Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond
by Joseph Medicine Crow
2006
Joseph Medicine Crow, a full member of the Crow nation, is one of the most famous American Indians of the past century. His honors include the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009) and the Bronze Star (2008). He was also interviewed by famous historian Ken Burns for the World War II documentary The War (2007).
In 2006, Joe Medicine Crow, as he is officially known, published is autobiography, Counting Coup, which begins with the amazing story of his walking barefoot through the snow every day to make his feet "tough," the same way his warrior ancestors had done for centuries before him. Joe also talks about his relatives' memories of the Battle of Little Bighorn (many of them were there in 1876), his experiences at different schools (both good and bad), and even his first hospital visit, where he met a ghost!
The action really picks up when Joe leaves college, joins the army, and goes to Europe to fight in World War II, and later when he returns home to a hero's welcome and an unexpected surprise.
Through it all, readers will enjoy this accessible, revealing, and engaging look at what it means to be an American Indian in the United States of America, from someone who has lived it for almost 100 years. The four pages of illustrations, which include Joe wearing a traditional Crow headdress, help "put a face" to a story that should not be missed.
Peter
Librarian
Martinsburg Public Library
CALL NUMBER: J 921 M4898
Beginning in October, North Berkeley Library will play matchmaker with a new program titled Blind Date with a Book!
Here's how it works...
There will be numerous wrapped books at NBL from which you can select. On the wrapping we will write the genre as well as a description of the book, but you will not be able to see the title or author until you check the book out!
So stop by the library if you're in a reading rut, if you want to add a little "mystery" to your reading regime, or if you're just feeling adventurous! This is a great way to try out new authors and genres. Who knows, you might find your (book) match!
We are so excited that the Middle Readers Book Group will start meeting again in October! And we've moved our meetings to a time we hope will be more convenient for all: the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30 PM. Our target audience is children in grades 4-6; however, we welcome anyone who feels comfortable discussing the book!
At our first meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, we will be discussing Judy Blume's beloved Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing. After our discussion, we will work on a creative activity related to the book, and have snacks. Contact the Children's Department for a copy of the book or if you have any questions.
This group always has a lot of fun, and we hope your family will join us this fall!
On Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM, North Berkeley Library will host an orientation session for members of the community interested in becoming a volunteer for Read Aloud West Virginia. Read Aloud West Virginia was founded in 1987 by a group of Kanawha County parents. The program just celebrated its twentieth anniversary and was given a two-year Benedum grant to help counties in West Virginia start or expand their programs. Volunteers with the program provide a "30 minute commercial for reading" each week in elementary schools throughout Berkeley County. If you are interested in attending this orientation, please contact North Berkeley Library at (304) 274-3443 for more information!
