Wings of an Eagle
The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills
Contributors
By Billy Mills
By Donna Janell Bowman
Illustrated by S.D. Nelson
Also available from:
- On Sale
- Jul 2, 2024
- Page Count
- 48 pages
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- ISBN-13
- 9780316373487
Billy Mills was once an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. But before his father was called to the ancestors, he told Billy how to conquer his suffering: You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.
Despite poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, Billy raced toward his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete, inspired by his indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. Though at times he felt like his wings were clipped—a lone bird falling from the sky—he adapted and overcame, finally earning his place at the 1964 Olympics.
This autobiographical tale of Billy Mills’s awe-inspiring flight to a record-breaking gold medal, breathtakingly illustrated by award-winning Lakota artist SD Nelson, is a soaring testament to Billy’s legacy and the Lakota prayer: we are all related.
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A Chicago Public Library best book of 2024
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* "Written in propulsive and inspiring first-person free verse, this picture-book autobiography is a celebration of Mills, his legacy, and the power of inspiration...an essential addition for all sports fans."Horn Book, starred review
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*" Recollecting text captures the feel of the times, the excitement of racing, and the courage behind reaching a long-cherished dream."Publishers Weekly, starred review
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* “Mills and Bowman’s language is at turns inspiring and haunting. Nelson’s exquisite artwork (done in liquid acrylic on Masonite panel) is reminiscent of the work of Raúl Colón, in that his creamy colors blend and mix, creating illustrations that seem to have been dipped in light.”Shelf Awareness, starred review
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"Themes of overcoming adversity and of giving back beat steadily through this profile of the first American to win Olympic gold in the 10,000-meter race.... A strong, stirring tale of perseverance."Kirkus Reviews
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"Come-from-behind victory tales are always crowd-pleasers, but few are as deeply rooted in the heritage and traditions of its hero as this one.... A powerful depiction of Native experiences in the twentieth century."Booklist
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"An inspiring and detailed biography of strength in the face of adversity, and a highly recommended purchase."School Library Journal
