Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Book Review of Naya Nuki

Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran, by Kenneth Thomasma  

4 stars 

Description: Shoshoni girls Naya Nuki and Sacajawea live in an Indian village in Montana. The Shoshoni are a strong and brave tribe, but as they travel to the prairie to hunt buffalo, their trip is overshadowed by one terrifying fear: the Minnetare tribe. The Minnetare have a history of attacking the Shoshoni, killing warriors and taking prisoners.  With every step toward the prairie, the risk of enemy attack grows stronger, but it is a risk that will have to be faced – if Naya Nuki’s people don’t get buffalo, they will starve. One fateful day, their fear becomes reality as scouts gallop into camp with the horrifying news: the enemy is near. Naya Nuki, Sacajawea, and others are taken captive and find themselves forced to walk the one thousand miles to the Minnetare village in North Dakota. Every day, escape grows in Naya Nuki’s mind… but the penalty for an attempted escape is death. Will Naya Nuki survive not only the imminent Minnetare chase, but also the dangers of traveling so far in the wildness alone?

Concerns: As a story about Indians, the book contains Indian traditions that are sometimes less than scenic, as well as references to the “Great Spirit”.

Summary:  Naya Nuki is a brave eleven year-old whose wildness survival savvy is remarkable. Travel with her as she battles the challenges of the wild including an encounter with a fierce grizzly, the relentless pursuit of the Minnetare, and a near-fatal buffalo stampede. This extraordinary story has excitement and suspense throughout and combined with the courage and wit of Naya Nuki, it is no less than exceptional.

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