Books by Zitkala-Sa

American Indian Stories (1921) is a collection of stories and essays from Yankton Dakota writer Zitkála-¿á. Published while Zitkála-¿á was at the height of her career as an artist and activist, American Indian Stories collects the author's personal experiences, the legends and stories passed down through Sioux oral tradition, and her own reflections on the mistreatment of American Indians nationwide.In "My Mother," Zitkála-¿á remembers the walk she would take with her mother to the river, where they would gather water to use in their wigwam. This simple chore becomes a cherished tradition between the two, allowing Zitkála-¿á's mother to educate her on the circumstances that led their people to the reservation, depriving them of land and life itself. "The Legends" traces Zitkála-¿á's childhood experience of learning from the oral tradition passed down from the Dakota elders. In "The Coffee Making," she remembers the first time she made coffee. While her mother has gone out for the day, an elder pays a visit to their wigwam. Remembering that her mother usually makes coffee for visitors, Zitkála-¿á attempts to play hostess to her visitor, who humors her and takes the time to share stories about his life and their people. American Indian Stories is a charming and politically conscious collection of stories from one of the leading American Indian writers of her generation, a committed activist and true voice for change who saw through her own eyes the lives and experiences of countless others.With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Zitkála-¿á's American Indian Stories is a classic of American Indian literature reimagined for modern readers.

"I beg of you make me into a bird with green and purple feathers like yours!" implored Iktomi, tired now of playing the brave in beaded buckskins. The peacock then spoke to Iktomi: "I have a magic power." My touch will change you in a moment into the most beautiful peacock if you can keep one condition." "Yes! yes!" shouted Iktomi, jumping up and down, patting his lips with his palm, which caused his voice to vibrate in a peculiar fashion. "Yes! yes! I could keep ten conditions if only you would change me into a bird with long, bright tail feathers. Oh, I am so ugly! I am so tired of being myself! Change me! Do!"-from "Iktomi and the Fawn"The Lakota writer Zitkala-Sa, or "Red Bird"-the pen name of Native American author, teacher, and activist GERTRUDE SIMMONS BONNIN (1876-1938)-is renowned for being among the first tellers of contemporary Native American history, culture, and experience in her own voice, unaltered by outside influences.Here, she gathers legends and stories she learned as a child on the Yankton Reservation. This replica of the first 1901 edition includes the tales of:¿ "Iktomi and the Ducks"¿ "Iktomi's Blanket"¿ "Iktomi and the Muskrat"¿ "The Badger and the Bear"¿ "Shooting of the Red Eagle"¿ "Dance in a Buffalo Shell"¿ "The Toad and the Boy"¿ "Iya, the Camp-Eater"¿ and more.