Buffalo Bird Girl: Growing Up Hidatsa on the Great Plains in the 19th Century

My 7 year old and I have been enjoying this story as a companion to another one we're reading about the same geographical area & time period (D'Aulaire's Buffalo Bill). I hoped this would help balance the telling of history and I think it helped to accomplish that. Love the illustrations, photos, story, anecdotes, and additional reading, citations, and timeline in the back.

Thought this would be more a kids book, and I'd say it could be, but it gave a lot of historical information about the time period and Buffalo Bird Girl that was appreciated by this adult. :)

I have all of S.D. Nelson's children's books, but this is one of his best. For those who enjoyed his "Black Elk's Vision," Nelson continues to both teach and delight the eyes with his many-layered illustrations. In "Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story" he achieves a depth of color and texture in his illustrations similar to the richness of "Dance in a Buffalo Skull." The history on which the book is based can be seen in photographs from North Dakota Hidatsa/Mandan sites and archives, showing the daily life and chores of native American women. Nelson also includes his pencil drawings, which lend an extra dimension to his storytelling. The text moves the story along simply and elegantly. Readers will see that Nelson's world view - all creatures and living things are sacred and deserve respect - is evident on every page. It is the sign of sophistication when an author can say a great deal in a single image, such as the final page where two sisters are 'singing up' shoots of corn. Nelson has two daughters, and "Buffalo Bird Girl" is dedicated to one of them. The book is crafted beautifully from end pages to the notes, indexes, and references at the back. A lovely book for young readers.

This is an enjoyable historical story.

This beautiful chronicle illuminates a challenging period in our history and celebrates the creativity and persistence of a strong woman and her culture. Not to be missed!

Beautiful illustrations and good story.

Gave to our granddaughter for Christmas & she tells us she enjoyed it very much.

It was a gift to two little girls and they love it!

Great book. Love the story.