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A moving picture-book biography of Red Cloud, a Lakota warrior and chief who led a series of attacks against the Euro-American settlers encroaching upon his land that came to be known as Red Cloud's War. This is the fourth picture-book biography I have read from author and illustrator S.D. Nelson, and I found it outstanding. I loved Nelson's use of ledger paper, in his artwork. Here we see Red Cloud speaking at a treaty negotiation.

Written in the voice of Red Cloud (Makhpiya-luta), this short book tells the story of the struggles of the Lakota and other Plains tribes to maintain their freedom and their way of life in the face of the relentless and violent western expansion of the United States. In particular, it puts into context Red Cloud's choice to lead the Oglala to settle on reservations rather than continue to fight the US Army. Illustrations lost impact in the ebook.

Heartbreaking and an intriguing contrast to some of the other picture book biographies I‘ve read about native leaders from this time period. Red Cloud tries the treaty, diplomacy route, while leaders like Sitting Bull fought to the end. It was a no-win situation for all. The U.S. government was determined to decimate them no matter which route they chose. The art in this was particularly impressive, a wonderful combination of photos and drawings.

I am in love with S. D. Nelson's speculative memoirs of significant Native Americans. Just finished this newest one on Red Cloud, maybe one of the more controversial chiefs in history. I really enjoyed getting his imagined POV, which offered more insight to his reasoning behind the surrender of his tribe than I had previously read. These are great for upper grades of grade school and adults who want a bite-size history on U.S history.