Amee-nah’s story takes place in the 1930s in the mesas and plateaus of Zuni country in New Mexico.
Ever since he can remember, Amee-nah has dreamed of being a firefighter like his father, who died a hero when Amee-nah was little.
But there is a big obstacle: Amee-nah was born with a clubfoot, making it hard for him to run properly. He hates his twisted foot because it means he is left out of exciting adventures with the other Zuni boys. With all his heart he wishes he could go to sheep camp in the summer, where the boys run the hillsides looking for wolves and bobcats that might trouble the sheep. But even more, Amee-nah longs to compete in the annual stickrace, a grueling 25-mile relay.
Little does Amee-nah know that he is in for the most thrilling summer of his life. After Coach K from the mission school arranges for Amee-nah to have corrective surgery on his foot, will the boy’s dreams begin to come true?
Amee-nah: Zuni Boy Runs the Race of His Life was nominated for the Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award in 1999.
What readers say about Amee-nah:
“A great story about perseverance.” – Julie
“All of these Kenneth Thomasma books are great. Boys and girls alike will enjoy them. They teach great lessons about perseverance, hard work, bravery, etc.” – Laura
“It is a great story and I loved how it was based on a true Zuni boy with clubfoot… I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life of American Indians. If you enjoy reading history filled books, then you would like this book.” – Aspen
Grandview Publishing 