In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III




1. Bibliography:
Marshall, Joseph. In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse. Ill. by James Yellowhawk. Amulet Books. New York: 2015. ISBN: 9781419707858

2. Plot Summary:
Jimmy is a Lakota Native American. He gets picked on because he has light skin and has blue eyes. He feels that he does not fit in with the other Lakota boys. During a school break, Jimmy’s grandfather takes him on the path of an important Lakota hero, Crazy Horse. Going in chronological order, this journey, Jimmy learns the import impact Crazy Horse had on Lakota history and American history.

3. Characters
Jimmy’s character is developmentally appropriate for a young person. He expresses the feelings of what it is like to be picked on. As the story line continues, he displays sentiment for both parties of the battles. This shows the reader he is a sensitive and caring person.
The character development of Crazy Horse is so important throughout the retelling of his life. This shows his leadership skills, and the choices he had to make.  He is not going to give up, but fight for what he feels is right.
Grandpa Nyles uses flashbacks of the time of Crazy Horse to tell his story. Nyles is a character that does not develop in the story, but is needed in order to move the story along.

4. Setting:
The setting plays a huge role in explaining the distinct culture of the Lakota people. The setting follows the path of Crazy Horse and his life. The author shows the culture by traveling to historical sites in Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The author includes historical artifacts that aid in this culture. In the story he explains the way they lived in teepees, and traveled from place to place to hunt the buffalo.

5. Illustrations:
The illustrator created a distinct illustration for each chapter. The black and white cave wall like murals provide a clue of what the next chapter will include. They are symbols representing major historical events. The Little Bighorn battle is particular representing both sides of the battle Native Americans, and Americans with arrows flying through the air. Since this particular battle was a costly one with lives. The arrows show that they are meaning death.

6. Theme:
Looks are not everything, it matters what is inside. The author supports this theme by comparing both characters Jimmy and Crazy Horse on the way they look; light skin, and eyes. As the journey goes on, the author has Grandpa explain what type of man Crazy Horse is on the inside. He wants his grandson to understand that his insides matter more than what he and school kids see.

7. Cultural Markers:
The author uses some stereotypes in the story. The author needs to put these stereotypes in the story because it gives the authentic point of view of the time of Crazy horse. He uses Long Knives to describe the frontier military. Other description of this culture is uniquely explained through customs the Lakota people participated in, and how the custom went. This story is full of facts about the culture. There are discrepancies stated that the American historians did not have it correct. This is also supported by the glossary and bibliography provided with citations. A small bibliographical information about Marshal and Yellowhawk show that they are qualified in writing about this culture. They are both Lakota Native Americans. Given this is about history the minority characters are shown that they are not equal. The Americans did not want to treat the Native Americans fairly. Also the disregard about leaving some land alone, and agreements made were broken. The present-day characters are shown with equality. Non-English words are used correctly and other vocabulary words are located in the glossary that is provided for those who many not know the meaning of what the words represents. This is story is very well written and is independent of the culture. One could go through the sequence of events of Crazy Horse and learn from his life.

8. Connections Teacher and Library Corner:
Students will work in groups of 3-4. The students will research each battle that Jimmy took the path of. Each student will come up with a poster with information about the battle and how Crazy Horse had influences in the battle. Two groups will do something a little different. One group will do early life of Crazy Horse, and another group will do the last years of Crazy Horse.

Check out something a little extra is a reader’s theater.

9. You tube:
The Texas Blue Bonnet Award Program created a book trailer to sponsor the winner.

10. Review Excerpts:
“This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of 'hero.” Kirkus Review

"As Jimmy and his grandfather’s journey comes to an end, the boy has gained much more than a history lesson—he learns a great deal about courage, sacrifice, and the ties that connect him to his ancestors. A moving narrative that should be required reading for all students of American history." School Library Journal

“Follow the geography of Crazy Horse’s life…was instrumental in the most significant Native American military victory against the white invaders.” Publishers Weekly

11.  Children Reviews:
“I really liked the way Jimmy spent time with his grandfather. Learning about Crazy Horse was interesting and I liked how they went to each place to experience his footsteps.” Chase age 12

12. Awards and Recognitions:
2017 Texas Blue Bonnet Nominee

13. Book suggestions by Joseph Marshall This book list from Marshal are adult recommendations.
The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History ISBN: 978014036210

Other books: These are children’s books
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola ISBN:9780698113602
Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart ISBN:9780545665827

14. Official Website:
Sadly, the official website for Joseph Marshall is not longer working.
The illustrator’s Jim Yellowhawk has his website. Check out what other art he has created.

15. Rating:
I give this book 5 stars. I would give it more, but my scale is only to 5. This book is so well written. I love that you have the point of view of Jimmy and his grandfather, but when his grandfather tells the story, it going into the point of view of Crazy Horse. This book is filled with wonderful information and I wanted to learn more about Crazy Horse. 

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