Walking on Earth and Touching the Sky

Walking on Earth and Touching the Sky is an exceptional poetry collection written by Lakota students in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota—founded in 1888 at the request of Chief Red Cloud of the Oglala Lakota.

The poems in this collection enable readers to learn about the unique lives and heritage of students growing up in very distinctive circumstances and straddling cultures. Compiled by Timothy P. McLaughlin, a teacher at the school, and working with school administrators, this book contains never-before-published artworks by award-winning artist S. D. Nelson.

“This is an important collection that offers opportunities for insight into a culture that has too often been either ignored or misunderstood.” —Booklist (Starred Review)

“A moving, fascinating glimpse across cultures. Vivid, polychromatic illustrations by Nelson accompany the students’ evocative works.” —Kirkus Reviews

“As a collection, the poems present an interesting, eye-opening look at the Lakota culture, which is one that is often overlooked. The paintings by S.D. Nelson are gorgeous and vibrant.” —Library Media Connection