Navajo Long Walk

January 1, 1995
Gr 5-8-This ill-conceived, fictionalized account of the Navajos' 300-mile walk from Arizona to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, where they were confined until a treaty was signed and a portion of their homeland was returned to them, is laden with relentless proselytizing. The grandmother, called Wise One, is the constant voice of accommodation and Kee, the young hero, is touched by the remarkably kind treatment he receives from Colonel Kit Carson's soldiers. The boy's concluding words, ""The more we know of the white man's ways the better it will be for our tribe,"" epitomize the heavy-handed message that is pounded home on page after page. The premise for this book is deeply flawed. The Navajos remember the Long Walk as the darkest period in their history and historical accounts are replete with atrocities, sickness, and starvation. Over half of the people in captivity died. Insensitivity to the realities of Navajo history and stilted dialogue combine to make this title a poor choice. A far better alternative is Navajo Stories of the Long Walk Period (Navajo Community College, 1973; o.p.).-Colleen McDougall, Kayenta Boarding School, AZ