Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills

Mills and author Bowman collaborate to write this autobiographical picture book about Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Olympian Billy Mills (b. 1938). Kicking off at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the work spools back in time to Mills’s Pine Ridge Reservation childhood. After his mother’s death, his father advises: “The pursuit of a dream will heal you. Do this and you could have wings of an eagle.” After facing prejudice across the years and finishing college, marrying, and joining the U.S. Marines, fly he does, qualifying for the 1964 Olympics and winning gold. Recollecting text captures the feel of the times, the excitement of racing, and the courage behind reaching a long-cherished dream. Sioux artist Nelson’s signature-style art offers extra polish to a title that’s just right for anyone pursuing a lofty goal. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (July)