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Book Review of Children of the Wild West

Children of the Wild West
jjares avatar reviewed on + 3413 more book reviews


Russell Freedman did an exceptional job with this book; it zeroes in on the immigrant childrens experience of going West as well as the indigenous Indian childrens lives before, during and after interaction with the white settlers.

The photos selected were exceptional and eye-opening. My favorite aspect of the photos selected centered on the variety of tribal children photographed. I dont think I will ever forget the two sets of photos of Indian children as they entered Indian Training Schools (schools that taught Indians how to become white) and how they had changed 14 or 15 months later. There was no spark of joy or happiness in any of these chosen children.

Most books talk about the life in the US and the Territories from an adults perspective. This volume focuses on life amongst the younger population; it is wonderful.