Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell follows Sound of Running Feet, a young Nez Perce girl and Chief Joseph's daughter, as she witnesses her people forced to leave their homeland and struggle for survival against white settlers and soldiers. As they seek refuge, the ongoing conflict leads to significant loss and hardship, ultimately culminating in a forced relocation. The narrative includes depictions of violence, death, forced displacement, and implications of non-consensual acts.

Ideal for young adults, history buffs, and fans of Indigenous American culture, Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell offers an engaging blend of historical fiction and rich storytelling. Comparable to Island of the Blue Dolphins and Sing Down the Moon, readers who appreciate these narratives will similarly enjoy this powerful, moving tale.

Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell captivates readers with its poignant storytelling and vivid depiction of the Nez Perce tribe's struggle. Reviewers praise its engaging narrative and cultural sensitivity but note some historical inaccuracies and occasional slow pacing. Overall, it is a compelling read, particularly for young adults interested in Indigenous American history.

Nostalgic / Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Adventurous

**Sound of Running Feet**  
The narrator of the novel, a 14-year-old Nez Perce girl and daughter of Chief Joseph, who faces challenges as her tribe is attacked by white soldiers.

**Old Joseph**  
Sound of Running Feet’s grandfather and former chief of the Nez Perce, whose legacy includes giving her a rifle for protection.

**Chief Joseph**  
Chief of the Nez Perce tribe, focused on the well-being of his people and attempting diplomatic reasoning with the white soldiers.

**White Feather**  
A friend of Sound of Running Feet, who does not have a particularly developed character but serves to highlight the cruelty of the white soldiers.

**Jason Upright**  
A white settler challenged by Sound of Running Feet, showcasing her bravery early in the novel.

**Too-hul-hul-sote**  
A priest and war chief of a small band of the Nez Perce called the Roamers, known for his fierce warrior spirit and leadership in battle.

**General Howard**  
The one-armed leader of the white soldiers, serving as the main antagonist with a ruthless approach toward the Nez Perce.

**Swan Necklace**  
Sound of Running Feet’s fiancé, who begins as a painter and becomes a fierce warrior with the Red Coats.

**Red Moccasin Tops**  
One of the Red Coats, driven by a desire for revenge against the whites for his father’s death.

**Wah-lit-its**  
Another member of the Red Coats, whose actions precipitate the war with the white soldiers.

**Ollokot**  
Sound of Running Feet’s uncle and the best warrior in the tribe, who hopes to protect his people through his skills.

**Springtime**  
The mother of Sound of Running Feet, who is pregnant at the novel’s start and later gives birth to Bending Willow.

**Captain Jerome**  
A captured white soldier who experiences the treatment of the Nez Perce firsthand and communicates with his soldiers.

**Red Elk**  
An Assiniboin man who aids Sound of Running Feet and Swan Necklace during their travels, providing supplies.

**Charging Hawk**  
The son of Red Elk and a fierce warrior with an interest in Sound of Running Feet, seeking his own path to impress her.

**Alighting Dove**  
The wife of Red Elk, who shows kindness and helps Sound of Running Feet understand Assiniboin customs.

**Looking Glass**  
A war chief of the Nez Perce with foresight into his people's danger, identifiable by the looking glass he wears.

**Lean Elk**  
The young war chief who assumes leadership from Looking Glass and makes crucial decisions about the tribe’s movements.

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