This young readers edition of the New York Times bestseller of the same name tells the long forgotten story of the powerful Oglala Lakota chief, Red Cloud. At the height of Red Cloud's power, the Sioux claimed control of vast parts of the west. But as the United States rapidly expanded, the country brutally forced the Indians off their lands. Fighting for the survival of the Sioux way of life, Red Cloud successfully secured the loyalty of thousands of fierce fighters, including Crazy Horse, and is the only American Indian in history to defeat the United States Army in a war. Thanks to the rediscovery of Red Cloud's long-lost autobiography, the story of the nineteenth century's most powerful and successful Indian warrior can finally be told.

Early life -- Becoming a warrior -- Counting coup -- The Sun Dance -- A sign of prominence -- Showdown with Bull Bear -- Intruders from the East -- Horse Creek Treaty -- Red Cloud's legend grows -- A weak chief -- A blood-tinged season -- The proudest moment -- Breaking point -- Lakota Council -- New land -- Head man -- The Dakotas rise -- Taming land -- First steps -- Blood on the ice -- The great escape -- War council -- Blood Bridge Station -- The hunt for Red Cloud -- Burn the bodies; eat the horses -- War is peace -- Big bellies and shirt wearers -- Colonel Carrington's Overland Circus -- Here be monsters -- The perfect fort -- The rise of Fort Phil Kearny -- Roughing it -- A flood of attacks -- Scalped alive -- Fire in the belly -- Fetterman -- Dress rehearsal -- A gathering force -- The battle begins -- Decoy to destruction -- Like hogs brought to market -- Fear and mourning -- News of the massacre -- Broken promises -- To Washington, D.C. -- Afterword -- Time line -- Glossary.