After a Sioux uprising in 1862, two thousand Winnebago Indians were forced from their Minnesota homes to a reservation in Crow Creek, South Dakota. Many Indians died from the inhumane conditions encountered on the journey and even more at their destination; Crow Creek had little food, no farming, and no weapons for hunting.
Kunu, a ten-year-old boy, and his grandfather vow to return to their homeland in Minnesota. Knowing they will be shot on sight if caught trying to leave, Kunu and his grandfather secretly make plans to escape in a dugout boat.
Readers will gain a great appreciation of the struggles of the Winnebago people through the story of Kunu and his grandfather. Their eventful trip over hundreds of miles of river is told here with all its adventures and danger.
What readers say about Kunu:
“As an enrolled tribal member of the Ho-Chunk Nation this is a great book to teach about Native history that is woven with United States History. This book does have a couple of inaccuracies, but for the majority of the book it is very accurate. This book has given me the opportunity to create a unit for the local school districts that I work with in providing an accurate account of our history and the real struggle to survive. I was able to include the leaders at that time and their role in the removals on both sides with the Ho-Chunk leaders, and the American officials. I would recommend this to any teacher that is looking to include Native History with in their classrooms that has factual information.” – Damian
“A great historical novel about the forced migration of the Indians. Helps kids understand other kids.” – Diana
“Read it for my elementary school’s ‘Battle of the Books.’ One of the first books I read in one sitting.” – Leif
“My third grader checked this book out at school and really enjoyed it.” – Maren
Grandview Publishing 