48 pages • 1 hour read
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
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Book Brief
288
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • Early 1900s
2017
Middle grade
10-14 years
980L
Super Short Summary
Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin narrates the journey of Jim Thorpe, an Indigenous athlete, from his upbringing on the Sac and Fox reservation to his athletic triumphs at the Carlisle Indian School, coached by Pop Warner. This biography also explores the broader context of football history, highlighting themes of racism, exploitation of Indigenous peoples, and the challenges Thorpe faced, including losing his Olympic medals due to eligibility issues. The book discusses racial discrimination, exploitation, mistreatment of Indigenous peoples, and historical injustices.
Inspirational
Informative
Challenging
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
3,538 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Steve Sheinkin's Undefeated has been praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, making the story of Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School accessible and compelling. However, some reviewers note that the book’s pace occasionally lags and could benefit from a more detailed exploration of its secondary characters. Overall, it remains a strong, insightful read.
Who Should Read Undefeated?
Readers who enjoy Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin are typically young adults and sports enthusiasts interested in compelling true stories of triumph. Similar to Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger, this book appeals to fans of history, football, and narratives of overcoming adversity. It’s a great fit for those who appreciate detailed research and engaging storytelling.
3,538 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe
An Indigenous American athlete from the Sac and Fox Nation known for his achievements in track and field, football, and baseball, particularly his success at the 1912 Olympics and later recognition with the reinstatement of his medals.
Glenn Scobey “Pop” Warner
Glenn Scobey “Pop” Warner
A significant figure in American football history, whose coaching innovations and work at institutions like the Carlisle Indian Industrial School are foundational to modern football.
Richard Henry Pratt
Richard Henry Pratt
A U.S. Army Brigadier General and the founder of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, known for his controversial methods aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into white American culture.
The Carlisle Indian Industrial School
The Carlisle Indian Industrial School
An institution founded by Richard Henry Pratt, designed to assimilate Indigenous American children into the mainstream culture, known for its harsh practices that caused trauma to its students.
288
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • Early 1900s
2017
Middle grade
10-14 years
980L
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