Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills

“Wings of an Eagle, the Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills” is co-authored by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman. The book is beautifully illustrated by the highly respected S.D. Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux). Published by Little, Brown and Company a division of Hachette Group, Inc. This book is best fitted to share with preschool through 3rd Grade.  

The goal of this book is to inspire the positive dreams of the youth and the empower the visions of the elders by enhancing the understanding of unity through the dignity, character and beauty of America’s diversity. “Wings of an Eagle” carries the footprints of Billy’s ancestors with the voice of his youth.  

This autobiographical retelling of Billy Mills’ journeys from being an orphan on Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation to his Gold Medal Win in the 10,000-meter race of the 1964 Toyoko Olympics. Inspired by this father’s words “the pursuit of a dream will heal you”, Billy was able to overcome poverty, racism, and severe health challenges to reach his goal and heal his heart.  

“Wings of an Eagle” has been selected by the “South Dakota Center for the Book” as their state’s 2024 Youth Selection for the library of Congress’ “Great Reads from Great Places” and will be featured at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. in August, 2024.