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In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
Jimmy McClean is a Lakota boy—though you would not guess it by his name: his father is a white man and his mother is Lakota. When he embarks on a journey with his grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, he learns more and more about his Lakota heritage—in particular, the story of Crazy Horse, one of the most important figures in Lakota history. Drawing inspiration from the oral stories of the Lakota tradition and the Lakota cultural mechanism of the “hero story,” Joseph Marshall provides readers with an insider’s perspective on the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse. Through his grandfather’s tales about the famous warrior, Jimmy learns more about his Lakota heritage and, ultimately, himself.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2015
About the author
Joseph M. Marshall III
23 books312 followersJoseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, including Hundred in the Hand, The Lakota Way, and The Journey of Crazy Horse, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts traditional Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. Marshall's work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard in the Turner Network Television and Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
February 5, 2020
It should have taken me a couple of hours to read this book. Instead, it took me 4 days because I. Just. Couldn't. I procrastinated at every turn from reading this book. I'm grudgingly giving it 2 stars because it does contain a lot of historical information. But it's just such a disappointment.
Jimmy lives on a Lakota reservation in modern day and is teased by his classmates because he doesn't look Lakota. Jimmy's grandfather takes him on a trip to various important historical sites connected to Crazy Horse and, rather circuitously, tells Jimmy of Crazy Horse's life. The book alternates between Jimmy's story and scenes from Crazy Horse's life in sections called "How It Was." What makes this book so disappointing is that it has real potential to be a beautiful, moving, powerful story of a boy connecting with his heritage and finding his place in today's world, but instead it reads like a tour you take on vacation. The author goes so far as to tell you the directions they drove, for pete's sake. JUST PUT A MAP IN THE BOOK! No one wants to read how they turned right and drove west for 20 minutes, and then turned left and drove for 15 more minutes. Seriously.
The bullying story only frames the book in the first and last chapter. Not ONCE during Jimmy's trip with grandpa does he reflect on how what he's learning about Crazy Horse affects his life today, but somehow at the end of the book he's got it all figured out. The characters are barely even cardboard cutouts, with absolutely no depth, just vehicles for spouting historical facts. The parts about Crazy Horse are slightly better, but even then, there's barely any depth. The author missed a huge opportunity to really make the reader feel what it was like for Crazy Horse and Native Americans, but the writing is shallow and surface. I get that this is a book for kids, but this felt more like a badly acted video you would see in history class 30 years ago than a meaningful look at Native American culture today and Crazy Horse as a human being. I cannot for the life of me imagine how this book got on the Texas Bluebonnet list. We need meaningful stories about and by Native Americans. We need diverse books. But this one falls way short in what it could and should be.
Jimmy lives on a Lakota reservation in modern day and is teased by his classmates because he doesn't look Lakota. Jimmy's grandfather takes him on a trip to various important historical sites connected to Crazy Horse and, rather circuitously, tells Jimmy of Crazy Horse's life. The book alternates between Jimmy's story and scenes from Crazy Horse's life in sections called "How It Was." What makes this book so disappointing is that it has real potential to be a beautiful, moving, powerful story of a boy connecting with his heritage and finding his place in today's world, but instead it reads like a tour you take on vacation. The author goes so far as to tell you the directions they drove, for pete's sake. JUST PUT A MAP IN THE BOOK! No one wants to read how they turned right and drove west for 20 minutes, and then turned left and drove for 15 more minutes. Seriously.
The bullying story only frames the book in the first and last chapter. Not ONCE during Jimmy's trip with grandpa does he reflect on how what he's learning about Crazy Horse affects his life today, but somehow at the end of the book he's got it all figured out. The characters are barely even cardboard cutouts, with absolutely no depth, just vehicles for spouting historical facts. The parts about Crazy Horse are slightly better, but even then, there's barely any depth. The author missed a huge opportunity to really make the reader feel what it was like for Crazy Horse and Native Americans, but the writing is shallow and surface. I get that this is a book for kids, but this felt more like a badly acted video you would see in history class 30 years ago than a meaningful look at Native American culture today and Crazy Horse as a human being. I cannot for the life of me imagine how this book got on the Texas Bluebonnet list. We need meaningful stories about and by Native Americans. We need diverse books. But this one falls way short in what it could and should be.
