The book you hold in your hands—as well as its predecessor, Legends of the Lost Causes—is more than the solitary endeavor of two authors. Since 2015, we’ve been fortunate enough to work closely with the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center and Language Department—two organizations that help comprise the Osage Heritage Center in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
Back when we started planning the Legends series, we knew right away we wanted to tell a magical Old West story that included a diverse cast of characters, a group of resourceful kids who could join forces to fight the Reverend Rose’s evil. For us, this meant examining the cultures of 1855 Missouri and Kansas. Our research led us to the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center, where we met the wonderful directors and specialists who would become readers of our story and close reviewers of our cultural content.
All of the Osage language and names seen in our series have been directly provided by the Cultural Center and its partner, the Language Department. Though we consulted some written sources in early drafts, such as Francis La Flesche’s A Dictionary of the Osage Language, the final approval of all words, phrases, and names came from these language and cultural experts who so graciously agreed to help us.
The same holds true for all Osage customs or practices found within the books. Though the Protectors and Bonfire Crossing are figments of our imaginations, the customs to which we allude—such as the giving of horses as gifts, the mourning ritual for Osage loved ones, familial naming conventions—came from extensive conversations with our cultural partners. We also learned a great deal about the traditional clothing, weapons, and traits of Osage warriors in 1855. In addition, the Center’s consultants worked closely with us on the character of Meenah/Strong Heart, not only providing her name for the story but also guiding her dialogue and interactions. Naturally, any mistakes or inaccuracies in these details are the fault of us, and no one else.
In the end, Legends of the Lost Causes and its accompanying stories are meant to be enjoyed as magical fantasies full of adventure. But it is also our hope that this series grants young readers a larger awareness of the remarkable cultures of 1850s America, as well as a deeper recognition of the country’s darker histories of slavery, cruelty, and violence. When we understand where we came from, we can steer the course of our lives into better harmony with one another.
Please visit osagenation-nsn.gov/ to learn more about the Osage Nation.