Reviewed by Debbie Reese
Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature
Book Author: Billy Mills, Donna Janell Bowman
I spent several hours over the last two weeks, watching the 2024 Olympics. Part way in, I saw that Billy Mills was there. He was sharing photos to his Facebook page. I pulled up the video of his race and shared it with my family. I’ve seen it many times before, but every time I watch it, I feel a huge surge of excitement. And joy, and pride. Take a look:
Pretty cool, isn’t it?!
Now, order a copy of his autobiographical picture book, Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills! I’ve heard him speak and know some of his life story but I’m really glad to see his book. Published on July 2, 2024, by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, I got my copy during the 2024 Olympics.
There are many pages that stood out as I read the book. His parents died when he was a child. His dad’s words after his mother’s death become a refrain as he grows into adulthood. A photographer asked him to step away from a group of runners because of his skin color. Continue reading on American Indians in Children’s Literature.
Find more recommended books on this topic on our American Indians and Sports booklists.
Wings of an Eagle by Billy Mills, Donna Janell Bowman
on August 17, 2024
Genres: American Indians First Nations Metis Inuit, Sports
Pages: 48
Reading Level: Early Childhood, Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9780316373487
Review Source: American Indians in Children's Literature
Publisher's Synopsis: Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, here is a dramatic and inspiring autobiographical tale of overcoming odds by Native American gold medalist Billy Mills, with stunning illustrations by acclaimed Lakota artist SD Nelson.
Billy Mills was once an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. But before his father was called to the ancestors, he told Billy how to conquer his suffering: You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.
Despite poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, Billy raced toward his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete, inspired by his Indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. Though at times he felt like his wings were clipped — a lone bird falling from the sky — he adapted and overcame, finally earning his place at the 1964 Olympics.
This autobiographical tale of Billy Mills's awe-inspiring flight to a record-breaking gold medal, breathtakingly illustrated by award-winning Lakota artist SD Nelson, is a soaring testament to Billy's legacy and the Lakota prayer: we are all related.
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