by Mari Sandoz
First published 1986
Lance inherits his father's courage in the war councils of the Sioux, but his true gift lies elsewhere. His sharp eyes capture everything around him. He sketches tribal warfare in the dust. He draws buffalo hunts on animal skins with charcoal and colored sticks. His seeing medicine grows stronger each day. The 1840s bring constant change to Sioux society, and Lance wants to become its Story Catcher, the keeper of his people's history. But the role demands more than artistic talent. An impetuous young man cannot simply claim such responsibility. Lance must endure adventures that test him. Sorrows will shape his understanding. Hardships will deepen his wisdom. Only then can he truly capture the story of his people. Only then will the village recognize him as their new Story Catcher.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure, 19th-century, native-american
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: Sioux
Period: 1840s
175 pages · Paperback · Bison Books