Little Brother Real Snake - Softcover

Moore, Billy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1588381471 ISBN 13: 9781588381477

Publisher: NewSouth Books, 2004

Synopsis

Little Brother Real Snake is the coming-of-age tale of Red Squirrel, a Plains Indian youth. Though the son of a respected warrior who died bravely in battle, Red Squirrel is slight of stature and a daydreamer who faces several trials on his way to manhood -- with two unfriendly members of his own tribe, an Apache warrior, and in a moving final scene with a much-feared snake. In accepting these challenges, Red Squirrel grows in self-knowledge, learns the lessons of his elders, and wins the hand of the lovely Pale Moon.

About this title

About the Author:

Billy Moore is a native of Northwest Florida although he spent much of his youth on his grandparents' farm near Opp, Alabama. He has a BA in History from Mississippi State University and a MAT in history from Rice University, where he also studied novel writing and served as assistant football coach. He has taught history and wellness for several community colleges and public schools in Texas and Florida and currently teaches for both the Walton County, Florida, School district and Okaloosa-Walton Community College. He and his wife, Dee, live in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He is active in the South Walton Three Arts Alliance, the Paradise Writers of Grayton Beach, Florida, and the local folk-life play, “Grit and Grace.” This is his first book.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8–Red Squirrel is small for his age, extremely sensitive to violence, and terrified of rattlesnakes. In spite of his accidental though valorous defense of the leader Wild Fire on a horse raid, and his apparent apprenticeship with the spiritual leader Spotted Owl, Red Squirrel's peers repeatedly shame him with mimicked snake rattling at inopportune moments. In the end, though, the boy single-handedly overcomes a powerful plains thunderstorm, five full-grown Apache horse raiders, and his fear of rattlesnakes to earn his village's respect and a new name for himself. Moore's story is entertaining for general readers but whether any Plains Indians would identify with anything in it is uncertain. The lack of a historical note leaves the accuracy ambiguous and the "Real People" to which the protagonist belongs seems to be a conveniently fictitious culture. Based on the neighboring cultures mentioned and the apparent historical period, Red Squirrel's people could be Comanche but it is never definitely stated. It is therefore difficult to check the details for accuracy. So, entertainment value aside, librarians concerned with authenticity should proceed cautiously with this one, especially those who serve Plains Indians patrons.–Sean George, Memphis-Shelby County Public Library & Information Center, Memphis, TN
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About this edition

• Publisher: NewSouth Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1588381471
• ISBN 13: 9781588381477
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144