Review by Booklist Review
Eddie is spending the summer with his grandparents on the Rosebud Reservation. Though he misses his parents and is worried about his father undergoing surgery, he has fun with his grandparents. Eddie helps with chores, learns how to ride a horse, and plays with the bone horses his grandfather gives him. Mostly, Eddie spends quality time with his grandparents. Whether working in the garden, riding Grandpa's horse, Buck, to the store, or hanging laundry out to dry, Eddie's summer is full of adventure. This gorgeously illustrated chapter book is inspired by the author's brother's experience while staying with their grandparents in 1944. Driving Hawk Sneve (Rosebud Sioux Tribe/Sacunga Lakota) shows a loving relationship between Eddie and his grandparents amidst their daily life. Tender moments between the three characters, their loyal dog, and their lovable horse are interspersed with action-filled experiences. Littlebird's (Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes) full-color illustrations are bright, engaging, and atmospheric. Young readers and their grownups are sure to delight in this tale that highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships, Indigenous language, and life on the Rosebud Reservation.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When his father needs to undergo a medical procedure, Lakota youth Eddie's parents take him to his grandparents' Rosebud Reservation home. Having never been away from his mom and dad for an extended period, Eddie experiences intense loneliness: "Grandma gave him a glass of juice and put a plate of cookies on the table. But he only nibbled at one because he felt a hurting ache all over." As the summer progresses, however, he finds himself busy pulling weeds in Grandma's garden and helping Grandpa take care of their horse. Then his grandfather is badly injured and, as further obstacles arise, it's up to Eddie to use everything he's learned to get him to the hospital. Sneve (Rosebud Sioux) crafts a gentle chapter book tale of an Indigenous youth immersing himself in his heritage and learning from his elders. Seamlessly layered plotting builds to a captivating climax, and vivid colored pencil and digitally enhanced drawings with block print textures by Littlebird (Oregon Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) inject warmth throughout. Ages 5--8. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young Native boy stays with his grandparents on the Rosebud Reservation when his father falls ill. This summer marks the first time Eddie will be away from Mom and Dad, and he feels "that hurting ache" as soon as he settles down on the sofa for the night instead of in his warm bed. But his grandparents show him the beauty of a life without modern conveniences as Grandma washes clothes by hand and Grandpa boils water for a nightly soak in the tub. Eddie participates, too: He gardens and helps out with the horses and chickens. Along the way, he learns about local dangers such as rattlesnakes. Slowly, his loneliness fades as he learns to make his own playthings (he fashions accessories from string for a group of cow bones Grandpa gives him, turning them into toy horses). When tragedy strikes, Eddie springs into action, using wisdom gleaned from his grandparents to save the day. Inspired by family experiences, Driving Hawk Sneve (Sicangu Lakota) weaves a captivating tale about the healing power of community and familial bonds. Her narrative unfolds at a perfect pace, wringing joy from simple moments, offering a well-realized window (and mirror) into reservation life, and deftly charting her protagonist's journey from homesick youngster to resourceful hero. Littlebird's (Oregon's Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) bold, colorful, and textured images reflect Eddie's determined spirit. Infused with tenderness, this family story is simply lovely. (author's and illustrator's notes)(Chapter book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
