Black Hawk

by Arthur J. Beckhard

Before dying, Pyesa, Black Hawk’s father and chief of his people, commanded his son to defend their land from whites, who were trying to force the tribe off their land. Black Hawk, however, has no taste for killing and scalping and goes through great internal conflict.

The story of this great-hearted leader shows how some whites and Native Americans were peaceful and kind, while others were not. Based on true events, this powerful book teaches about a difficult time period and shares profound, unique messages about love, faith, mercy, humility, friendship, forgiveness, and faith.

Recommended for ages 13-18/Grade 7-12

“I love stories that are beautifully written, that teach about history, and that dig deep into powerful messages; this book does all of these things. Why do we want our children to love reading? Not so they read fast-paced books without value, but because we want them to be immersed in books like Black Hawk that mold the mind and heart in ways that are good and beautiful.” –Jenny Phillips

Genres: School, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

Reviews

[Maddie Metzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

read for school!

[Fiona Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my children as part of the good and beautiful curriculum for homeschool. We have been focusing on the Native Americans and their experiences. This was a very insightful look at a real man and his experiences as he strived to keep his homeland and family and tribe safe from the ever reaching grasp of the white man. They lived in Illinois in the late 17 and early 1800s. Ideally Blackhawk was a man of peace who was not anxious to kill and scalp and was always looking for other ways to solve problems. There were a couple references to people he could have killed but who instead he brought home and made them his brothers. He became close friends with several white men and was anxious to try to keep the peace with them. When war became apparent he tried to unite different Native American tribes against the Americans and at one time United with the British against the Americans. While he was not anxious to be a man of war his life and times required that of him and he was extremely good at what he did. The story gets a little confusing as treaties are signed unlawfully and it’s painful to hear of the White mans treatment of these people who are trying to live peaceably on the land. But it is not over the top feel sorry for all of the wrongs we have done just an acknowledgment that driving people off of their land and giving them poultry sums of money is wrong. Reading from one man’s perspective really helped to create a feeling of empathy. I am glad that Jenny Phillips recommended this book in the curriculum.

[Tawnda Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I don’t think I’ve ever read a more honest depiction of this time period in U.S. History. A vital part, which should be highlighted with it not being solely one-sided but tales of the real people with real lives and their stories. Obviously, Black Hawk is a household name but not because of the man whose story is in these pages and that’s a shame. Read aloud to my kids.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Hawk is part of The Good and the Beautiful curriculum. This is a great depiction of what life was like for the Native Americans as people started settling in their lands. We found it difficult to keep track of the many characters, but have a new appreciation for the Native American tribes during that time.

[Dansage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great biography on the life on a Native American leader at the time of the clash between natives and the new United States nation. Appropriately discusses the good and bad actions both in which both groups engaged.

[Gabrielle Mcj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening book. We read it for a read aloud for my children’s history curriculum, and it made a huge impact on them. We had many great discussions because of this book that will hopefully stick with them throughout their lives.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an assigned read aloud for our homeschool history unit. It was definitely not one of our favorites. The writing just wasn't great, the story didn't flow well, and I'm not sure how historically accurate it was to begin with.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting. Learned a lot.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read aloud to my children for their history curriculum. It was a little confusing in parts, but basically it was a good story (based on a true Native American chief).

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction with good insight into the person.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this for homeschool. Great historical perspective on the Sauk and Fox tribes and the atrocious treatment they received from the early US government.

[Jennifer Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt it was very pieced together and had no real flow to it. It had a lot fighting and killing, which is understandable, but there was not much else to it.