Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan's Anishinaabe Sharpshooters

by Sally M. Walker

More than 20,000 American Indians served in the Civil War, yet their stories have often been left out of the history books.

In Deadly Aim, Sibert Award-winning author Sally M. Walker explores the extraordinary lives of Michigan’s Anishinaabe sharpshooters. These brave soldiers served with honor and heroism in the line of duty, despite enduring broken treaties, loss of tribal lands, and racism.

Filled with fascinating archival photographs, maps, and diagrams, this middle-grade nonfiction offers gripping firsthand accounts from the frontlines. You’ll learn about Company K, the elite band of sharpshooters, and Daniel Mwakewenah, the chief who killed more than 32 rebels in a single battle despite being gravely wounded.

Walker celebrates the lives of the soldiers whose stories have been left in the margins of history for too long with extensive research and consultation with the Repatriation Department for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center, and the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, War, Historical, Native American, Civil War, Middle Grade

Audiobook

First published July 30, 2019

About the author

Sally M. Walker has written science books for children, including Earthquakes, an NSTA/CBC Best Science Trade Book of 1997. She lives in DeKalb, IL.

Reviews

[Emma Jean Rooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some people have a gift for making interesting topics duller than watching paint dry. Unfortunately, I fear this book has fallen victim to that gift

[Liz Curfman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not what I was expecting, so I was disappointed. It went into long depth about battles, which was not what I was wanting. But if you know someone that is interested in military tactics, and wants to learn about Indigenous contributions to the Union cause, I would recommend this book.

[Janet R. Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Company K definitely reminds us of the risks and sacrifices that today’s military men, women and their families are making to keep us safe!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan's Anishinaabe Sharpshooters by Sally M. Walker shares the little-known stories of American Indians from the Anishinaabe tribe of Michigan who joined the Union Army to fight the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Because of their lifestyle that involved hunting and fishing most of them were very good shots. Initially they were rejected by recruiters but they were determined to show their loyalty to America and, as the war progressed and calls went out for more troops, the recruiters were told to accept Anishinaabe Indians. Despite their history with the US government of broken treaties, loss of their tribal lands, and discrimination, they quickly established themselves by their performance in battle and they served with honor and heroism. One of their chiefs killed more than 32 rebels in one battle while himself seriously wounded. Much detail is included about their lives as tribal members before they became soldiers and then their experiences adapting to army life. After continuous training without seeing any fighting, many wandered off and went back home. They were considered AWOL (Absent With Out Leave) but once it was determined that they planned to return when needed for fighting, charges were generally dropped. Once in battle, they proved their bravery and capabilities as sharpshooters and were critical in determining the outcome of some battles. Even in retreat they protected fellow soldiers with their marksmanship. Well written, this author did exceptional research to put this story together to honor the Anishinaabe troops who helped preserve the Union.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan’s Anishinaabe Sharpshooters by Sally M. Walker, 288 pages. Henry Holt and Company, 2019. $20.

Content: Language: PG (1 swear); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

During the Civil War, American Indians helped fight for the Union Army. Company K was the largest completely American Indian company and they were composed mostly of sharpshooters. Their story is a complicated mix of acceptance and segregation during the war, but their stories are like many soldiers at the time-stories full of love, of their family and a need to protect their land.

Sally Walker does a great job portraying these Union soldiers’ heroic actions and desires for their families. I enjoyed the pictures and especially the individual stories set against the larger story of the war. I also love when an author tells little known side stories to the war, and I didn’t know that so many American Indians helped fight the war. I also knew nothing about the horrible prison conditions many Union prisoners of war faced in the Southern prison camps. One of the Anishinaabe soldiers is fourteen and his story is followed throughout the war. The content includes an amputation that is described, battle injuries, blood and dead bodies, starvation to the point of eating vomit and horrible prison conditions.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, we expect horror, brutality, heroism and courage in nonfiction about the Civil War. What lifts this book above is telling the story through the experiences of the Native American Anishinaabe Sharpshooters of Company K. It's an incredible account made especially poignant by its stories of men who were volunteering to serve a country that in so many ways injured and rejected them. Moving and enlightening.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the Civil War, First Nation and African-American men who wanted to fight for the North were often rejected because of their race, especially at the start of the war. However, as the war dragged on and Lincoln got more desperate, he was willing to take help wherever he could get it. So, the Michigan regiment of Sharpshooters was formed. Truly, Lincoln should have let these warriors join much sooner. They were brave, loyal, and excellent shots. In short, they made excellent soldiers.

