Wings of an Eagle

Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, here is a dramatic and inspiring autobiographical tale of overcoming odds by Native American gold medalist Billy Mills, with stunning illustrations by acclaimed Lakota artist SD Nelson.

Billy Mills was once an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. But before his father was called to the ancestors, he told Billy how to conquer his suffering: You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.

Despite poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, Billy raced toward his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete, inspired by his indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. Though at times he felt like his wings were clipped—a lone bird falling from the sky—he adapted and overcame, finally earning his place at the 1964 Olympics.

This autobiographical tale of Billy Mills’s awe-inspiring flight to a record-breaking gold medal, breathtakingly illustrated by award-winning Lakota artist SD Nelson, is a soaring testament to Billy’s legacy and the Lakota prayer: we are all related.

• "Themes of overcoming adversity and of giving back beat steadily through this profile of the first American to win Olympic gold in the 10,000-meter race.... A strong, stirring tale of perseverance."
  Kirkus Reviews
• "Come-from-behind victory tales are always crowd-pleasers, but few are as deeply rooted in the heritage and traditions of its hero as this one.... A powerful depiction of Native experiences in the twentieth century."
  Booklist
• "An inspiring and detailed biography of strength in the face of adversity, and a highly recommended purchase."
  School Library Journal