Jim Thorpe: Original All-American

by Joseph Bruchac Narrated by Joseph Bruchac

Overview

Jim Thorpe was one of the greatest athletes who ever lived. He played professional football, Major League Baseball, and won Olympic gold medals in track and field. He'll forever be remembered by the sports community and by his Native American community, who consider him a hero on par with Crazy Horse.

Born on the Sac and Fox Reservation in 1887. Jim was sent as a young boy to various Indian boarding schools strict, cold places that didn't allow their students to hold on to their Native American traditions. Jim ran away from school many times, until he found his calling at Pennsylvania's Carlisle School. There, coach Pop Warner (who is as famous today as Thorpe himself) recognized Jim's athletic excellence and welcomed him onto the football and track teams. Glory followed, as did surprising disgrace. But through everything, Jim was a person to admire-an engaging, spirited, and impressive young man.

Editorial Reviews

APR/MAY 08 - AudioFile

Well known for his extensive body of work on Native American legends and history, author Bruchac skillfully narrates his biography of the early years of one of the world’s greatest athletes. Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Indian from Oklahoma, is sent unwillingly to boarding school at an early age and forced to assimilate into white culture. He finally comes into his own when he meets up with Pop Warner, legendary coach at Pennsylvania’s Carlisle Indian School. Bruchac’s subdued, mellow tone captures Thorpe’s shyness. Bruchac conveys Thorpe’s earnest innocence and pain as he endures the death of both parents and confronts racism in his career. Bruchac’s sympathetic narration creates a character of humility, dignity, and respect. Young listeners should find this story inspiring. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171931216
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	11/06/2007
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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