Staff Picks: Counting Coup

 

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