43 pages 1 hour read

Diane Glancy

Pushing the Bear: A Novel of the Trail of Tears

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Pushing the Bear by Diane Glancy, written in 1996, follows a group of Cherokee people forced to relocate to “Indian Territory” in Oklahoma during 1838 and 1839. Told from multiple perspectives, including Cherokee members, soldiers, and reverends, it encapsulates their struggles and resilience on the Trail of Tears. The novel emphasizes community and uses traditional Cherokee legends and language. The source text addresses themes of genocide, displacement, and cultural erasure and references sexual assault and racist ideologies against Indigenous people.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Pushing the Bear by Diane Glancy is lauded for its poignant portrayal of the Cherokee Trail of Tears, blending historical and personal perspectives. Reviewers commend its haunting narrative and multifaceted voices. Critics, however, note that its fragmented structure can be challenging. Overall, it offers a compelling but complex exploration of cultural trauma.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pushing the Bear?

A reader who appreciates Pushing the Bear by Diane Glancy is likely interested in historical fiction, Native American history, and narratives of resilience. Fans of works like Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown or Louise Erdrich's writings will find this poignant tale of the Cherokee Trail of Tears deeply engaging.

Recommended

Reading Age

14-18years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Education

Topics

History: U.S.

Social Justice

Education

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Identity: Indigenous