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Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin



Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team is a nonfiction book by Steve Sheinkin. Most people have never even heard of the Carlisle Indian School. But in the early 1900s, the Carlisle Indian football team was the team to beat. When Pop Warner, the coach, and Jim Thorpe, arguably the world's greatest athlete, came together, history was made. This book tells the story of one of America's least-known, but most impressive, football teams of all time. 

Sex: None.

Language: Pop Warner often cursed at his players, but the words are "bleeped" out in the book.

Drug/Alcohol Use: Several instances of underage drinking.

Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several football related deaths are mentioned. Also, when football first became a sport, it was incredibly more violent and was almost banned entirely. This book describes what those days were like in detail. There are also several fistfights.

Final Note: I loved this book! One of the best nonfiction works I've read in awhile. Although this book is technically an "adult" novel, I think both high school and middle graders alike will enjoy it. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see how the Indian team and the students at the Carlisle School were treated. I think this book will shed some light on prejudices that are often overlooked or brushed aside.


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