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Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills
48 pages, Hardcover
Published July 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 4, 2025
Donna Janell Bowman (Lincoln’s Dueling Words, Step Right Up…) teams up with co-author Billy Mills and illustrator S.D. Nelson, both from similar indigenous backgrounds, to bring an autobiographical look at the life of an Olympian who overcame poverty, racial bias and potentially life-threatening health concerns to achieve his dream. Billy’s early life is covered enough to establish strong family support, especially in his father, but focuses on his college and post college milemarkers in his quest to medal in long distance running events at the Olympics. Throughout, traditions of Mills’ Lakota tribe are sprinkled in, further explaining his strong work ethic and later philanthropic endeavors. Mention is made of Jim Crow laws, discrimination in housing and training equipment available to him but the determination Billy displayed at every metaphorical turn or obstacle placed in his way. Illustrations by Nelson incorporate techniques used in his indigenous culture. Back matter elaborates on health challenges, discrimination and post Olympic efforts to give back to his indigenous community. Also included are author and illustrator notes, an extensive timeline that adds events in the athlete’s life not covered in the primary text. Also included are source notes and suggested reading on the subject of Billy Mills’ life and related topics.
Thank you, Donna Bowman and Little, Brown Books, for providing and signing a book at the 2025 Texas Library Association annual conference.
Thank you, Donna Bowman and Little, Brown Books, for providing and signing a book at the 2025 Texas Library Association annual conference.
February 15, 2025
Continuing the read of Sibert medals. This was an autobiographic children's picture book of someone I had not heard of. The art was serviceable but with some quite nice pages. The writing was quite readable. We see some of Billy Mill's entire life. We also get a glimpse of the wider world of the time. A pretty good afterword as well including reference that the olympic clip of him winning the 10,000 meters was easily findable (and worth watching).
May 6, 2025
Purchased as a gift for some running friends with an impending newborn, and had to read it before I wrapped it (don’t judge you do it too)!
Good art, and a powerful story about an incredible person. I deeply appreciate that Mills and his coauthor believe, and demonstrate, that children can hear and understand about injustice and struggle and that there’s real value in that, in addition to and in support of telling a wonderful story of achieving your dreams and giving back to your community. Great stuff.
Billy Mills is one of the greats, and if you’ve never watched the 1964 Olympic 10k, it’s on YouTube, you can find it. “Look at Mills” is one of the best sports calls in history!
Good art, and a powerful story about an incredible person. I deeply appreciate that Mills and his coauthor believe, and demonstrate, that children can hear and understand about injustice and struggle and that there’s real value in that, in addition to and in support of telling a wonderful story of achieving your dreams and giving back to your community. Great stuff.
Billy Mills is one of the greats, and if you’ve never watched the 1964 Olympic 10k, it’s on YouTube, you can find it. “Look at Mills” is one of the best sports calls in history!
February 26, 2025
2025 Sibert Honor Book
Prejudice and oppression, bullying and exclusion, poverty, racism and serious health issues all plagued Billy Mills. Billy, 3rd youngest of 12 siblings, was nine when his mother died. His father told him, “You have broken wing, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.“ when his father also dies Billy, and four of his siblings are still very young and their older sibling. Sid and Margie helped to keep them all together, but each of them had to work to live. These were the days of the Jim Crow rules and Brown skin boys did not have options for jobs for schooling. He went to the Haskell Institute in Kansas, which was a boarding school for many indigenous students. It was there that he began to run didn’t make the team the first year so he tried harder and trained all summer and made the team when he went back to school was the first of many disappointments and challenges that Billy was determined to beat and he came out with a dream a dream to win the Olympic 10,000 m race which no American had ever won. There were many obstacles in his path, but he persevered trained he married he joined the Marines and convinced the Marines to support him and his bid to run in the Olympics. He failed to make the 1960 team but did make it to the 1964 Olympics where he won a record-breaking gold medal in the 10,000 m race. He also placed 14th in the marathon in that same Olympics. Billy Mills and Jim Thorpe were the only indigenous athletes to win a gold medal in a track and field event at the Olympics when this book was published. In 1986 he cofounded a charitable organization, running strong for American Indian youth as his lifelong giveaway, giving back to his gala Lakota tribe, which are part of the Sioux nation. He has spent his entire life working to help other disadvantaged people in a world filled with prejudice.
