A Boy Called Slow: The True Story of Sitting Bull

A Boy Called Slow, the story of how the legendary Lakota Suix warrior Sitting Bull got his name, is a wonderful example of what a multicultural book should be. Rich in cultural references and cross cultural themes, this book questions what role a name played in Lakota Suix culture, and the age old dichotomy of nature versus nurture. This book explores the question: What is in a name? This story also explores the concept of taking ones life and fate into one's own hands, and realizing your own potential. For a relatively short book, a rather in depth look at Lakota Suix norms and values is presented, and the reader is given the opportunity to learn several Lakota Suix words and phrases. Anyone can relate to having to move beyond their show more past and take on responsibilities, as well as having to prove their worth to themselves and the society that they live in. show less

Nicely written account of the boy who would become Sitting Bull. Story includes good educational content about the Lakota Sioux.

This is the story of Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Lakota leader and a famous historical figure. As a boy (named Jumping Badger at birth) he was nicknamed called "Slow" because of his unhurried nature. In this retelling, "Slow" longs for a name that exemplifies strength and bravery in order to be more like his father whom he admires. This is (relatively) historically accurate and a great introduction to an important historical figure. Sitting Bull is famous for standing up to the United States in its attempt to take away Indian land, separate families and destroy Native culture. Great book for students six - high school. Because this book was written by a Native American it has additional credit to its Trade Book/Informational Book show more classification. show less

Appealing. Focus on the name won at age 14, not the deeds of the adult. But even as a child I would object to the raid on the Crows being referred to as 'protecting the tribe.'

This story was about the childhood of one of our most famous indian warroirs. This was the story of Sitting Bull. As a child he was a late developer and was given the name Slow. Working hard to please his family he became a strong leader and great warrior at a young age. His determination was like no other and his strive for greatness was amazing.
I liked this book, even though this book was for Historial Fiction, but it can also be multicutural because it tells a story about the Native Indian and how they get their names.
I think that to bring this in the classroom would be really good to teach children about different cultures and how they lived.

Story of a native American boy named "Slow". Story shows how the youth and adult get their names. Coming of age and brave act to achieve higher status with tribe. It is a book that is wonderful to share and has the great surprise at end of story, when readers find out that boy becomes Sitting Bull.
Good book to discuss Native Americans, but rights of passage, traditions, culture, age. The artwork in book is really good.

A Boy Called Slow is a story of how the Lakota Chief Sitting Bull received his adult name. The story begins with the mother and father watching their young son’s characteristics so that they could give him a proper name. After extensive studying of their son’s soon to be name they decide to call him slow. Slow is growing older and is determined to earn a new name, this is the only way that his name can change. Throughout his childhood he becomes skilled at riding his horse and is practicing to be a great warrior like his father. Then at the age of fourteen he is allowed to go on his first battle. A decision must be made to continue to fight the Crow or turn back, Slow tells his father they should go. As they wait for on a hill for show more the Crow to come Slow rushes down the hill and his father and the rest of them men follow. He shoots one of the Crow successfully and the Crow seeing the men coming at then flee. Slow’s father is proud and gives him a new name, one that the buffalo has given him, Sitting Bull. show less