ALA Booklist (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2004)

In 1999 the U.S. Congress recognized Thorpe as Athlete of the Century, a marvelous achievement for anyone, let alone a Native American kid born in a log cabin. But Thorpe had much going for him: determination, confidence, amazing athletic ability, and a father who insisted that he learn English to protect himself from unscrupulous men who took advantage of Indians. In a straightforward style, Bruchac summarizes Thorpe's youth, concluding at the start of his football career at Carlisle Indian School. Events in Thorpe's later life (e.g., his dramatic Olympic success) are relegated to a time line at the back of the book--which, unfortunately, many kids may miss. Nelson's thickly painted artwork is appropriately muscular and energetic, but aside from a few somber pictures related to the deaths of Thorpe's twin brother and parents, the dominant image is one of a generally happy youth who apparently made the best of whatever came his way. Inspirational and respectful, yes, but there's not much depth behind the smiling facade. Prepare for some questions about Indian boarding schools.

Horn Book (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2004)

This conversational picture book biography relates the remarkable story of Native American athlete Jim Thorpe from his early childhood through his teens. Thorpe endured unequal education and subpar living conditions at Indian boarding schools to finally have his astonishing athleticism recognized. The paintings are a little stiff and monotonous. Author's note, chronology.

Kirkus Reviews

<p>The creators of Crazy Horse's Vision (2000) offer another inspiring American portrait, again focusing on their subject's youth and extraordinary accomplishments. Dubbed Wa-tho-huck ("Bright Path") by his Pottowatomie mother, Thorpe attended several Indian Schools, struggling with academics but finding his path in sports, and emerging as the 20th century's most widely gifteda"though only arguably "most dominant," as Bruchac claimsa"athlete. Nelson switches to a less-stylized, mystical look for the illustrations, depicting Thorpe growing from lad to burly manhood, chasing down a jackrabbit, standing downcast at lonely or sad moments, dashing past rival runners or football players as he flashes a faint, restrained smile. Finished with a career recap, plus a discussion of the long effort to restore Thorpe's confiscated Olympic medals, this doesn't make the most comprehensive, or searching, profilea"but young readers in need of a role model could hardly do better. (lengthy author's notes, chronology, source notes) (Picture book/biography. 8-10)</p>

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-Thorpe, who was named "Wa-tho-huck," or "Bright Path," by his Pottowatomie mother, spent a childhood marked by remarkable physical prowess until he was sent to an Indian boarding school at age six. He lost his twin brother (pneumonia), his mother ("sudden illness"), and his father (snakebite), but persevered, finally proving himself on the Carlisle Indian School football field in his teens. Bruchac ends this picture-book biography here. He sticks to the facts, occasionally employing bits of dialogue. He includes details about the unfair treatment of Native Americans, such as the mandatory Indian boarding schools that had unsanitary living conditions and educated students only to be maids and laborers. The theme of overcoming personal and societal obstacles to reach success is strongly expressed. The author keeps his subject linked to his heritage; for example, referring to Thorpe's speed and endurance as skills that had enabled his American Indian ancestors to provide for their families. Unfortunately, Nelson's acrylic illustrations are not as successful as the writing. The human bodies are stiff, with hands and feet that would be at home on wooden marionettes. Athletes appear frozen rather than moving fluidly. An author's note and a chronology, both illustrated with small black-and-white photos, sketch the rest of Thorpe's life.-Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library, MA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.