In a foreword to Chief Joseph, Ashabranner and Davis claim that they wish to "add to the legend of a great American, while keeping the facts straight," and they do this well, without moralizing. In their attempts to reach a younger audience, the authors simplify the story of the Nez Perce to the point of melodrama at times, and neglect indepth treatment of peripheral characters, including women.

The painful social issues surrounding the story of Chief Joseph remain relevant today, as various Native American tribal leaders still seek just treatment from the U.S. government. The tragedy of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce represents the tragedy of other Native Americans: Chief Osceola and the Seminoles; Chief Black Hawk and the Sauks; Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse and the Sioux; Chief Geronimo and the Apaches; the Cherokees' trail of tears; the Wounded Knee massacre...