The Importance of Culture

Each ethnic group has its own culture that defines those who are members. In this novel, a Lakota boy named Jimmy McClean is proud of his Indian culture, especially as he learns more from his grandfather, a Lakota named Nyles Little Eagle.

Jimmy embraces every opportunity to spend time with Nyles, and Nyles takes many opportunities to teach Jimmy about the Lakota culture. The daily lessons are practical lessons. For example, Jimmy and Nyles spend a Saturday riding along miles of fence to ensure Nyles's horses are protected. Jimmy knows that Nyles does not like the fence but sees it as necessary to keep cows from eating in the pastures set aside for his horses.

Over the summer, Jimmy and Nyles take a road trip to teach Jimmy history about the life of Crazy Horse along the way. Jimmy learns that the horses...