Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone

Rather than emphasizing Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone's athletic achievements, this early chapter book in the Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World series focuses on how the Indigenous runner has used her platform as an athlete to promote social justice. The first half of this biography presents typical background information, such as her childhood and entry into running, as well as her family's membership in the Lakota Nation and how the athlete faced challenges as the only Native American kid in her school. The second half transitions to her activism. Accessible text describes how helping Indigenous teens protest the Dakota Access Pipeline made her think about running as a form of activism. The most interesting chapter highlights her 2019 Boston Marathon race in which she raised awareness of violence against Native American women by painting symbols and "MMIW" (for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women) on herself. Concluding chapters note her continuing influence on this difficult and still overlooked topic. Black-and-white illustrations depict key scenes in this important, empathetic biography.

Gr 2--4--This early chapter book introduces young readers to Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone, an Indigenous professional runner whose impact extends beyond sports. From a young age, Whetstone faced racism, bullying, and self-doubt, yet she channeled those struggles into a lifelong commitment to competitive running and social justice. The book does an excellent job of making complex issues accessible to young readers. The theme that "we are all related" is woven throughout, reinforcing the interconnections of people and the importance of standing up for one another. Her story shows that athletes can use their platforms for change. What sets this book apart is its depiction of Whetstone's activism. Her 2019 Boston Marathon run, with "MMIW" painted on her body, raised national awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The book also highlights her advocacy at Standing Rock, fighting for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. The text is accessible and engaging, making it perfect for young readers. Striking black-and-white illustrations add depth, bringing key moments in her story to life. The back matter is a treasure trove of information, including Lakota terms, Indigenous Olympic medalists, and a map of state names with Native origins. VERDICT A powerful and inspiring book that will resonate with young readers interested in sports, activism, and Indigenous culture.--Lynne Stover

A competitive runner paints her face to make a strong, silent statement in this latest addition to a series celebrating athletes who take up social causes. With the avowed intent of delivering "lessons on empathy, justice, and social good," Maraniss chronicles Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone's growth from childhood on the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota (where she was "the kind of kid who tripped and fell a lot") to her later excellence as a runner in high school and college. As a federal worker in Washington, D.C., she found her social conscience activated after facilitating a demonstration against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which had been rerouted in a clear case of environmental racism. But it was her decision to paint a red hand over her mouth and the initials MMIW (for "Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women") on her limbs while she ran in the 2019 Boston Marathon that made her a viral sensation and inspired a wave of similar protests against an outrage that is both historical and ongoing. Hodge's drably serious monochrome scenes, which depict the subject running or posing with diverse groups of fellow protesters, may not kindle much response from readers, but Maraniss' story should. The author concludes with discussion questions, a pep talk from Whetstone herself, and resource lists for both children and adults. An inspiring tale of athletic activism. (glossary, list of Indigenous U.S. Olympic medal winners, Indigenous words in everyday English, U.S. state names based on Native American words, Lakota terms)(Biography. 8-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.