Jim Thorpe's Bright Path

May 1, 2004
New titles give informed views of talented Native American figures. Jim Thorpe's Bright Path by Joseph Bruchac, illus. by S.D. Nelson, is a historical picture-book portrayal of the legendary Olympian and all-American athlete. Bouncing between boarding schools, young Jim never finds academics as compelling as sports. Yet despite the deaths of his twin brother, mother and father over an eight-year period, Thorpe thrives at Carlisle Indian School, his feats there just the beginning of a life filled with athletic success. An author's note and timeline highlight important events in Thorpe's adulthood.

June 1, 2004
Gr 1-4-Thorpe, who was named "Wa-tho-huck," or "Bright Path," by his Pottowatomie mother, spent a childhood marked by remarkable physical prowess until he was sent to an Indian boarding school at age six. He lost his twin brother (pneumonia), his mother ("sudden illness"), and his father (snakebite), but persevered, finally proving himself on the Carlisle Indian School football field in his teens. Bruchac ends this picture-book biography here. He sticks to the facts, occasionally employing bits of dialogue. He includes details about the unfair treatment of Native Americans, such as the mandatory Indian boarding schools that had unsanitary living conditions and educated students only to be maids and laborers. The theme of overcoming personal and societal obstacles to reach success is strongly expressed. The author keeps his subject linked to his heritage; for example, referring to Thorpe's speed and endurance as skills that had enabled his American Indian ancestors to provide for their families. Unfortunately, Nelson's acrylic illustrations are not as successful as the writing. The human bodies are stiff, with hands and feet that would be at home on wooden marionettes. Athletes appear frozen rather than moving fluidly. An author's note and a chronology, both illustrated with small black-and-white photos, sketch the rest of Thorpe's life.-Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library, MA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2004
Gr. 2-3. In 1999 the U.S. Congress recognized Thorpe as "Athlete of the Century," a marvelous achievement for anyone, let alone a Native American kid born in a log cabin. But Thorpe had much going for him: determination, confidence, amazing athletic ability, and a father who insisted that he learn English to protect himself from unscrupulous men who took advantage of Indians. In a straightforward style, Bruchac summarizes Thorpe's youth, concluding at the start of his football career at Carlisle Indian School. Events in Thorpe's later life (e.g., his dramatic Olympic success) are relegated to a time line at the back of the book--which, unfortunately, many kids may miss. Nelson's thickly painted artwork is appropriately muscular and energetic, but aside from a few somber pictures related to the deaths of Thorpe's twin brother and parents, the dominant image is one of a generally happy youth who apparently made the best of whatever came his way. Inspirational and respectful, yes, but there's not much depth behind the smiling facade. Prepare for some questions about Indian boarding schools.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)