Jim Thorpe: Original All-American

By Joseph Bruchac

Book Overview

Discover the incredible life of Jim Thorpe, an iconic American legend and one of the greatest athletes who ever lived.

"A superb blend of fiction and non-fiction, rooted in the author's usual careful research."--Kirkus Reviews

Jim Thorpe played professional football and major league baseball, and won Olympic gold medals in track and field. He'll be forever revered by the sports community and by his Native American community. 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 School. 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 is a rousing, fascinating read about a truly great American.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0142412333
• ISBN13: 9780142412336
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Speak
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Great Book!

This book is written at a junior high level, but the topic and writing are captivating for adults to read as well as kids at the junior high level. Unlike other books about Jim Thorpe, this book takes the reader on a journey through what every day life could have been like for Jim Thorpe from childhood through his early adulthood. Jim Thorpe is a great role model for everyone, and this book is a great introduction to his life.