A Boy Called Slow (Module 4)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruchac, Joseph. 1994. A Boy Called Slow: The True Story of Sitting Bull. Rocco Baviera, illus. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN: 9780613073875
2. PLOT SUMMARY

In the Hunkpapa band of the Lakota Sioux, a little boy was given the name Slow because he always moved at such a slow pace. He had to earn a new name through a vision or brave act. During a battle against the Crow, he earned a new name for his bravery—Sitting Bull.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bruchac not only tells the story of Sitting Bull's youth in this picture book, but he also takes the time to explain part of the culture of the Lakota Sioux. He lays out in detail how names are given through observing the child and then changed as a new name is earned through an act of bravery or a vision. The book also gives details about the folklore on how horses came to be a part of their lives. The importance of family and its influence and teachings to the children on subjects like generosity and bravery cannot be missed.

The illustrations from Rocco Baviera are beautiful and full of emotion. They are full of muted colors with moments of brightness, often brought in by the light of the sun or fire. The illustrations depict the people without drawing a lot of detail and often from the profile as is appropriate for this culture. The jacket biography of Baviera shares how he went to the Dakotas to do research and was able to meet Sitting Bull's great-great-grandson, Isaac Dog Eagle. This shows his desire to create accurate and sensitive illustrations that would honor the Lakota Sioux and the story of Sitting Bull.

In this coming of age biography, Bruchac has given a window into how a boy becomes a hero to a nation. Although not all children can relate to the details of the ways names are given, they should all be able to relate to wanting to grow up and be taken more seriously. It is an excellent window into the culture through its text and illustrations.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Booklist: "Bruchac's sensitively told history of Sitting Bull's coming-of-age reassures young boys that success comes through effort, not birth.”
• School Library Journal: An inspiring story.
• Publisher's Weekly: Satisfying for its attention to historical and multicultural issues; stirring in its consummate storytelling.

5. CONNECTIONS

• Joseph Bruchac has an interesting website that includes a biography, audio of him reading some poetry, and a video of him singing a song. Use this as a jumping off place for an author study.
• Research Sitting Bull further. Look for historical narratives from multiple perspectives and have students analyze how who is telling the history makes a difference in how it is told.
• Behind the Name has an article about naming which includes some different cultures and how names are given. Encourage students to go home and ask how their own names were selected. Then, how each student report back on what s/he found out.
• Other Native American picture books based on historical events:
  
  
  Kawai'ae'a, Kekauleleana'ole. Kohala Kuamo'o: Nae'ole's Race to Save a King. ISBN: 9780873362320.
  
  
  Ortiz, Simon. The People Shall Continue. ISBN: 9780892391257.
  
  
  Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom. ISBN: 9781933693200.