Buffalo Ways: The Enduring Story of Buffalo and the First Peoples of North America

Imagine millions of buffalo covering the Great Plains.

Here's the story of how they almost became extinct and one man who helped saved them.

For thousands of years, North America had its own animals, its own peoples, and its own way of life. For many of these Indigenous Peoples, especially those who lived on or near the Great Plains, that way of life centered on Buffalo.

When respect for Buffalo began to fade with the arrival of Europeans, a young man named Latatitsa (Little Peregrine Falcon Robe) was sent to protect and care for a group of calves. He transported the calves across the Rocky Mountains to the safety of the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. His heroic efforts helped save the species from extinction.

Expertly researched and lovingly written by children's book author Deidre Havrelock, a member of the Saddle Creek Cree Nation and passionate advocate for Buffalo conservation and preservation, Buffalo Ways celebrates Native history and identity for young readers. Havrelock details the history of the Buffalo in North American and Latatitsa's extraordinary trek, while William Burns's art captures the true story in epic detail.
Back matter includes an author's note, more about Buffalo, a timeline, bibliography, and more on how we can continue to protect ecosystem engineers like Buffalo.

Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.

Author: Deidre Havrelock
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 09/29/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.91lbs
Size: 10.20h x 8.78w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9780823450374
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 07/01/2026 pg. 104
Kirkus Reviews 09/15/2026

About the Author
Deidre Havrelock is a children's book writer. Her titles include Indigenous Ingenuity, which was named an NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book, and Why We Dance, which received a starred review from Kirkus. She is an enrolled member of the Saddle Creek Cree Nation and is extremely passionate about sharing Indigenous history with young children. She lives in Canada.

William Burns is an artist illustrator that finds joy in the little things. He is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and has spent many childhood summers with his family in Mission South Dakota. Burns is a graduate of Syracuse University and is currently creating art on a retired hop farm just outside of Syracuse, New York.