This is a collection of American Indian tales for pre-teen boys and
girls, a fact that does not obviate the possibility of their interest to
parents and youth leaders, as well. All have been tested by the
author-compiler with youngsters in many settings—in homes, in church,
Scout and Y groups, by the campfire, in meeting rooms, and even in
buses.
Those stories which the author has created are based upon Indian lore
and customs. Many of the traditional stories were related to him by his
Indian friends, descendants of the braves who first recounted them many
generations ago. Both the original and the traditional tales are set
down within the general context of Indian history, but without any
pretense that the events actually took place.
Authenticity, however, in the life, customs, and moral standards of the
Indians has been striven for in each story. Throughout, an attempt has
been made to impart, without “preaching” at youngsters, three major
ethical values common to all American Indians—courage, honesty in
dealing with others, and truthfulness in speech.
The tales are of varying length, but all are short to conform with the
interest span of average pre-teeners—and, hopefully, to leave them eager
for the next story session.
It will be noted that both Indian boys and girls play leading roles. The
author has found that the appeal of each story has been equal for both
sexes irrespective of whether it has a young hero or heroine.
Parents and youth leaders will observe, too, that stress is placed in
several stories upon the close father-son and mother-daughter
relationship—completely true in Indian culture, and as much coveted in
the formative pre-teen years of our own children today.
Whether read to children, or adapted and retold to them, or read by
children themselves, it is hoped that these stories will be cherished as
much by them as by the hundreds of boys and girls who helped,
unwittingly, to select them for this book.