July 1, 2018
Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.
To be such a tiny book and a quick read, it really manages to fit in some very important historical stories and commentary on how the native people have been treated in North America. Jimmy struggles with bullying at his school because, despite being 75% Lakota, he looks white, and his classmates tease him relentlessly for it. His grandfather takes him on a road trip and teaches him all about Crazy Horse, Jimmy's great-great-great-great...yougetthepicture-grandfather, a very well-known and beloved Lakota warrior from the 1800s.
It's quickly evident that this book is a mixture of fiction and nonfiction; while Jimmy may not be a real person, you can tell that the stories about Crazy Horse come from a place of truth, and Joseph Marshall III's author's note even talks about how he has devoted his life to studying this great Lakota ancestor of his. It was so wonderful to feel his passion for his culture and history through the writing, and I would definitely recommend this one to any kid or young teen.
To be such a tiny book and a quick read, it really manages to fit in some very important historical stories and commentary on how the native people have been treated in North America. Jimmy struggles with bullying at his school because, despite being 75% Lakota, he looks white, and his classmates tease him relentlessly for it. His grandfather takes him on a road trip and teaches him all about Crazy Horse, Jimmy's great-great-great-great...yougetthepicture-grandfather, a very well-known and beloved Lakota warrior from the 1800s.
It's quickly evident that this book is a mixture of fiction and nonfiction; while Jimmy may not be a real person, you can tell that the stories about Crazy Horse come from a place of truth, and Joseph Marshall III's author's note even talks about how he has devoted his life to studying this great Lakota ancestor of his. It was so wonderful to feel his passion for his culture and history through the writing, and I would definitely recommend this one to any kid or young teen.
July 1, 2016
Like Crazy Horse the author, Joseph M. Marshall is a Lakota himself and in his introduction tells us how the legendary Lakota leader was his boyhood hero thanks to the stories told to him by his elders. He says these were merely stories to his boyhood sensibility but that as he grew older he realised they were also essential historical and cultural insights into his people. He finally tells us this biographic narrative is an attempt to unfold the life of Crazy Horse as a storyteller would and this is the great triumph of this biography – it possesses all the vitality and detailed cultural fabric of a well written novel. Crazy Horse’s biography would be any novelist’s dream – there’s a tragic love story, there’s betrayal from his own kin, there’s a spiritual quest, alienation, persecution and ultimately the fight to the death to protect his family and friends and withhold the values he cherished above even his own life.
Another facet of this book that makes it so compelling is the author’s intimate insight into the detail and rituals of life as a Lakota in the 19th century. Of course it’s a culture that never was going to survive into the 20th century without massive compromises and time and time again, because of the author’s detailed insight into and account of a culture that had much that was poetic, beautiful and deeply spiritual I was made to feel the tragedy of this loss. You could say Crazy Horse was the prototype or inspiration for the likes of Luke Skywalker and every other Hollywood hero or heroine who fights for his homeland against oppressive intruders - except the accepted notion of him is still essentially as an outlaw, a wild savage. Okay, he was never going to win the Nobel Peace Prize but surely it’s time Crazy Horse was honoured as a noble and courageous man who did everything in his power to preserve a culture that still has so much wisdom to offer the world. We don’t have to demonise his oppressors to do that. We all know they were essentially unwitting agents of history. The author has done a great job of changing popular perception in this book. I just wish Hollywood would make it into a film.
Thank you to Joseph Marshall for this beautiful and profoundly moving book.
And here’s a beautiful Sioux song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n--U_...
