A Boy Called Slow by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph, and Rocco Baviera. (1994). A Boy Called Slow: The True Story of Sitting Bull. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN: 978-0399-226-922.

Brief plot summary:

This picture biography tells the childhood story of the famous Native American, Sitting Bull. It begins when he is born in 1831 to the family “Returns Again” of the Lakota Sioux. Per tradition, he is given his name according to his behaviors as a baby. Because he is such a cautious, careful boy, he is given the name “Slow.” Also according to tradition, members of the tribe are able to earn a new name if they achieve something great. Slow is determined to do just that. As he grows, he earns respect from his peers and his family through his cautious nature. When he is 14 years old, he decides that it is time to help his father and the other men during a raid of a neighboring tribe. He succeeds during the raid and earns his new name, Sitting Bull (or, Tatan’ka Iyota ‘ke).    

Critical analyses:

Overall impression: Sets the stage for Sitting Bull’s life and legacy.

Bruchac and Baviera together created an authentic depiction of Sitting Bull’s childhood. Bruchac’s words give readers an accurate representation of SItting Bull’s culture and life by using authentic vocabulary (“Some said that the horses were brought by the wasicun, the white man.”), factual names (Four Horns, Returns Again, Lakota Sioux), and factual events. Also, Bruchac incorporated some of the beliefs of the Lakota Sioux people. The story mentions the Creator, Wakan-Tanka, and an important element of the story is the Lakota Sioux’s value of tradition (the naming ceremonies).

Through his illustrations, Baviera complements the narration. He uses paintings, mostly dark (browns, oranges, and blues) to depict the lives of Sitting Bull and his family. His portrayal of the outdoor setting is true to nature and his representations of the people are consistent with historical knowledge of skin tones, facial features, and clothing.   

Review excerpts:

“It is a tale that will intrigue young readers for many reasons, not the least of which involves seeing a fellow youngster triumph over a label that brings with it the taunts and teasing of others.”

--Native Peoples Magazine, 1995

“This picture book coming-of-age story's important message - that success comes through hard work and determination rather than as a right of one's birth -comes through clearly.”

--Horn Book, 1995

Connections (related books, activities, children’s responses, etc.):

Related books: Who Was Sitting Bull?; Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People; Sitting Bull’s Tomahawk; Remember Little Bighorn: Indians, Soldiers, and Scouts Tell Their Stories

Activities: This is just a weird idea that came to mind, but kids could think of names they might have been given by their parents if their names had to be based on their behaviors as babies and maybe give themselves a new, better name based on something good that they have done since.