Fifty years after the death of Black Hawk, the greatest warrior of the Sac and Fox tribe, his great-great-grandson was born: Jim Thorpe, one of the greatest athletes of all time. This biography opens with Black Hawk and a brief history of the Sac and Fox Indians. Then Jim's story begins, in a simple log cabin in Oklahoma, in 1888. Even in his early years, two facets of Jim Thorpe's life stand out: personal excellence in athletics, and an unfair share of personal tragedies, beginning with the death of his twin brother at age eight. In 1912, Jim Thorpe became the only person ever to win both the Olympic Pentathlon and Decathlon events--only to have his honors stripped from him over a technicality. He went on to achieve success in both professional baseball and football. Although he faced family deaths, two divorces, and an alcohol problem. Jim Thorpe was a champion and a fighter throughout his life. Deservedly, he is remembered with respect and affection both as an athlete and a great man. This book is intended for use in grades 5-9. (Author/NQ)