Indian Boyhood

Written by Charles A. Eastman

Narrated by Deaver Brown

An original, insightful recounting of an Indian boyhood with specific descriptions of the life, practices, nomadic movements, killings, warfare with other tribes, courtship, coming of age and more. The best insight into true and accurate 19th Century Indian life from an insider, of a boy and young brave coming of age. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simply Magazine Inc.
• Release date: Jul 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781614967576

Charles A. Eastman

Charles Eastman (1858-1939) was a Santee Dakota physician, lecturer, activist, and writer. Born Hakadah in Minnesota, he was the last of five children of Mary Nancy Eastman, a woman of mixed racial heritage who died shortly after giving birth. Separated from his father and siblings during the Dakota War of 1862, Eastman—who later earned the name Ohíye S'a—was raised by his maternal grandmother in North Dakota and Manitoba. Fifteen years later, he was reunited with his father and oldest brother—who were presumed dead—in South Dakota. At his father’s encouragement, Ohíye S'a converted to Christianity and took the name Charles Alexander Eastman, which he would use for the rest of his life. Educated at Dartmouth College, Eastman enrolled in Boston University’s medical program after graduating in 1897. He completed his medical degree in 1890, making him one of the first Native Americans to do so. Eastman then moved back to South Dakota, where he worked as a physician for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Pine Ridge and Crow Creek Reservations. During a period of economic hardship, he used his wife Elaine Goodale’s encouragement to write stories about his childhood, a few of which found publication in St. Nicholas Magazine. In 1902, he published Memories of an Indian Boyhood, a memoir about his life among the Dakota Sioux. In addition to his writing, Eastman maintained a private medical practice, helped establish the Boy Scouts of America, worked as a spokesman for the YMCA and Carlisle Indian Industrial School, and acted as an advisor to several Presidential administrations.

Reviews for Indian Boyhood

[jennybeast · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is cool, but is strongly edited and presented in picture book format. It looks as though the original work, published in 1902, might be amazing? Or might be very confusing for modern readers. Cannot find a current publication, hope it gets reprinted. Seems like a powerful work for upper elementary could be in there. Love the own voices, and the poetic power of the story.

[melsmarsh · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book just didn't grab me like many of the other type of books like this did. Also trigger warning on dog death/animal sacrifice.

[nx74defiant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable book of a time and way of life that is gone. It has a great 1st line: What boy would not be an Indian for a while when he thinks of the freest life in the world?He tells of a childhood living outside. Playing at hunting. Learning how to leave out in nature.