In addition to the beautiful artwork of S. D. Nelson and the text by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman, both authors and the illustrator provide additional information on Billy Mills. There is a page of key dates and select achievements, as well as a list of selected sources for further information.
Prejudice and oppression, bullying and exclusion, poverty, racism and serious health issues all plagued Billy Mills. Billy, 3rd youngest of 12 siblings, was nine when his mother died. His father told him, “You have broken wing, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.“ when his father also dies Billy, and four of his siblings are still very young and their older sibling. Sid and Margie helped to keep them all together, but each of them had to work to live. These were the days of the Jim Crow rules and Brown skin boys did not have options for jobs for schooling. He went to the Haskell Institute in Kansas, which was a boarding school for many indigenous students. It was there that he began to run didn’t make the team the first year so he tried harder and trained all summer and made the team when he went back to school was the first of many disappointments and challenges that Billy was determined to beat and he came out with a dream a dream to win the Olympic 10,000 m race which no American had ever won. There were many obstacles in his path, but he persevered trained he married he joined the Marines and convinced the Marines to support him and his bid to run in the Olympics. He failed to make the 1960 team but did make it to the 1964 Olympics where he won a record-breaking gold medal in the 10,000 m race. He also placed 14th in the marathon in that same Olympics. Billy Mills and Jim Thorpe were the only indigenous athletes to win a gold medal in a track and field event at the Olympics when this book was published. In 1986 he cofounded a charitable organization, running strong for American Indian youth as his lifelong giveaway, giving back to his gala Lakota tribe, which are part of the Sioux nation. He has spent his entire life working to help other disadvantaged people in a world filled with prejudice.
In addition to the beautiful artwork of S. D. Nelson and the text by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman, both authors and the illustrator provide additional information on Billy Mills. There is a page of key dates and select achievements, as well as a list of selected sources for further information.
August 14, 2024
In 2024 Hackett Book Group released “Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills.” This wonderful book is authored by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman with 36 pages of beautiful full color drawings by S. D. Nelson. The “Wings of an Eagle” book is about how Native American track and field star Billy Mills overcame racial prejudice, poverty, and challenging health issues to achieve his sports and social service goals. Billy was born on the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota in 1938. At a very young age he suffered the loss of his mother; he was adopted; and through the support of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe he developed a love for running track. He also had a deep love for education while attending school at the Haskell Institute as well as at the University of Kansas where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. In the 1960s he joined the U.S. Marines where he achieved the rank of Captain. He also raced in Olympic track and field events; and in 1965 he won an Olympic Gold medal setting the world record in the 25 lap 10,000 meter (6.5 mile) race. His love for social justice and his dedication to helping others achieve their dreams led Billy to establish the “Billy Mills Running Strong for American Indian Youth Foundation.” Over his lifetime, Billy has received numerous American Presidential citations and many awards including the Sports Illustrated “South Dakota Athlete of the Century Citation”, and an “Act of Courage Award” from the Anti-Defamation League. He was inducted into a number of sport hall of fames including the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Hall of Fame. This is a book I will cherish and long remember. (P)
July 6, 2024
One of the most marvellous things about Picture Book Biographies is that they introduce us to fascinating people who we might not have come across before. And because these biographies are written for young people, we slide into them from the perspective of a child. We see the world from the point of view of someone who has dreams that they have not yet accomplished, struggles that they have not yet overcome. Such is the case with Billy Mills, an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation who, against all odds, went on to become an Olympic athlete. The story shows us how Billy’s strength came from his father’s wisdom (“You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper.”) But it also shows the obstacles he must overcome –– the racism, a medical condition, poverty. We see Billy’s self-doubt and failures. Triumphing despite the odds is not easy. Billy perseveres. He has the strength of his community behind him. “Believe. Believe. Believe.” With stunning illustrations in the pallet of the desert, Wings of an Eagle is a story to inspire readers of all ages.
