Amee-Nah: Zuni Boy Runs the Race of His Life

Amazing Indian Children

by Kenneth Thomasma, Jack Brouwer (Illustrator)

Amee-Nah ("Lazy") got his name because his club foot keeps him from running or herding sheep with the other Zuni children. In this sixth book in Thomasma's Amazing Indian Children series, readers see Amme-Nah's transformation after surgery and rehabilitation.

Genres: Childrens, Historical Fiction

155 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

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

Reviews

[07aspenb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amee-nah is a story of a Zuni Indian boy that was born with disability. Amee-nah was the name given to this boy around the age of 3 years old. His name means, Amee-nah means "lazy". The disability this boy lives with is called a clubfoot. This is where the foot is deformed and twisted. Amee-nah has to sacrifice many things that other teen boys his age take for granted. Mawee, Amee-nah's best friend, is doing everything he can to find someone to fix his foot. After many months, Mawee finds Dr. Mike who will do the surgery for free. Amee-nah gratefully takes the offer and is ready to take the journey to becoming free from his clubfoot. Amee-nah and his mother were so thankful for the kindness Dr. Mike was giving to them. After 3 long months of recovering, Amee-nah was ready to learn how to walk again. Mawee helped Amee-nah everyday to strengthen his leg muscles that were weak from not using them. Before no time, Amee-nah was taking regular runs with Mawee.
At the end of every summer, Mawee runs a 25 mile stick race. This race is done where 4 boys run a long 25 miles while moving a 6 inch stick along the trail with their feet. Amee-nah would watch Mawee and his team practice for the big race. He often thought about the possibility of being in the well known stick race in one of the upcoming summers.
After an injury of Mawee, someone has to take his place in the race. He chooses Amee-nah to run the great race. This puts a lot of pressure on Amee-nah but he is determined to make his best friend proud of him. During the race, Amee-nah wonders if he can win this race for his good friend. Will Amee-nah be able to pull through and give every ounce of strenth he has to win this race?

I gave this book 3 stars because it is a great story and I loved how it was based on a true Zuni boy with clubfoot. I think this book could have had more description and detail in the writing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life of American Indians. If you enjoy reading history filled books, then you would like this book.

[Anne Osterlund · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first ran into Thomasma's books as a child when I read Naya Nuki: Girl Who Ran, one of my all-time favorite books. At the time, I read three more books by the author; but this past summer, I happily stumbled upon 4 newer books while I was visiting the Interpretive Center in Great Falls. I used them as my "school books" this year--books that I take with me to school and read while role-modeling during silent reading. They turned out to be a perfect choice for that purpose.

This story is about a compassionate boy who begins his life on the outside of traditional tribal society. He faces surgery and ultimately becomes a vital member of a competitive sports team within his Zuni tribe. Amee-Nah is a classic example of what I enjoy about Thomasma's books. Each is a window into a different time period and culture, yet also relevant to young readers today.

[plumcrazybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story about perseverance.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of courage. A good read-a-loud.

[Gracia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This boy had a club foot and had surgery to fix it. Only five months after his surgery, he took the place of one of his friends in a stick race because his friend was hit by lightning. He won the race!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these Kenneth Thomasma books are great. Boys and girls alike will enjoy them. They teach great lessons about perseverance, hard work, bravery, etc.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amee-Nah is an extremely inspirational story that I would highly recommend. Amee-Nah is a courageous boy, who has a club foot but continues to view the world in a positive light

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perhaps read this review

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