I picked this book up because I'm from Michigan and sadly, I don't know much about the First Nations from my state; we weren't taught about them in school. It was enlightening for sure but also so sad to read about the horrible conditions for all the soldiers but worse for them, especially in the POW camps. It seems to be thoroughly researched and where the author is unsure she uses words like may have or maybe. There was also mention of a training camp in my hometown - but I had never heard of it and a quick internet search revealed nothing. I'll have to get into some databases and do some deeper digging! Well-written, interesting. A perspective that needs more attention given to these brave warriors that fought for the cause.

At the back there is an epilogue giving further detail about some of the key people featured; an author's note; Appendix A = the Anishinaabe soldiers and their age at enlistment; Appendix B = the timeline of Company K; Appendix C = treaties between the US government and the Anishinaabe; Appendix D = the Eagle as the mascot of Company K; Appendix E = a translation of one soldier's letter home; a glossary; a select bibliography; source notes; index.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult read. There are a lot of names - many similar to each other and with variable spellings. A lot of battles and dates. A lot of military designations - companies, regiments, and such.

Beyond these basic difficulties, it’s hard to read about the garbage treatment of the Anishinaabe. As per normal, the white folk who needed help with the war took what they could get from the Native tribes of Michigan, while simultaneously demeaning them and then denying benefits afterward. It never seems to change. People in power who find ways to simultaneously belittle a group while blaming them for their own misfortunes just turns the stomach.

Bonus: general horrors of war in the nineteenth century, including vivid descriptions of rampant disease in prison camps. The end really brings home the loss and struggle faced by the veterans and their families, and I could imagine that this would resonate with anyone who had been through a similar experience.

The photographs included were pretty amazing and included a lot of detail. I tend to forget photography was a thing at this time, and the variety and quality of the pictures was pretty great.

I liked the final bit: “The Anishinaabek are a vital part of American history... Remembering their sacrifices and sharing their stories honors the spirits of these courageous men and enriched everyone.”

[Jerry Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan’s Anishinaabe Sharpshooters by Sally M. Walker “Hits the mark!” according to the Kirkus Review. That is high praise and I agree!

I am a Michigander who is learning about (I have much more to learn) the rich past of the land which has become modern day Michigan. I have a deep interest in knowing more about the
Indigenous Americans who lived on this land.

This is a well researched and comprehensive telling of a story about the people who lived in Michigan and their contributions during the Civil War. I recommend this book to teachers, parents and young people from 10 on up - who have an interest in America’s history.

Here are three of many reasons for that recommendation.

First, this non-fiction work provides a wide slice of factual and human information about the Indigenous Americans who lived on the land that is now our state. Secondly, Deadly Aim adds to that knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the Civil War and the specific role the Anishinaabe fighters played. And, finally, this work follows the realities of people before, during, and after the war. These soldiers and their families were from the tribal communities of Michigan.

I found the entire book, including the many photographs, the appendixes, and the forward all important parts of the story.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, President Lincoln would not allow African American or American Indians to enlist with the union army. But as the war drew on and the casualties mounted, it became harder and harder to find men willing to fight. In 1863 he changed that policy and allowed the creation of segregated units. By the end of the Civil War, about 20,000 American Indians would fight on both sides. One of the largest companies of American Indians were the Anishinaabe sharpshooters of Company K. Drawing on their hunting skills and their rich warrior tradition they were a formidable force who served with courage and honor. Learn about their stories, their service, and the history of their people.

The primary sources Sally Walker was able to find from photographs to letters home really bring members of Company K to life and depict the life of a Civil War soldier in detail. A fascinating history and a story that should be widely told and remembered.

[Megan (inkand.imagination) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book! I don’t usually go for nonfiction, but listening to them on audio has become something I enjoy. I really liked this one - it was fascinating getting a look at an extraordinarily brave group of men who aren’t talked about often when it comes to the history of the Civil War.

Even though the Anishinnaabe men who fought for the Union in the war weren’t considered citizens by the US government at the time of the Civil War, they still chose to fight for the Union and they did so with the utmost courage and bravery. I really enjoyed getting a deeper look at the culture of this group of Native Americans, as well as a deeper look into what they went through during the horrors of the Civil War.

This book is very different from what I usually read (fantasy, scifi, and mystery), but I’m happy I decided to check out the audio. It’s definitely worth a listen if you’re interested in history!

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book tells us what happened to the members of Michigan company K, one of the largest American Indian companies in the American Civil War, a seldom explored area of American and Native-American history. We not only learn about their invaluable contribution to the Union Civil War effort but also learn about them personally, their culture, community, customs, families... It is so amazing to me that these brave men fought so valiantly for a country that persisted in persecuting them, lying to them, reneging on treaties and didn't even recognize them as American citizens. The book is well written and includes an amazing number of photos, considering how new photographic technology was. The reading flows well and the battles and conditions of the war are well described, captivating the reader and helping them understand and empathize.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The U.S. Civil War has been heavily fished by myriad writers (e.g. academics, documentarians, novelists, etc. ). For better or worse, anglers have turned (or marketer-directed) to obscure or overlooked topics. Recently, U.S. Indigenous peoples and their roll in the rebellion have surfaced. The subject is front and center concentrating on the roll of Great Lakes’ (Michigan) Indian history and service from Grant’s rise to power and “total war” strategies from Wilderness to Petersburg to war’s “end”. While the book , in places, reads like a young adult history, I appreciated the author’s research, writing and exposing readers to an important heretofore chapter in our history: Native American participation in the War Between the States.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Aanishinaabe are Native Americans who settled in the Michigan area. Like many people who hunted for a living, these people were extremely good marksmen.



