The Nez Perce

First Americans

by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Ronald Himler (illustrator)

In this new and updated edition, award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Nez Perce peoples.

Did you know that the Nez Perce believed that humans had to seek a spirit helper to find their purpose in life through a vision? Learn about the Nez Perce’s creation story, history, belief, daily ways of living, introduction to the horse, and more in this accessible introduction.

Expertly reviewed by a member of the Nez Perce tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Nez Perce people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a letter from a member of the Nez Perce tribe and a section on modern life.

Author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve grew up on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe. She has brought the richness of Native American culture and heritage to thousands of children for over 40 years as a teacher and children’s book author. Her First Americans books introduce young readers to the many diverse and unique Native American nations that first called this land home.

Genres: Picture Books, History

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She was the daughter of an Episcopal priest and a Lakota Sioux mother. Sneve received her B.S. and M.Ed. in 1954 and 1969, respectively, from South Dakota State University. She has taught English in public school of South Dakota, and at the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau. Her career also includes editor at the Brevet Press in Sioux Fall, S.D. Sneve is a member of the board of directors, Native American consortium, Corporation for Public Broadcasting ; member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe; member of board of directors of United Sioux Tribes Cultural Arts; and Historiographer of the Episcopal Church of South Dakota.

Reviews

[Stephanie Watkins]

"Look I like history, but this was not my type" Miriam


As a parent, I got to learn about an American tribe I had not learned about. The art work was very nice. I liked how each section was broken down to learn about the tribe. A good introduction to learning about the Nez Perce.

[Barbara]

Offering insight into the mistreatment of the Nez Perce tribe from Whites over many years, this picture book [3.5 for me!] reminds or informs readers just how unjustly its members have been treated, forced off their lands, made to change many of their ways of living, including what they eat. Any anger their members bear toward Whites is surely justified. This updated picture book also describes the tribe's creation story, history, including the origin of its name, family life, food gathering practices, and some of their leaders. There are several quotes from Chief Joseph included at the beginning of book sections. There is also a two-page entry about tribal members' lives today. The accessible text is supported by softly colored illustrations that make it clear just how much the land on which they lived, hunted, and gathered meant to them.

[Karen GoatKeeper]

Only 30 miles from the Canadian border, lulled into a false sense of security, Chief Joseph allowed his exhausted tribe to stop and rest. The army caught them leaving us with the Chief's quote: "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." And a tribe known for aiding Lewis and Clark on their journey and aiding other white men, were forced off their homeland and onto a reservation.
This tribe developed the Appaloosa horse breed. They only wanted to live in peace. Their rich valleys were too desirable to white settlers.
Another in the First Americans series, this richly illustrated book is an excellent introduction to this Native American tribe.

[Tara Thieleke]

Wonderful introduction to the Nimiipuu Native Americans. Gives an informative summary of their history prior to/during/after colonization, territory, lifestyle, hunting/foraging/farming practices, language/gestures, spiritual beliefs, legends, homes, clothing, art forms, etc. and is illustrated with lovely watercolors.

[Rebecca]

What a fantastic way to learn about another culture. The native American tribe, the Nez Perce were an interesting people. Here, you can see some of their customs, foods, and more.

Great way to introduce younger readers to the native tribes in America!

[Alyson Carroll]

This story is about the creation myth of the Nez Peace Indians. They lived in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana. This is a great book for students to learn about the Native American culture.

[Cindy DavisClark]

Found this displayed at the library. A children’s book but interesting and well written. Now want to read more about this group in the future.

[Rachel]

more informative type book, good overview NOTE TO SELF: CHECK OUT OTHER BOOKS BY AUTHOR