First published in 1960, Neil R. Johnson's The Chickasaw Rancher, Revised Edtion, tells the story of Montford T. Johnson and the mixed and intermarried Chickasaw settlements of Oklahoma (and Indian Territories). Abandoned by his father after his mother's death and then left on his own following his grandmother's passing in 1858, Johnson had control of a piece of land in the northern part of the Chickasaw Nation (and some in the Oklahoma Territory that was often occupied by the Boomers) in what is now Oklahoma.
The Chickasaw Rancher follows Montford's family and friends for the next fifty years. Neil R. Johnson (Montford's grandson) describes the work, the ranch parties, cattle rustling, gun fights, tornadoes, (the unexpected return of Montford's father after a thirty-three year absence, trips to Florida and New York City), encroachment of white settlers, the run of 1889, the hard deaths of many along the way, and the rise, the fall, and the revival of the Chickasaw Nation. (The original edition ends with Montford's death in 1896. The revised edition covers the next generation's continued expansion of the family's business ventures ending with E. B. Johnson's death in 1935).
Including more than fifty previously unavailable photographs, illustrations, and maps, (and more than 20% new material) this revised edition of The Chickasaw Rancher, edited by C. Neil Kingsley-grandson of Neil R. Johnson-is the perfect addition to any reader's collection of the history of the American West.

This book is a most unusual account of life on the range. It describes the life of Montford Johnson, a friend of Jesse Chisholm, from around the time of the Civil War until after the land runs in Oklahoma prior to 1900.
The unique value lies in the specifics of living on the range, the daily routine of the cattle drive, and the reality of cowboy life.
Taken largely from the journal of his son, it's a story that Hollywood could use.

"Freedom In My Soul" offers an intimate, poignant look into the world of Samgirl, an intelligent young girl whose dream of physical freedom--for it doesn't take long to know that she truly is free in her soul--drives her family to seek freedom from slavery. Reilly's portrayal of Samgirl as a compassionate, matter-of-fact woman who endures hardships unfit for any living creatures heightened my appreciation of the contribution slaves have made to the relative freedom that African Americans experience today. And yet, life, grim though it is for Samgirl, throws her a crumb of joy now and then through her relationship with her brother Samboy and her burgeoning love for Levi and his daughter Gracy. Reilly expertly weaves the minute details of life in the quarters into the story while offering a little known history of Chickasee slave owners. Yes, the book may evoke tears but laughter will soon follow as Samgirl navigates life on the farm of old John Stands-In-Timber. An excellent read, the book is well-paced and should be read by anyone seeking a personal understanding of life as a American slave.

Ms Reilly does a superb job of bringing the characters and thier emotoins to life in the telling of this story. The bonds that Samgirl, Samboy and Mammy and Pappy share are inspiring. Freedom In My Soul made me laugh, cry and more than once I had to look up from the book stareing in deep wonder at the trials, tribulations and determination of this fictional family and of the non-fictional families that surely existed during this period. I personally look forward to more writings from

Shaunna Reilly!!

This book is not for everyone, but if you have a real interest in the history & culture of the Native Americans of the Southern U.S.(especially Mississippi)you ought to take a look. Cushman's first hand knowledge particularly of the Choctaws is extensive. Reading this will give you a better understanding and respect of a culture that deserved more inclusion in American History. Many of the legends and historical events are fascinating and are little known. It also helps to clear up some fallacies about all three tribes. Cushman does pontificate and ramble through much of this book, even though it is abridged specifically to eliminate much of this.There are some inaccuracies as well but all in all it is fascinating and may be the most accurate and detailed history of these people.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and fully appreciate why it received this year's American Indian Prose Award.

Cobb has approached what is clearly, to her, a personally significant topic in a manner that is sensitive far beyond her personal views. The history of the United States' treatment of American Indians is complex and troubled. Cobb, relying on both archival research and personal interviews with women who attended the Bloomfield Academy when the school was under federal administration, has provided a fresh and compellingly complicating perspective on Indian boarding schools, a specific facet of this history. Most significantly in her work, she has highlighted, through these women's own voices, the contemporaneous perspective of natives directly impacted by the United States' varying policies. What emerges is a well-documented story of Native self-direction, self-identification, and, above all, survival and hope for the future. Her final chapter, especially, poignantly brings this point home. Rather than overtly ideologize her topic, Cobb has allowed the story primarily to tell itself.

This book is a genuine contribution to contemporary research of Native history.

Lankford's "Native American Legends" is a very readable but also scholarly collection of Southeastern Native legends and folktales. The stories are collected under the principles of the Finnish/Historical-Geographical school of folktale analysis. On the surface, this note may not mean much to lay readers. However, it means that the stories are examined in the context of from whom and where they come, a very useful arrangement. Simply stated, the stories come with additional cultural information as to their symbols and customs. This makes our attempts to understand the stories easier. If one is not interested in historical-cultural analysis, one can skip the informative introduction and head right into the tales themselves, which are written in the typical straightforward manner of most folktales everywhere. In additon, for purposes of comparison, Lankford also provides examples of African and African-American folktales and legends. The endnotes and bibliography are extensive There is, indeed, something in this book that can appeal to everyone. I have used the book in the classroom by, among other ways, dictating legends to the students; by hearing culturally unfamiliar tales, they are required to muster all their listening and note-taking skills to return to me their own written version of the tales. All in all, "Native American Legends" is a boon for all lovers of folk literature and stands as a model folklore anthology.

Richard Green has captured the spirit of independence and the Native American in this fabulous collection of pages from Te Ata's diary and notes from her husband Clyde Fisher.

Baby rattlesnake wants a rattle and waon't stop crying until he gets it. Unfortunately he isn't mature enough to use his rattle responsibly. Disaster ensues. Both parents and children will love this book. The illustrations are beautiful and all families will relate to the story. Its a great read aloud book and is available in both Spanish and English.

Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all the other snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. His troubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattle and he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it. Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. The story is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native American author Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright and appealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teach colors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves a wider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive and non-stereotyping.