Reminiscent of the African-American 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, that had to fight their way into the army, Native Americans had to do the same to be included in the Union efforts. I had not realized that 20,000 Native Americans fought in the War.



Though this book is very readable, with black and white pictures, and personal stories, I'm not sure that it would interest students who would randomly pick it up. However, it is a good addition to a Civil War collection.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s slow and a lot to get through, but worth the effort. Well-researched, accessible information that shares an important, often overlooked part of Civil War history. The author takes time to develop the back story for the individuals and their culture. Anishinaabe words and military terms are defined in the text for easy comprehension. Given the setting, there are some depiction of violence and extreme medical situations, but none of them are overly graphic. It’s not always written in a neutral voice, but the topic, for most, doesn’t lend itself to being neutral. I am glad to have picked this one up as I learned another piece in the expansive history of the country.

[Steve Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t have great expectations for this book at first given it was written for juveniles and young adults. What drew me to it was the history of my wife’s great great grandfather, an Ojibwa who learned to speak English while serving in the Union Army, though not with this unit.

It started out slow, but eventually picked up pace. It eventually builds up to being a superb history of the Civil War end of the indigenous Americans serving in the Michigan regiment of sharpshooters. The author did an impressive amount of research.

I highly recommend it for adults as well as young adults.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and overlooked wartime story of Company K, a group All-American Indian Solders.
This elite group of Anishinaabe Sharpshooters from Michigan who served for the Union and their country during the Civil War. Their exploits, bravery, and gallantry are explored and shared with the reader, although hundreds served, this biograph follows thirteen men, and shares their history and contributions.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all of the books I've read in the past dealing with the Civil War, never have I read a book about the involvement of Native Americans. I am not sure what is sadder, the fact that this is a little-known fact, or the treatment of these brave people by the United States Government.
This book was very well read and captivating. The hardships on both sides of The Civil War were horrendous. So much was given, and very little respect was received. I'd like to see more books like this one.

[Grace Flock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was chock full of amazing information. I am not one for informational books but this was very interesting to read. I had known of African Americans fighting for the Union side but I did not know that American Indians had as well. There were a couple of writing choices I thought didn't go along with the APA writing style of the rest of the book, but other that that it was pretty good.

[Sean Kottke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story behind the monument on the Capitol lawn I admire on my periodic afternoon walks is quite stirring. Not only does this book give a vivid, visceral account of key battles in the Civil War, it also provides a focused look at the history of the Anishinaabe in Michigan in the 19th century, going into much more detail about the lives of specific families than the typical schoolbook treatment.

[Shen Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good interesting book, it talked about the civil war native American Anishinaabe troops who fought in the war. The Native Americans helped a lot for the Union in the civil war but they don't get noticed. This was a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about history.

[Jeff Bracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book , as a book on the Civil War, is not a major one. It excels, however, as a story related to the history of Odawa, Ojibwe and Potawatami tribes in Western Michigan and a company of Union soldiers constituted mostly of sharpshooters from those tribes. In that regard it is a worthwhile read. I enjoyed it.

[Bridget]

There's so much detailed information in this book, it would be an excellent source for any research paper or project. I appreciated how much information we got about each person, but I also felt like this was more on the dry side of YA non-fiction. It's good, but probably not one I'd recommend for pleasure reading the same way I might recommend something like Samurai Rising.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle grade non-fiction book that caught my eye. I did not know about the Anishinaabe Sharpshooters who fought for the Union during the Civil War. Piqued my curiousity to explore this subject a bit more.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author always produces top quality research and composition.
Readers interested in following troop movements and battle details will find plenty here.
All text is supported by photos and maps from the time period as well as several appendices.

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of the Native American sharpshooters of the Civil War. Recruited for their skills, they served honorably and while not citizens of the U.S., they sacrificed all to help save the Union. Some were P.O.W.s and few came home with no long-term consequences. For the Civil War buff.

[Mills College Library]

973.7474 W184d 2019

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. What an interesting side to the Civil War that I have never heard about. Well researched and enough human interest stories added to the history to make it interesting.

[Mr. George The Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid history with courage and uncomfortable historical content and context that is important to know and understand.