Son of the Morning Star facts for kids
Son of the Morning Star is a famous nonfiction book. It tells the story of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This important battle happened on June 25, 1876. The book was written by Evan S. Connell and came out in 1984. It shares many details about the people involved in the battle.
Contents
About the Book
This book focuses on the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It gives readers a close look at the people who fought there. You will learn about General George Armstrong Custer. You will also read about Native American leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Other important figures like Major Marcus Reno and Captain Frederick Benteen are also featured.
How the Book Was Made
Evan S. Connell first planned to write essays about the American West. But his essay about General Custer grew much bigger. It turned into this whole book about the battle. Connell spent four years researching the book. He visited the battle site four times. He also read many old books and soldier's diaries. He even looked at accounts from Native American people.
A Bestselling Story
At first, big publishers in New York did not want the book. But a smaller publisher, North Point Press, decided to publish it. This small company was in Berkeley, California. The book then became a huge success. It sold many copies and became a bestseller.
What People Thought
Son of the Morning Star was also praised by critics. A reviewer from New York Times called the book "impressive." They said it had a lot of information. The writing was also called "elegant." The Washington Post reviewer said the book left them "astonished." The Wall Street Journal called it "brilliantly constructed." It was even named one of the top five nonfiction books of 1984. This honor came from the National Book Critics Circle.
Book Adaptations
The book has been made into other forms. In 1991, it became a TV miniseries. Melissa Mathison wrote the show. Mike Robe directed it. Gary Cole played General Custer. Rodney A. Grant played Crazy Horse. An audiobook version was also released in 1985. Recorded Books published it. Adrian Cronauer narrated the story.
