Jim Thorpe, Original All-American

By: Joseph Bruchac

Narrated by: Joseph Bruchac

Jim Thorpe was one of the greatest athletes who ever lived. He played professional football, Major League b aseball, and won Olympic gold medals in track and field. He’ll forever be remembered by the sports community and by his Native American community, who consider him a hero on par with Crazy Horse.

Born on the Sac and Fox Reservation in 1887. Jim was sent as a young boy to various Indian boarding schools strict, cold places that didn’t allow their students to hold on to their Native American traditions. Jim ran away from school many times, until he found his calling at Pennsylvania’s Carlisle School. There, coach Pop Warner, who is as famous today as Thorpe himself, recognized Jim’s athletic excellence and welcomed him onto the football and track teams. Glory followed, as did surprising disgrace. But through everything, Jim was a person to admire—an engaging, spirited, and impressive young man.

the life story of Jim Thorpe

liked the transparency of the story. the true story of how his life was.
I didn't like how the story was read in the first person like Jim himself was telling the story. it came off as bragging and egotistical. it was not written by Him and that was very misleading.

Learn about Jim Thorpe

I disliked learning that Jim’s Olympic medals were taken away. This was a powerful look at how racism affected his life but did not defeat him! A true American hero!
Declan H.

Well told and sourced; great listen for youth and adults

Growing up with many challenges in an impoverished dairy farming family in Northeastern Oklahoma, one of my few refuges was in books. In books, I found hero’s that inspired me, that taught me, and that helped me. Jim Thorpe’s story was one of my favorites - and one that inspired me to excel and push past any obstacles in my path.

I listened to Joseph Bruchac’s telling of the story on the road with my kids during a family vacation to the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. I wanted them to understand how special Jim was, was to me, and was to others. I especially wanted them to understand the hardships endured by our ancestors, and how they did (and we can) persevere.

This telling of Jim Thorpe’s story is fantastic, Joseph Bruchac’s attention to detail, accuracy, and sourcing shines through. My kids (aged two to eighteen) all enjoyed the story (easily as much as me), and they asked us to resume it each chance we had after a pause.

In criticism, the volume on the narration isn’t fully consistent chapter to chapter. Some chapters are clearly louder than others, otherwise this audiobook is essentially perfect.

Please listen to this book and never forget what a human can do - even against the odds.

Better then the movie

This story was very well told by Joseph Bruchac. He took his time on this beautiful story about a great athlete. So if you love sports like I do. Then you will love this story about the greatest athlete of all times.

Burgoo Mark's Feed store

narrative was fine. Interesting story about Jim Thorpe. good for football fans and history buffs.