Another facet of this book that makes it so compelling is the author’s intimate insight into the detail and rituals of life as a Lakota in the 19th century. Of course it’s a culture that never was going to survive into the 20th century without massive compromises and time and time again, because of the author’s detailed insight into and account of a culture that had much that was poetic, beautiful and deeply spiritual I was made to feel the tragedy of this loss. You could say Crazy Horse was the prototype or inspiration for the likes of Luke Skywalker and every other Hollywood hero or heroine who fights for his homeland against oppressive intruders - except the accepted notion of him is still essentially as an outlaw, a wild savage. Okay, he was never going to win the Nobel Peace Prize but surely it’s time Crazy Horse was honoured as a noble and courageous man who did everything in his power to preserve a culture that still has so much wisdom to offer the world. We don’t have to demonise his oppressors to do that. We all know they were essentially unwitting agents of history. The author has done a great job of changing popular perception in this book. I just wish Hollywood would make it into a film.
Thank you to Joseph Marshall for this beautiful and profoundly moving book.
And here’s a beautiful Sioux song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n--U_...
November 17, 2015
Eleven year-old Jimmy McClean may be Lakota, but unlike the other Lakota boys who have darker coloring and black hair, he has inherited more than just a Scottish name from his dad's side of the family. Not only does he not have a Lakota last name, but Jimmy also has light skin, blue eyes and light brown hair, traits that make him the target of two bullies at their school on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Corky Brin, a white boy and Jesse Little Horse, a Lakota boy, may not like each other much, but they are united in letting Jimmy know every chance they get that he isn't a real Lakota because of his coloring.
Luckily, school is out for the summer and Jimmy will have a break from their relentless bullying. And Jimmy's grandfather on his mother's side, Nyles High Eagle, has invited him along on a road trip that will allow them to journey in the footsteps of Crazy Horse, the Lakota hero and leader who lived in the 1800s and who, as Jimmy learns, was also teased as a boy because he had light coloring and brown hair. In fact, Crazy Horse's name as a boy was Light Hair.
As the two journey through South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana, they are literally following in Crazy Horse's footsteps. At each stop, Grandpa Nyles tells Jimmy how that area played an important part in the life of Crazy Horse, carefully explaining what he did and why. Slowly, Jimmy (and the reader) learn about how all these events made Crazy Horse the great leader that he became.
For Jimmy, and probably for most readers, learning about Crazy Horse and his heroic struggles to defend the Lakota people from the encroachment of white settlers, gold miners and the US Army is an eye-opening experience. Most of us never really have the chance to see how these familiar and sometimes unfamiliar events played out from the Native American perspective. We all know, for example, that General Custer and part of his battalion were defeated with no survivors at the Battle of Little Bighorn, but reading about how this battle was planned and executed and what the victory meant for Crazy Horse and the survival of the Plains Indians is a perspective that gives this battle a whole new meaning.
Making it all the more heartbreaking when Crazy Horse, who was such a great Lakota leader and warrior, is forced to surrender at Fort Robinson along with the people he led. But his reasons for doing so may surprise readers.
And Jimmy? For him, this is a journey of discovering what courage really means, of the importance family, culture and tradition in his life (as in all of our lives), and a bonding trip not just with his Grandpa Nyles, but with his whole Latkota heritage.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a well told, well researched work. It switches between the present and the past as Grandpa Nyles relates the story of Crazy Horse's life, written in italics with the subtitle "The Way It Was"and in chronological order. It is fascinating reading, though I sometimes wished it were more detailed, especially since Grandpa Nyles is such a wonderful storyteller.
Jimmy isn't really a fully developed character, more like a vehicle for the unfolding of Crazy Horse's life, but that's OK, he was developed as much as he needed to be to move the story forward, and enough for young readers to relate to.
The language is pretty straightforward, though some of the battle descriptions are rather vivid. It is recommended for readers age 10 - 14 years old, but I think the language is too young for them and more appropriate kids age 9-12, after all, Jimmy is only 11 and hearing the same things the readers is reading.
