Flying with the Eagle, Racing the Great Bear

Flying with the Eagle, Racing the Great Bear is a masterful collection of traditional Native American tales centered on the transition from boyhood to manhood. Renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac brings together stories from diverse nations—including the Iroquois, Wampanoag, Cherokee, and Lakota—to explore the universal themes of courage, humility, and responsibility. Each story serves as a rite of passage, illustrating the physical and spiritual challenges young men must face to earn their place within their community.

Through these narratives, Bruchac highlights the deep connection between character development and the natural world. Whether outwitting a giant or embarking on a vision quest, the protagonists demonstrate that true strength comes from wisdom and respect for all living things. With its focus on cultural heritage and moral growth, this collection is an essential resource for educators, parents, and young readers looking to understand the rich oral traditions and enduring values of North America's First Peoples.

Joseph Bruchac, coauthor of The Keepers of the Earth series, is a nationally acclaimed Native American storyteller and writer who has authored more than 70 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and children. He lives in upstate New York.