Stephen Feinstein

Summary of the Book

Geronimo was an Apache Indian born in 1823. The Apache lived from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. He learned to take care of crops, hunt, and ride horses. He became a warrior at 17 the same age as when he got married. In 1850 Mexican soldiers attacked his village and killed most of the people in his village including his wife, mother, and 3 young children. He sought revenge. He was a great warrior and soon had to battle settlers and U.S. Forces as well. They were there to take over their land and move Indians to the reservations. They fought back but had no choice but to surrender in 1886. He died on Fort Sill in 1909. He fought bravely for his people.

Personal Reaction to the Book
This was a great biography covering an amazing Indian Warrior. I was saddened by the loss of his children and could see why he would of become angry. The Native American Genocide is the largest in human history but is the least taught. These types of books are important to remember the history of our country. I enjoyed this read.

Classroom Extension Ideas
1. In the classroom, Have students write a paragraph about what their reaction would of been if they were in Geronimo's shoes and they had lost their family.
2. In the classroom, Read book aloud to students and take a field trip to see where Geronimo was held and passed away. You could also see his grave while on Fort Sill.… (more)

By the time we begin teaching, our students will be seeing the 1990's as a time in history, as opposed to a recent decade. This book shows young people through real pictures and kid friendly explanations just how much went on during this decade. The book focuses a lot on the political climate of the world at the time, such as Bill Clinton being elected, the destruction of the Soviet Union, the end of the Aparthied, as well as other trends going on during the time such as the massive increase in computer and cellphone owners, music and fashion trends, Y2K survivalists, and other aspects that defined that period. I think this book was really good way of introducing a decade that really did bring about a lot of change, and really impacted the the decades following. The pictures are scattered throughout in a way that makes children feel as if they are reading a picture book as opposed to a more informational type of text.… (more)