When the Legends Die

The Timeless Coming-of-Age Story About a Native American Boy Caught Between Two Worlds

A young Native American raised in the forest is suddenly thrust into the modern world, in this novel by the author of The Dog Who Came to Stay.

Thomas Black Bull's parents forsook the life of a modern reservation and took to ancient paths in the woods, teaching their young son the stories and customs of his ancestors. But Tom's life changes forever when he loses his father in a tragic accident and his mother dies shortly afterward. When Tom is discovered alone in the forest with only a bear cub as a companion, life becomes difficult. Soon, well-meaning teachers endeavor to reform him, a rodeo attempts to turn him into an act, and nearly everyone he meets tries to take control of his life. Powerful and timeless, When the Legends Die is a captivating story of one boy learning to live in harmony with both civilization and wilderness.

©1963 Hal Borland (P)2025 Tantor Media

Great book, great narration

The last time I read this book was high school and it was amazing now as it was than. The narrator did an amazing job!

One of the classics!

This was the first novel I read from cover to cover. It was Mr. Bythewood’s 9th grade English class, and my first year at Central High School in Philadelphia (242!). The story of this boy coming to terms with who he is while building an arguably violent reputation on the rodeo circuit, caught the emotions I was feeling at the time: a kid from the inner city, now in a magnet school with folks much smarter than I. When was I? What of my past was an anchored to, and what kind of person was it making me. This is a great story that crosses culture and experiences to deliver a coming-of-age tale that might feel familiar to many!