Module 4. Book 1 Joseph Bruchac

A. Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph.1994. A boy called slow. Illustrated by Rocco Baviera. New York,NY: Philomel Books. ISBN: 0399226923.

B. Plot Summary
A boy born to the Hunkpapa band of the Lakota earns his name and grows to be a great man.

C. Critical Analysis (including cultural markers).

There are many culture markers within the somber but eye catching illustrations in this book. The traditional clothing , such as the dresses worn by the women of the Hunkpapa band of the Lakota Sioux can be seen in the shadowy, atmospheric oil paintings used for the illustrations. The hair styles are also visible and a general, very real, atmosphere of a Lakota dwelling place emerges as the book progresses. A glowing, purple illustration showing the fire lit tipis in the night is just one of the many illustrations that creates a very real sense of place.

The language patterns,names, and customs in the book help the reader identify a very specific culture. Words from the Lakota language are used throughout the book in a natural way that flows with the story so that little extra translation is needed. The reader learns many expressions such as U we!, come here quickly! and Upelo! They are coming! and Oh-Hey, a cry of triumph.

Since the story is about how a boy,originally named Slow because of his deliberate ways, got his adult name, names are frequently high lighted. For example, Slow's fathers name is Returns Again. Slow's Uncle is named Four Horns. The process of acquiring a name through visions or brave deeds is very important in the Lakota culture of the 1830's. Bruchac makes it clear that childhood names such as Curly or Hungry Mouth are only kept until a boy proves himself and can earn another name.
Boys and men can earn their names by participating in war parties. The preparations for rides against the Crow Indians are described in great detail. The men put on their best clothing, uncover their war shields and take out their coup sticks and lances. They mark their faces and their horses. These descriptions, as well as stories told by Four Horns add to the excitement and authenticity of the book. Four Horns, Slow's uncle, tells the story of how the creator Wakan-Tanka sent the Spirit Dog (Horse) or the Shoon-Ton'Kah to the Lakota people.

Bruchac adds new depth to our understanding of Lakota culture by exploring history and culture in a nuanced and complete way. He overturns many of the stereotypes by simply telling a real story without the use of stilted speech or cliched language. A Boy Called Slow is an excellent addition to any library because of the care that Bruchac took with his story.

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D. Review Excerpts

Publisher's Weekly:"Satisfying for its attention to historical and multicultural issues; stirring in its consummate storytelling."

School Library Journal:
This book works beautifully as historical fiction.

Horn Book:
"A sensitive and respectful coming-of-age story that explains how a boy called Slow becomes a great warrior, performing a brave deed that earns him the special name of Sitting Bull."


E. Connections

Readers might enjoy other coming of age stories about historical figures.
Bruchac,Joseph.Crazy Horse's Vision. ISBN: :9781880000946
Nelson, S.D. Gift Horse.ISBN: 9780810941274
Gobel,Paul. Crow Chief: A Plains Indian story. ISBN: 9780531085479