the genre is Historical Fiction. This book was about indians and mormons, the mormons are traveling on a long and dangerous path to Salt Lake City. But the mormons have lots of trouble and problems happening on their way to SLC but then a miracle happens and indians come and help them get to their destination. One reason i liked this book was because im a mormon and i loved hearing a cool story of which i have learned so much about. This was a great book i recomend it.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are great books for kids. This is the story of Doe Sia, an Indian girl. She encounters a group of Mormons who are going to Utah in handcarts. She befriends a girl and the two of them get lost in a blizzard. It takes all of their wit to survive the storm.

I found it really interesting and have enjoyed all of these books.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very simple in the way in which it was written. Sentences are basic and short with a limited vocabulary. The overall story is enjoyable and shows the power of both friendship and is educational in sharing winter survival methods and historical events.

[Joslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book about a young Indian girl and a young girl with a handcart company. They are in many near death situations but work together to survive and make it back to their families. My kids enjoyed this book that I read aloud to them.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps read this review

https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book to my granddaughter for Christmas. During my recent visit, I read it. The book has a few problems but still an enjoyable, interesting read.

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really cute. I think the plot is great, but the wording is definitely horrible.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, writing was choppy

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 9 yr old daughter gives it 4.5 stars and she rarely gives above 3. She is close to the main characters' age and dog obsessed so that may have something to do with it. It had a disproportionate amount of peril for my liking. It was non stop danger situation after another and I'm not a fan of books like that. Thankfully we read it in spurts to correspond to the history unit we are on. Perhaps I liked it less because I have a daughter the age of the girls who are fighting to survive. What impressed me the most was Doe Sia and how well prepared she was despite her age. She is a stark contrast to Emma and it really gave me an appreciation for how naturally the Native Americans teach their kids what to do in the many situations they find themselves. I really loved otterdog and how he played into the storyline without being a talking character. I cried, especially at the end.

[07aspenb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doe Sia, a young bannock Indian girl crosses paths with a ten year old Pioneer girl during the time the Willie Handcart company makes the journey across the plains to Salt Lake City. These girls meet as friends but they soon discover that they will have to fight together as a team to survive. Emma lost her way from the Handcarts and her family which would have surely been the end, but Doe Sia finds the small girl and is determined to bring her home. Both of these brave girls are known for their courage by their people and this journey will put that to the test. The two girls are from different parts of the world with different cultures but in the struggle to stay alive, Doe sia and Emma uncover a unbreakable friendship and bond with one another. The snowstorms and natural disasters test the two girls skills with nature, but Emma assures Doe Sia that the Heavenly Father is with them and watching out for them. Even when the girls are at their weakest, they both have a strong determination to survive and make it home. Will the friendship and courage between these young girls be enough to keep them alive and help them return home safely?

I gave this story 3 stars because it was a good detailed book but it did not keep me interested the whole time. I could often predict the correct outcome to each situation. I still enjoyed reading this story about an unexpected friendship.

I would recommend this book to someone who loves a adventurous story and anyone who is interested in the Mormon Pioneers and the Indians they interacted with on their journey across America.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good. THird time reading it. Favorite part when they discover the buffolo calf. Doe Sia seems to have been rubbing off on Emma because she starts to stripe the hide and cleaning it. Had to wait a whole summer just to finish it. Never read a long book at the end of the school year that you can't find at publc library. :)

[Bookhardtsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the other books in the Amazing Indian Children series, but still a nice read. Like all of his books that I have read the characters and story are good, but I feel like this one was missing something and I'm not sure what it is.

[Madeline Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but not nearly as good as the rest of the books I read by this author; possibly in part because I read it several years after the rest.

[MaryAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging book based on a fictionalized account of a Mormon Pioneer girl, Emma, and a Native American girl, Doe Sia, struggling together to survive the elements.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of the handcart pioneers and their interactions with the Native Americans.