Heroes of Native American History

Osceloa - born Billy Powell - was the son of an English trader and a Creek woman. Although not Seminole by birth, he was adopted into their tribe as a child when he and his mother moved to Florida to escape the fighting of the Creek Wars. As an adult, Osceola (his Seminole name) fought to help his people keep control of their ancestral homeland. Vivid photographs augment the age-appropriate text to bring the story of this Native American hero to life for young readers.

Red Cloud distinguished himself early on as a brave and skilled warrior. In his youth, he joined his people, the Oglala Sioux, in fighting nearby Crow and Pawnee groups. When the United States government created the Bozeman Trail - a shortcut to the Oregon Trail that led directly through Sioux hunting grounds - Red Cloud embarked on a prolonged campaign against the government. He is the only Native American in history to win a war against the US Army. The engaging main text, enhanced by historical black-and-white photographs, gives young students a glimpse into this extraordinary hero's life.

Shawnee chief Tecumseh was a brilliant orator who spent most of his life traveling around the country, convincing other Native Americans to form an alliance against the European colonizers. With his brother, who was known as the Prophet, Tecumseh formed a religious and political movement that gained steam until he was killed during the War of 1812. When he died, the resistance died with him. Historical photographs augment the accessible main text to present young readers with a picture of Tecumseh's life and the remarkable feats he accomplished for his people.

To this day, Sitting Bull is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his people, the Lakota Sioux. Renowned for his bravery, Sitting Bull distinguished himself as a great warrior from an early age. He was also a spiritual leader to his people, and his visions gave them strength and hope. Historical black-and-white photographs bring the life story of this remarkable hero to life for young readers. A list of books and websites also provides a jumping-off point for further research.

Geronimo - born Goyathlay - was a Chiricuaha Apache who fought for his people for more than 30 years. His determination to keep the Apache freely living in their ancestral homeland made him the last Native American to surrender to the United States government. Although he did not succeed in his aim of retaining his people's land, Geronimo was hailed as a hero by the Apache. Today, his bravery is remembered even by non-Natives. Historical black-and-white photographs, alongside accessible text, give young readers a glimpse into the life of this incredible freedom fighter.

Red Jacket belonged to the Seneca Nation, which was part of the Iroquois Confederacy. At birth, he was given the name Otetiani. His English name came from the red coat the British gave him when he served as their messenger in the American Revolution. Although Red Jacket did not distinguish himself in battle, he used his skill as an orator to speak up about the problems the Seneca and other groups were facing. This volume, enhanced by historical black-and-white photographs, introduces young readers to a Native American hero who never stopped speaking up for his people.