This book is presented in several levels. Across the top of each page (which appears to be old parchment paper) in hand-script type is the author’s telling of Geronimo’s life story as if written by Geronimo in a journal (hence, the book series title – Hero Journals). Another level consists of actual Geronimo quotes set in italics, yet another level of actual photographs with captions set in an old typewriter looking font, another of modern pencil  drawings, and 6 ‘Document It’ insets instructing the reader how to create their own journal.

The reader comes away with a well rounded view of Geronimo’s life in chronological order from childhood, which includes aspects of daily Apache life and culture.

” Since the 1850s, more and more white settlers have come to Arizona. We traded with them peacefully at first, but after gold miners started to attack us, we raided their settlements, too. The U.S. troops were already wary of us. The tensions eased during the Civil War, beginning is 1861, because all the troops disappeared east to fight their own people. But now they are returning in greater numbers, and life is getting tougher for the Apaches.” ( p. 26) This taken from Geronimo’s supposed journal. While it is well written, there are definite terms an Apache of this time period would not have used: Arizona, 1850s, and Civil War. While I understand why the author did this, I hope young readers do not confuse the ‘journal’ enters with Geronimo’s actual words.

Geronimo is presented as a warrior fighting to preserve his peoples’ way of life. “When Geronimo surrendered, General Miles agreed that the Apaches would be allowed to return to their home in Arizona after two years as prisoners. But the U.S. government held them as prisoners of war for 27 years, and their lands were taken. The Apaches were not charged with any crimes and had no chance to plead their innocence in courts of law.”  ( p. 35)