June 23, 2024
This stunning biography of Native American Olympian Billy Mills digs deep. At the beginning of the story, we see him in the moment before his Olympic run, then Bowman and Mills takes us back to Billy's youth which were filled with other Olympic-sized challenges; poverty, discrimination, illness, and eventually, life as an orphan. But with the strength of his culture, and his father's inspirational words in his head, Billy was able to overcome all odds, and eventually win the gold medal. This collaboration between Bowman and Mills has resulted in a story told in the 'we' voice with compelling and lyrical language. The amazing illustrations by Native American artist S.D. Nelson are a perfect fit for Mills' story. There are lots of inspirational picture book biographies out there, but this one stands out for its complexity and power. A perfect read not only right before the Olympics, but any time!
June 16, 2025
Brilliant picture biography of Billy Mills, an Oglala Lakota athlete who won the 10,000 meter running gold medal in the 1964 Olympics. Beautifully illustrated and beautifully told story of Mills' early years, losing both of his parents, facing racism and discrimination, and overcoming setbacks in order to reach his goal. Its length would make it slightly challenging as a read-aloud, but with a 30 minute library class (with 10 minutes for checkout) it could be finished if you didn't stop too often.
An excellent read-aloud that provides not just information on Mills but useful background knowledge about the challenges faced by American Indians, with affirming messages about Native American cultural beliefs and practices. Extensive back matter fills out Billy Mills' story and has an inspiring author's note as well from a Native author. An ideal read aloud for Native American Heritage Month and all year long.
Highly recommended for elementary school libraries.
An excellent read-aloud that provides not just information on Mills but useful background knowledge about the challenges faced by American Indians, with affirming messages about Native American cultural beliefs and practices. Extensive back matter fills out Billy Mills' story and has an inspiring author's note as well from a Native author. An ideal read aloud for Native American Heritage Month and all year long.
Highly recommended for elementary school libraries.
August 24, 2025
An inspiring autobiographical tale of Billy Mills's 1964 Olympic Gold achievement in the 10,000-meter race. Mills, a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe, was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation, S.D. He overcame poverty, the loss of his parents, discrimination, and health problems to graduate from the U. of Kansas and compete in the Olympics. Mills and Donna Janell Bowman weave Oglala Lakota practices and prayers into his story. Backmatter includes color and b/w photos and more information on Mills, and a nonprofit organization that he co-founded that supports the needs of Indigenous communities, a Timeline, Selected Sources, plus notes from both authors and the illustrator, S.D. Nelson, a Hunkpapa Lakota. Nelson presents a contemporary version of Lakota ledger-style artwork that originated in the late 1800s. A well-written and illustrated autobiography that shows how Billy Mills's Native American culture influenced and helped him achieve an Olympic Gold Medal!
February 14, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
This is the amazing story of the Billy Mills, Gold Medal winner of the 1964 Summer Olympics 10,000 meter race, the first American and Indigenous American to win that race. This story is an example of strength through many cases of adversity, whether it be poverty, becoming an orphan, and racism. And yet, this story is so full of hope, redemption, and a celebration of Mills’ heritage, it is impossible not to feel joy with Mills’ in his historic win. I loved the beautiful illustrations, convinced they were made by pencil but impressed that it was all done in liquid acrylic. A really wonderful book about a remarkable man with the back pages documenting how Mills’ only continued to impact his community and people in a positive way once his racing days were over.
This is the amazing story of the Billy Mills, Gold Medal winner of the 1964 Summer Olympics 10,000 meter race, the first American and Indigenous American to win that race. This story is an example of strength through many cases of adversity, whether it be poverty, becoming an orphan, and racism. And yet, this story is so full of hope, redemption, and a celebration of Mills’ heritage, it is impossible not to feel joy with Mills’ in his historic win. I loved the beautiful illustrations, convinced they were made by pencil but impressed that it was all done in liquid acrylic. A really wonderful book about a remarkable man with the back pages documenting how Mills’ only continued to impact his community and people in a positive way once his racing days were over.
July 20, 2024
Wings of An Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills, co-authored by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman, is a deeply inspiring story that captures the essence of resilience and determination. It chronicles Billy's journey from a childhood marked by poverty and discrimination to achieving his dreams against all odds.
After the loss of his mother, Billy's father instills in him the belief that pursuing his dreams can heal even the deepest wounds. Through perseverance and sheer determination, Billy learns to rise above challenges like health issues, poverty, and prejudice. As the book reveals in its detailed backmatter, Billy not only triumphs personally but continues to uplift others, helping them discover their own paths to success.
