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The Legend of Big Heart #1
The Land Grab
“Jay, do you think Mr. O’Neil had something to do with this fire?” Uncle Jay stood up. “Yup, I do, Tom. I think Mr. O’Neil sent two of his guys here yesterday to stake out you and your land. They came back out here before dawn and started this fire. Yup, I have no doubt, but proving it will be a challenge because we are up against the big boys.”
The Land Grab is the story of Alfred Swallow and his Lower Brule Lakota family as they fend off attempts to take their land. In 1929 Alfred is eleven years old and has many responsibilities not expected of a young boy. He and his Lakota family are being forced to leave behind their tribal values and traditions and assimilate into the mainstream of American culture and society. His Lalá (grandfather), has instilled in his grandson many Lakota traditions which Alfred respects, but at times struggles to understand the message they convey. Young Alfred draws from his tradition when an unscrupulous U.S. Land Agent, who knows the value of the family’s land, is determined to grab their land with intimidation and force. The family and their neighbors band together to stop the unlawful actions, but can they stop a determined criminal?
The Land Grab is the story of Alfred Swallow and his Lower Brule Lakota family as they fend off attempts to take their land. In 1929 Alfred is eleven years old and has many responsibilities not expected of a young boy. He and his Lakota family are being forced to leave behind their tribal values and traditions and assimilate into the mainstream of American culture and society. His Lalá (grandfather), has instilled in his grandson many Lakota traditions which Alfred respects, but at times struggles to understand the message they convey. Young Alfred draws from his tradition when an unscrupulous U.S. Land Agent, who knows the value of the family’s land, is determined to grab their land with intimidation and force. The family and their neighbors band together to stop the unlawful actions, but can they stop a determined criminal?
121 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 5, 2024
Happy National Indigenous History Month!!!
In June, Canadians celebrate the first peoples of North America and one way I like to honour them this month is to read more Indigenous stories. While I usually focus on Canadian Indigenous stories during this month, why limit my world of reading?
This book is a solid start to what appears to be a series. The topics discussed are serious but the history of land grabbing is handled in a way that is very accessible to younger readers. The spirituality explored here was very fascinating. Alfred is building a strong connection to the spirit world and using that to help protect his family and their future.
In June, Canadians celebrate the first peoples of North America and one way I like to honour them this month is to read more Indigenous stories. While I usually focus on Canadian Indigenous stories during this month, why limit my world of reading?
This book is a solid start to what appears to be a series. The topics discussed are serious but the history of land grabbing is handled in a way that is very accessible to younger readers. The spirituality explored here was very fascinating. Alfred is building a strong connection to the spirit world and using that to help protect his family and their future.
May 7, 2023
Easy reading for a young adult reader. First nation historical fiction that provides voice and perspective long overdue.
July 19, 2023
Great read for a young reader.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews