Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

by Scott O'Dell

Overview

Through the eyes of a brave and in­dependent young woman, Scott O'Dell tells of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce, a classic tale of cruelty, betrayal, and heroism.

This powerful account of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce Indians in 1877 by the United States Army is narrated by Chief Joseph's strong and brave daughter.

When Sound of Running Feet first sees white settlers on Nez Perce land, she vows to fight them. She'll fight all the people trying to steal her people's land and to force them onto a reservation, includ­ing the soldiers with their guns.

But if to fight means only to die, never win, is the fight worth it? When will the killing stop?

Like the author's Newbery Medal-winning classic Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O'Dell's Thunder Rolling in the Mountains is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547406282
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/13/2010
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Scott O’Dell (1898–1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The economical and graceful narrative of a memorable story is a fitting capstone to the long career of this most distinguished creator of historical fiction." Horn Book Guide

Editorial Reviews

"The economical and graceful narrative of a memorable story is a fitting capstone to the long career of this most distinguished creator of historical fiction." — The Horn Book

From the Publisher

At the request of the late Newbery medalist O'Dell ( Island of the Blue Dolphins ), his widow, Hall, collaborated on this story about Sound of Running Feet, the daughter of Chief Joseph of the Ne-mee-po, or Nez Perce Indians. Sound of Running Feet narrates the betrayal of her people, their flight, last battles and final surrender. In typical O'Dell fashion, the novel serves up a generous helping of historical fact and general information about the Ne-mee-po and their way of life. Unfortunately, a formal and reserved tone (``I had loved him for a long time, for as many moons as there were stars'') keep the reader at arm's length from the characters, which in turn does little to amplify or personalize their plight. Readers may find that the novel's choicest parts are those trimmed closest to the factual bone--though topping Chief Joseph's ``Hear me, my chiefs'' speech will prove difficult, this work may encourage youngsters to sample some of its source material. Ages 10-14. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Gr 5-8-- A poignant story as told by Sound of Running Feet, the daughter of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce people. In her clear, unflinching voice, she tells of the long, tearful, bloody trail that her people were forced to follow from their beloved home in Wallowa Valley, Oregon, to their final confrontation with the American soldiers at the Bear Paw Mountains in Montana. There, in now famous words, `` `. . . From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever,' '' Chief Joseph surrenders on behalf of his once proud warriors who are cold, surrounded, and outnumbered. As stated in the foreword written by O'Dell's wife, who finished the book after his death, many of the people, events, and even words used in the story are based on historical record. Other characters and events are fictionalized or composites. Most notable among them is Swan Necklace, who is initially a pacifist but who becomes enraged as he witnesses the oppression and injustice his people suffer at the hands of the soldiers. The story's effectiveness is weakened, however, by the unnecessary and sometimes jarring romance story line between Sound of Running Feet and Swan Necklace. Despite this flaw, this is an admirable final addition to O'Dell's legacy of powerful novels. --Jane Marino, White Plains Public Library, NY

School Library Journal

This tragic chapter of American history was researched by O'Dell and his wife, Elizabeth Hall. The story centers around the Nez Perce's exodus from their beloved home in Idaho. The story of Chief Joseph's tribe ("I will fight no more forever") is seen through the eyes of his daughter and is told in the first person. Narrator Linda Stephens perfectly recreates the varied reactions to this atrocity carried out by the U.S. government. Stephens brings pain, sympathy and enlightenment to her delivery. Although intended for a young audience, all ages will learn from this well-researched account of a dark moment we all must remember. S.G.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

JUN 96 - AudioFile