Award-winning author and illustrator S.D. Nelson's illustrations are transcendental. When learning of Billy's 1964 Olympic story, we feel like we are flying with him on the track and in his being.
This heartfelt narrative of hope and triumph is truly uplifting and serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to soar against adversity.
After the loss of his mother, Billy's father instills in him the belief that pursuing his dreams can heal even the deepest wounds. Through perseverance and sheer determination, Billy learns to rise above challenges like health issues, poverty, and prejudice. As the book reveals in its detailed backmatter, Billy not only triumphs personally but continues to uplift others, helping them discover their own paths to success.
Award-winning author and illustrator S.D. Nelson's illustrations are transcendental. When learning of Billy's 1964 Olympic story, we feel like we are flying with him on the track and in his being.
This heartfelt narrative of hope and triumph is truly uplifting and serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to soar against adversity.
October 18, 2024
I loved this!!! The author's voice came through beautifully in this autobiographical collaboration. The illustrator writes in his section at the end about how Billy Mills was his hero growing up and my love for this book grew even more!
Billy's childhood was rough. He faced some serious struggles relating to his culture and the racism he experienced. But this book is incredible and is appropriate for elementary-aged children.
As with any children's book involving challenging historical topics I strongly recommend that the adults read the book before sharing it with their children or students just so that they are prepared for any feelings or questions that might arise from that sharing.
Billy's childhood was rough. He faced some serious struggles relating to his culture and the racism he experienced. But this book is incredible and is appropriate for elementary-aged children.
As with any children's book involving challenging historical topics I strongly recommend that the adults read the book before sharing it with their children or students just so that they are prepared for any feelings or questions that might arise from that sharing.
July 19, 2024
Wings of An Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills, cowritten by Billy and Donna Janell Bowman, is the beautifully-told story of a boy and his dreams. It tells of poverty and discrimination, but also of hope and overcoming and working together. When Billy's mother dies, his father tells him that the pursuit of a dream will heal him--that if he digs below the anger and the hurt and the self-pity, he could have wings of an eagle. And he does just that. It wasn't easy. He faced health challenges and poverty and prejudices. But he overcame and as the backmatter shows, he continues to lift up others and shows them how to find their own wings. This is truly an inspiring and uplifting story!
February 27, 2025
Billy Mills lived on the Pineridge Reservation in South Dakota. Running helped him deal with anger, the bullies, and the loss of his mother. He read about Jim Thorpe and Buster Charles and dreamed of being an athlete, and of going to the Olympics. But the racism he faced made achieving that dream difficult.
A great autobiography of Lakota athlete Billy Mills. S.D. Nelson's illustrations are beautiful, incorporating authentic cultural images as well. The story is wonderful, I cried reading it. It's moving and poignant and hopeful. A sure purchase for my library. Includes photographs and an authors note by Mills. Billy Mills is Oglala Lakota.
A great autobiography of Lakota athlete Billy Mills. S.D. Nelson's illustrations are beautiful, incorporating authentic cultural images as well. The story is wonderful, I cried reading it. It's moving and poignant and hopeful. A sure purchase for my library. Includes photographs and an authors note by Mills. Billy Mills is Oglala Lakota.
March 12, 2024
A stunning true story of triumph, determination. Billy Mills was the first Native American runner to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meter race. Mills and Bowmann use lyrical prose to weave the reader through Billy’s life – the loss of his mother, growing up in poverty, facing racism. But Billy’s spirit and determination keep him focused on his goal of running. Powerful illustrations show Billy’s growth from young, small child to a man of confidence. Lots of backmatter including messages from all three contributors round out an impressive and important book.
July 5, 2024
I loved this story about Billy Mills! It's beautiful and lyrical. The story is about how Billy Mills earned his Gold Medal in the 1964 Olympics despite poverty, racism, losing his parents at an early age, and severe health challenges. The authors write about about how Billy drew inspiration from his indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. The lyrical text and the striking illustrations welcome readers of all ages to be engaged and inspired by the wonderful Billy Mills.
February 26, 2024
The true story of Billy Miles, a Lakota track Olympian who won a gold medal in 1964. From his people on the reservation in South Dakota, to school in Kansas, and joining the marines, Billy overcame losing both of his parents, Jim Crowe laws, continued racism, hypglycimia, and borderline diabetes to be the first on from the US to win the 10,000 m race. The artwork is stunning and the text is lyrical and beautiful. Amazing back matter.
