Short biographical essays on six 19th century Indian leaders who clashed with white soldiers and settlers are accompanied by black-and-white documentary photographs appearing on nearly every double page spread. A well-researched. well-documented and attractively presented work provides a unique perspective on the Indian Wars. While Freedman's tone is relatively objective in that he does not condemn either side, his choice to focus on Indian leaders, rather than whites, gives readers a fresh outlook on the conflict and a new insight into U.S.A. history. (Ages 10-14)

Biographies of six Western Indian chiefs who led their people in a historic moment of crisis, when a decision had to be made about fighting or cooperating with the white pioneers encroaching on their grounds.