Bruchac, Joseph. Jim Thorpe; original all-American.

BRUCHAC, Joseph. Jim Thorpe; original all-American. Read by the author. 5 cds. 8.5 hrs. Listening Library. 2006/2007. 978-0-73936229-7. $40.00. Vinyl; content, author notes. JSA

Native American Jim Thorpe is a true American treasure. Bruchac's biography is written as if by Thorpe, told by Thorpe. All characters are real and all conversations and dialogue are as close to accurate as possible, says the author at the end of his reading. Bruchac details the shameful treatment of Native Americans by the US government. Thorpe was educated far from his family in a government school set up for the express purpose of educating Native youths. Thorpe frequently ran away from the school or rebelled against the strict rules imposed on him and his fellow students at the school. His outstanding athletic abilities became apparent early on. He excelled in many sports and went on to win Olympic medals. Unfortunately, Thorpe's reputation was severely damaged when his amateur status was tainted after he'd accepted money for playing ball during summers. As a result, he had to return all the medals won in the Olympic games. In 1982, thanks to the efforts of his daughter Grace, replicas of the medals were returned and his reputation was restored. Bruchac's story is ideally suited for all ages and he reads it in a straightforward, unpretentious manner. Miles Klein, Frisco, TX