Navajo Long Walk

by Nancy M. Armstrong, Paulette Livers Lambert (Illustrator)

Overview

Navajo Long Walk is the story of Kee, a young boy who traveled this long, arduous route with his mother, grandmother, sister and what few domestic animals they could bring. Over the four-year period, Kee learns to adapt to his inhospitable surroundings. Ultimately, Kee realizes the frailty of his people in the presence of the white soldiers and that to survive, they must find a way to get along with the white man.
Ages 9-12

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781879373563
Publisher:	Rinehart, Roberts Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	07/01/1994
Series:	Council for Indian Education Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	643,699
Product dimensions:	5.56(w) x 8.91(h) x 0.39(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Nancy M. Armstrong was born in Yorkshire, England and emigrated to Utah in 1910. She has pblished over 400 articles and stories.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 5-8-This ill-conceived, fictionalized account of the Navajos' 300-mile walk from Arizona to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, where they were confined until a treaty was signed and a portion of their homeland was returned to them, is laden with relentless proselytizing. The grandmother, called Wise One, is the constant voice of accommodation and Kee, the young hero, is touched by the remarkably kind treatment he receives from Colonel Kit Carson's soldiers. The boy's concluding words, ``The more we know of the white man's ways the better it will be for our tribe,'' epitomize the heavy-handed message that is pounded home on page after page. The premise for this book is deeply flawed. The Navajos remember the Long Walk as the darkest period in their history and historical accounts are replete with atrocities, sickness, and starvation. Over half of the people in captivity died. Insensitivity to the realities of Navajo history and stilted dialogue combine to make this title a poor choice. A far better alternative is Navajo Stories of the Long Walk Period (Navajo Community College, 1973; o.p.).-Colleen McDougall, Kayenta Boarding School, AZ

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