Review: A BOY CALLED SLOW by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph. 1994. A boy called Slow. Ill. by Rocco Baviera. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399226923.

PLOT SUMMARY:
Bruchac tells the story of how a Lakota boy named Slow became the man known as Sitting Bull through his bravery and determination.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The meaning and earning of a name is the driving force behind this tale. Bruchac emphasizes that theme throughout the book. Although the idea that Slow must somehow earn a new name may seem unusual to many readers, the author effectively impresses the importance of this tradition. Other cultural markers found within the text include the occasional inclusion of Lakota words. Most of these words are followed by literal translations. Although this might seem redundant if I was familiar with the language, as it is, I found the translations to be helpful. They did not distract me from the story at all. Another sign of cultural authenticity is that the author is careful to identify the individual groups of American Indians found in the story. Slow is identified not only as part of the Lakota Sioux, but also as part of the Hunkpapa band.

The dark, textured illustrations by Baviera created a somber mood throughout the story. While the paintings are beautiful and rich, they did not always seem to support the mood of the text. For example, while the text is describing the joy of Slow’s parents at his birth, the accompanying illustration is dominated by a muddy yellow sky. In addition, on that particular spread, the black text overlaid on the yellow sky is difficult to read. However, for the most part, the solemn and expressive illustrations support the impression of Slow’s steady, determined character.

REVIEWS:
Student Library Journal: “The illustrations, oils that are rich and somber, convey details of traditional Lakota life, from the warm, close interiors of the family home to a pre-dawn assembly of warriors about to raid their Crow neighbors. The text creates an equally subtle portrayal of Plains Indian life. Many stereotypes of Native American culture are gently corrected, as when the author acknowledges that "women are the heart of the nation."

CONNECTIONS:

This book can be read aloud to students when learning about Sitting Bull. Learning about the childhood of this historical figure will excite students’ interest and perhaps encourage them to do their own research.