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With One Sky Above Us: The Story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians
The Story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians
CHIEF JOSEPH'S BAND of Nez Perce Indians lived in Oregon's green and beautiful Wallowa Valley. His people loved their ancient home; they were grateful for their land and everything that lived on it. As one Nez Perce warrior said, "I belong to the land out of which I came. The earth is my mother." But when whites began to settle in Nez Perce country, Joseph knew that his homeland and the ways of his tribe were in danger. He vowed to his dying father that he would guard his "beautiful valley of winding waters" with his life. Learn how Chief Joseph led his people in their heroic fight for freedom. And find out if he kept the sacred promise he had made to his father and to the Nez Perce families he'd sworn to protect.
CHIEF JOSEPH'S BAND of Nez Perce Indians lived in Oregon's green and beautiful Wallowa Valley. His people loved their ancient home; they were grateful for their land and everything that lived on it. As one Nez Perce warrior said, "I belong to the land out of which I came. The earth is my mother." But when whites began to settle in Nez Perce country, Joseph knew that his homeland and the ways of his tribe were in danger. He vowed to his dying father that he would guard his "beautiful valley of winding waters" with his life. Learn how Chief Joseph led his people in their heroic fight for freedom. And find out if he kept the sacred promise he had made to his father and to the Nez Perce families he'd sworn to protect.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 16, 2023
Nancy Plain’s award winning book “With One Sky Above Us” is a YA biography about Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians. The story recounts how Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians fought to keep their homeland. It explores the Indians’ history and recounts their remarkable flight toward freedom during the 1877 Nez Perce War.
While an informative read, "With One Sky Above Us" under the deft hands of Nancy Plain it becomes a touching tribute to a great historical figure. Her poignant, well crafted words draw you into the story. As the reader you can feel Joseph’s heavy heart as he was forced to make painful decisions for his tribe, and the anger when treaty promises were broken. I could not help but feel a sense of sadness for the Nez Perce tribe being chased out of their homeland. I so admired their grit, courage and tenacious spirit.
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce (1840-1904) was known to his people as "Thunder Traveling to the Loftier Mountain Heights." Chief Joseph’s Band of Nez Perce Indians lived in Oregon’s green and beautiful Wallowa Valley. They were horse people and fearless riders. But when whites began to settle in Nez Perce country, Joseph knew that his homeland and the ways of his tribe, the Wallowa band, were in jeopardy. He vowed to his dying father that he would guard his “beautiful valley of winding waters” with his life.
Young Joseph was a thoughtful and serious leader who was filled with spirit and passion to protect his people and keep their rightful homeland. He led his people in an attempt to resist the takeover of their lands in the Oregon Territory by white settlers. In 1877, the Nez Perce were ordered to move to a reservation in Idaho. Chief Joseph agreed at first. But after members of his tribe killed a group of settlers, he tried to flee to Canada with his followers, traveling over 1,500 miles through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Along the way, they fought several battles with the pursuing U.S. Army. One of the most memorable speeches in American history made by Chief Joseph is when on Oct. 5, 1877, he finally surrendered. His speech spoke of freedom and equality for all people. Joseph’s words were touching, filled with an air of resignation and sadness. Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.
It's no easy feat and certainly, one to be admired when an author can condense such a remarkable inspiring story to just 75 pages and still not compromise on important details and the historical impact. I would only hope this invaluable resource "With One Sky Above Us" would be readily available in schools and libraries for young people. Although written for the YA market it certainly should not be overlooked by adult readers.
While an informative read, "With One Sky Above Us" under the deft hands of Nancy Plain it becomes a touching tribute to a great historical figure. Her poignant, well crafted words draw you into the story. As the reader you can feel Joseph’s heavy heart as he was forced to make painful decisions for his tribe, and the anger when treaty promises were broken. I could not help but feel a sense of sadness for the Nez Perce tribe being chased out of their homeland. I so admired their grit, courage and tenacious spirit.
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce (1840-1904) was known to his people as "Thunder Traveling to the Loftier Mountain Heights." Chief Joseph’s Band of Nez Perce Indians lived in Oregon’s green and beautiful Wallowa Valley. They were horse people and fearless riders. But when whites began to settle in Nez Perce country, Joseph knew that his homeland and the ways of his tribe, the Wallowa band, were in jeopardy. He vowed to his dying father that he would guard his “beautiful valley of winding waters” with his life.
Young Joseph was a thoughtful and serious leader who was filled with spirit and passion to protect his people and keep their rightful homeland. He led his people in an attempt to resist the takeover of their lands in the Oregon Territory by white settlers. In 1877, the Nez Perce were ordered to move to a reservation in Idaho. Chief Joseph agreed at first. But after members of his tribe killed a group of settlers, he tried to flee to Canada with his followers, traveling over 1,500 miles through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Along the way, they fought several battles with the pursuing U.S. Army. One of the most memorable speeches in American history made by Chief Joseph is when on Oct. 5, 1877, he finally surrendered. His speech spoke of freedom and equality for all people. Joseph’s words were touching, filled with an air of resignation and sadness. Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.
It's no easy feat and certainly, one to be admired when an author can condense such a remarkable inspiring story to just 75 pages and still not compromise on important details and the historical impact. I would only hope this invaluable resource "With One Sky Above Us" would be readily available in schools and libraries for young people. Although written for the YA market it certainly should not be overlooked by adult readers.
July 16, 2023
This story takes place in the Wallowa Valley of Oregon where Chief Joseph and his group of Nez Peace people lived. He made a promise to his father and throughout the story the reader follows his quest to keep that promise to his father. I won't spoil the book for you by revealing if that promise was kept or not. I loved how this book detailed the history of this group of. people and their perseverance during the many trials that they faced.
Author Nancy Plain is a gifted author who really can share a story about a historical figure that many of us have no knowledge of. Even though this book is written for young readers, it is a great book for anyone who wants to learn a bit more about a very interesting person in the history of our country.
Author Nancy Plain is a gifted author who really can share a story about a historical figure that many of us have no knowledge of. Even though this book is written for young readers, it is a great book for anyone who wants to learn a bit more about a very interesting person in the history of our country.
June 14, 2017
I requested this book from another college's library and only once I received it did I realize this is a book for young readers, middle school perhaps. Since I had it I thought I'd read it. It was a great synopsis of Chief Joseph's life but it's a slim read. Done in an hour.
June 10, 2023
Nancy Plain makes you feel you are living in the same era as the Nez Perce Indians. Chief Joseph vowed to his dying father we could guard his beautiful valley with his life. He led his people in a heroic fight for freedom. Pick up a copy to see if he kept his promise.
March 15, 2019
Read Harder 2019: A children's or middle grade book (not YA) that has won a diversity award since 2009.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews