Book description
The Middle Five, first published in 1900, is an account of Francis La Flesche's life as a student in a Presbyterian mission school in northeastern Nebraska about the time of the Civil War. It is a simple, affecting tale of young Indian boys midway between two cultures, reluctant to abandonā¦
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Why read it?
1 author picked The Middle Five as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This slim autobiography enchants with its simplicity. It is easy to see why it is considered a classic of American Indian literature.
LaĀ Flesche gives a first-hand account of his own boyhood in a boardingĀ school far from his family and community. While many Indian parentsĀ resisted the theft of their children, others surrendered them. TheyĀ had no choice. While many reservation Indians were dying fromĀ starvation, disease, despair, and outright murder, this young boyĀ struggled with the daily dehumanization of forced assimilation.
ThisĀ book is a testament to the Indians' extraordinary endurance. TheĀ author, himself, triumphed by becomingā¦
From S.L.'s list on The best books about the beauty and challenges of being Native American.
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