Joseph Medicine Crow (1913–2016)

I was a bit hesitant to read this book at first--judging the book by it's cover, it looked "text-booky". From the very first chapter (after the instructional introduction of how to earn chieftainship by counting coup), however, I was taken in with Medicine Chief's recounting of his birth. "With incense of burning cedar and the singing of scared songs, I came into the world. I was singing, too, but they probably thought I was wailing." Each chapter stands on it's own, vignettes that tell the story of Medicine Chief's childhood as the Crow nation transitioned from their traditional ways to life on a reservation. Written as an elder telling stories from the past is probably what makes this book so appealing to me and, I imagine, to the middle school students that I teach. It doesn't sound academic even though Medicine Chief holds a PhD and is the Crow Tribal Historian (or was--he passed away in April 2016 at 102 years old). His stories engage with his honest feelings and amusing or intriguing anecdotes. What did wouldn't be fascinated to learn that beef liver is sweet and delicious when eaten fresh and hot from the butchering?… (altro)

Summary:
Joseph Medicine Crow writes about his life as a child through adulthood. This book covers the difficult time when Native Americans were adjusting to reservation life. He talks about his education and how it was very hard as a young child, sometimes in predominately white schools. He did end up completing his Master’s degree, the first Crow to do so. This book also covers the time Joseph Medicine Crow spend serving in the Army during WWII. He was the last Crow to become a War Chief by completing the required four tasks.

Personal Response:
There were times when I was a little confused when Joseph talked about his family because it seemed to jump around. Maybe if I read it again it will fall into place. I thought the history from his point of view was fascinating though. The book covers such a complicated time for the Native American people, and this book has such a great perspective on that period.

Curriculum Connections:
This book wouldn’t work for my young K-2 students, but I can definitely see it being a great supplement to a study of the time frame of Joseph’s life for older students. There are so many important historical events that are included in this book!… (altro)