February 10, 2025
Picturebook Biography. 2025 Sibert Honor. Wonderful illustrations compliment the account of Billy Mills, Native American, who fought and overcame personal and societal challenges to become an Olympic Gold medal winner in 1964. Detailed messages from Billy Mills, co-author Donna Bowman, and illustrator S.D. Nelson at the end. Also includes some photos, timeline, and bibliography. Recommend for grades 1-5 or anyone needing inspiration.
February 18, 2025
4 stars (I really liked it)
As I've said many times before, I love picture book biographies. They teach me about extraordinary people that, often, I had not known about prior. Billy Mills is one of those people. This is an inspiring tale. At first, I wasn't a huge face of the drawing style with the faces in profiles but, after reading the backmatter with the note from the illustrator, I appreciated that it was a Lakota style.
As I've said many times before, I love picture book biographies. They teach me about extraordinary people that, often, I had not known about prior. Billy Mills is one of those people. This is an inspiring tale. At first, I wasn't a huge face of the drawing style with the faces in profiles but, after reading the backmatter with the note from the illustrator, I appreciated that it was a Lakota style.
March 1, 2025
This book is about the difficult journey that Billy Mills experienced in his journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. He is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and faced poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, but he was inspired by his Indigenous ancestors to stay strong and break records despite all the challenges. I loved how the book talked about Billy Mills’s home life, family, culture, health, and athletic achievements.
July 3, 2024
Believe, believe, believe!
This inspirational picture book is perfect for any reader with big dreams, big heart, and big obstacles. This story will make everyone believe in the power of the heart...and family.
Gorgeous illustrations by S D Nelson.
Excellent back matter, too.
HIGHLY recommended!
This inspirational picture book is perfect for any reader with big dreams, big heart, and big obstacles. This story will make everyone believe in the power of the heart...and family.
Gorgeous illustrations by S D Nelson.
Excellent back matter, too.
HIGHLY recommended!
December 11, 2024
Inspirational biography of a native American runner whom I had never heard of. He faced a lot of racism and tragedy, being an orphan before high school, but lots of inspiration and hope in the book. Very colorful but strange style of drawing faces that isn’t very appealing. Emotionally difficult although he wins a gold medal in the end. Best for upper elementary?
April 1, 2025
Billy Mills experienced poverty, racism, grief and loss, and other difficulties as a child. Yet he overcame his difficulties and won a gold medal in 1964 in track and field. Mills has dedicated much of his life to a charity he began, Running Strong for American Indian Youth, which helps Lakota youth gain education and healthy lifestyles. This was a Sibert Honor winner.
June 15, 2025
My big takeaway was how far we've come with diabetes monitoring and treatment. Although ... are people on reservations able to take advantage of these improvements? Literally half of them don't even have access to "reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or basic sanitation." But we found tens of millions for a parade yesterday. #gross
August 19, 2024
A very inspiring story about a brave man with a Great Soul who refused to give up no matter what. As always, the gorgeous and emotional Art Work of S D Nelson was extraordinary and made this story come to life.
August 20, 2024
Beautifully illustrated, this is a picture book story of Billy Mills, the first American to win the 10,000 meters race and a Native American from South Dakota. I appreciate the extra biographical information in the back with photos as I was not familiar with him before.
April 5, 2025
This gorgeous book tells the story of Mills as he trains to run in the 1964 Olympics. The illustrations are beautiful as they depict the symbolism of his Indigenous heritage. I am adding this to my school library collection.
May 28, 2024
Lyrical.
Empowering.
Inspiring.
And true.
A story that will make readers cheer with their hearts . . . and feel that when we stand together, we are better and stronger.
Highly recommended!
Empowering.
Inspiring.
And true.
A story that will make readers cheer with their hearts . . . and feel that when we stand together, we are better and stronger.
Highly recommended!
May 31, 2024
Goodness, that's a LOT OF TEXT.
August 5, 2024
With beautiful illustrations and captivating text, WINGS OF AN EAGLE is an inspiring, fascinating (and true!) narrative! Such an important, and powerful read aloud for readers for all ages!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews