Jim Thorpe, Original All-American

Jim Thorpe, Original All-American

by Joseph Bruchac

Jim Thorpe played professional football, major league baseball and won Olympic gold medals in track and field. Born on the Sac and Fox Reservation in 1887, Jim was sent as a young boy to various Indian boarding schools – strict cold places that didn’t allow their students to hold on to their Native American traditions.

Jim ran away from school many times, until he found his calling at Pennsylvania’s Carlisle Schol. There, coach Pop Warner recognized Jim’s athletic excellence and welcomed him onto the football and track teams. Glory followed, as did a surprising disgrace.

But through everything Jim was a person to admire – an engaging, spirited and impressive young man. Told in Jim’s voice, this fictional biography is a rousing, fascinating read about a truly great American.

 

 

 

Published: 10/2/2008 (Walden Media/Dial Books for Young Readers)

Educational Resources

Jim Thorpe, Original All-American

Jim Thorpe, Original All-American

Grades 6 – 8

Educator’s Guide, Character & Values, Reading Excerpts

Reviews

"The novel is a superb blend of fiction and nonfiction, rooted in the author's usual careful research."
Kirkus Reviews
"Relating his feats in matter-of-fact, never boastful tones, Thorpe demonstrates a peaceable, team-minded spirit, a solid work ethic (a persistent reputation to the contrary notwithstanding), and an occasional stubborn streak, but never a trace of bitterness or anger."
Booklist
"A selected bibliography and a peppering of period photographs round out an impressive work of scholarship."
Publisher's Weekly

Meet the Author

A message from Joseph Bruchac

Joseph Bruchac

Author Joseph Bruchac is a story teller in the grand tradition. Drawing from his Native American heritage, he is the author of more than 70 books for adults and children.

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