And, in fact, one of the things I really liked is the way Joseph Marshall doesn't gloss over the graphic details of some of the events Grandpa Nyles tells Jimmy about, but to his credit, he does tamps down the violence with some wise words about never glorifying war and to never forget what the Native American warriors did, but to remember the soldiers kindly as well (pg 73). I should mention that Grandpa Nyles is a veteran and knows that nobody ever really wins when it comes to war.
Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book, and remember there is an extensive glossary there, too. I read an ARC but I understand there is a map in the book for tracing the journey Jimmy and Grandpa Nyles took (much easier than reading with a road atlas like I did).
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse has come out just in time for Native American Heritage Month, but it is also a welcomed addition to the history of Native peoples, and a wonderful supplemental text to American history classes, as well as an excellent book for personal reading.
This book is recommended for readers (in my opinion) age 9+
This book was received at Bank Street Bookfest 2015
This review was originally posted at Randomly Reading
Luckily, school is out for the summer and Jimmy will have a break from their relentless bullying. And Jimmy's grandfather on his mother's side, Nyles High Eagle, has invited him along on a road trip that will allow them to journey in the footsteps of Crazy Horse, the Lakota hero and leader who lived in the 1800s and who, as Jimmy learns, was also teased as a boy because he had light coloring and brown hair. In fact, Crazy Horse's name as a boy was Light Hair.
As the two journey through South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana, they are literally following in Crazy Horse's footsteps. At each stop, Grandpa Nyles tells Jimmy how that area played an important part in the life of Crazy Horse, carefully explaining what he did and why. Slowly, Jimmy (and the reader) learn about how all these events made Crazy Horse the great leader that he became.
For Jimmy, and probably for most readers, learning about Crazy Horse and his heroic struggles to defend the Lakota people from the encroachment of white settlers, gold miners and the US Army is an eye-opening experience. Most of us never really have the chance to see how these familiar and sometimes unfamiliar events played out from the Native American perspective. We all know, for example, that General Custer and part of his battalion were defeated with no survivors at the Battle of Little Bighorn, but reading about how this battle was planned and executed and what the victory meant for Crazy Horse and the survival of the Plains Indians is a perspective that gives this battle a whole new meaning.
Making it all the more heartbreaking when Crazy Horse, who was such a great Lakota leader and warrior, is forced to surrender at Fort Robinson along with the people he led. But his reasons for doing so may surprise readers.
And Jimmy? For him, this is a journey of discovering what courage really means, of the importance family, culture and tradition in his life (as in all of our lives), and a bonding trip not just with his Grandpa Nyles, but with his whole Latkota heritage.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a well told, well researched work. It switches between the present and the past as Grandpa Nyles relates the story of Crazy Horse's life, written in italics with the subtitle "The Way It Was"and in chronological order. It is fascinating reading, though I sometimes wished it were more detailed, especially since Grandpa Nyles is such a wonderful storyteller.
Jimmy isn't really a fully developed character, more like a vehicle for the unfolding of Crazy Horse's life, but that's OK, he was developed as much as he needed to be to move the story forward, and enough for young readers to relate to.
The language is pretty straightforward, though some of the battle descriptions are rather vivid. It is recommended for readers age 10 - 14 years old, but I think the language is too young for them and more appropriate kids age 9-12, after all, Jimmy is only 11 and hearing the same things the readers is reading.
And, in fact, one of the things I really liked is the way Joseph Marshall doesn't gloss over the graphic details of some of the events Grandpa Nyles tells Jimmy about, but to his credit, he does tamps down the violence with some wise words about never glorifying war and to never forget what the Native American warriors did, but to remember the soldiers kindly as well (pg 73). I should mention that Grandpa Nyles is a veteran and knows that nobody ever really wins when it comes to war.
Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book, and remember there is an extensive glossary there, too. I read an ARC but I understand there is a map in the book for tracing the journey Jimmy and Grandpa Nyles took (much easier than reading with a road atlas like I did).
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse has come out just in time for Native American Heritage Month, but it is also a welcomed addition to the history of Native peoples, and a wonderful supplemental text to American history classes, as well as an excellent book for personal reading.
This book is recommended for readers (in my opinion) age 9+
This book was received at Bank Street Bookfest 2015
This review was originally posted at Randomly Reading
September 25, 2016
I read this book on a trip to Nebraska, which seemed fitting. I learned a lot about Crazy Horse and his legacy.
February 14, 2018
JJoseph M. Marshall III is a member of the Lakota nation and he has written other books about Crazy Horse, his childhood hero. This is his biography written for younger readers. Eleven year-old Jimmy McClean is 3/4 Lakota, but his 1/4 Scottish gave him his looks. He is teased about not being a real Lakota by older boys at school. When school gets out for the summer, Jimmy's grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, invites him to go on a road trip. Jimmy loves spending time with his grandfather, so jumps at the chance. This is not just any ordinary trip, this trip will take them on a journey to follow in the footsteps of Crazy Horse, the Lakota hero and leader who lived in the 1800s. One of the first things Jimmy learns is that Crazy Horse was also teased as a boy because he had light coloring and brown hair. In fact, Crazy Horse's name as a boy was Light Hair. The journey takes them through South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. At each stop, Grandpa Nyles tells Jimmy how that area played an important part in the life of Crazy Horse and the Lakota. He explains what happened and why it happened. Jimmy learns that standing up for what you believe in is important and that strength comes from within.
For most readers, you have heard these stories from the perspective of the "Long Knives" or soldiers, but this story is from the perspective of the native people. I enjoyed learning about Crazy Horse and his struggles to defend the Lakota people from the encroachment of white settlers, gold miners and the US Army. One of the interesting things noted was the monument at the Battle of Little Big Horn. It states that General Custer and his battalion were defeated and there were no survivors, but Grandfather Nyles reminds Jimmy, there were survivors, the Lakota. We also learn about the strategy of the warriors that was successful at this battle. One thing I really liked was that Grandfather Nyles repeatedly stated that war should not be glorified and that all soldiers that died need to be remembered for their bravery and honour. The final stop on their trip is where Crazy Horse surrenders. The story explains why the Native People surrendered to the soldiers.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a well written story. The author explains that most of his information came from oral stories told by the Lakota as well as some other published works. The story is almost like a storyteller sharing this life of Crazy Horse with the reader. Jimmy and Grandpa Nyles are not fully part of the story except that they are the storyteller and receiver. It is an easy story to understand and follow and would make a great addition to a school or public library. A great middle grade story.
For most readers, you have heard these stories from the perspective of the "Long Knives" or soldiers, but this story is from the perspective of the native people. I enjoyed learning about Crazy Horse and his struggles to defend the Lakota people from the encroachment of white settlers, gold miners and the US Army. One of the interesting things noted was the monument at the Battle of Little Big Horn. It states that General Custer and his battalion were defeated and there were no survivors, but Grandfather Nyles reminds Jimmy, there were survivors, the Lakota. We also learn about the strategy of the warriors that was successful at this battle. One thing I really liked was that Grandfather Nyles repeatedly stated that war should not be glorified and that all soldiers that died need to be remembered for their bravery and honour. The final stop on their trip is where Crazy Horse surrenders. The story explains why the Native People surrendered to the soldiers.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a well written story. The author explains that most of his information came from oral stories told by the Lakota as well as some other published works. The story is almost like a storyteller sharing this life of Crazy Horse with the reader. Jimmy and Grandpa Nyles are not fully part of the story except that they are the storyteller and receiver. It is an easy story to understand and follow and would make a great addition to a school or public library. A great middle grade story.
June 26, 2021
I have been to most of the places that Jimmy and his grandfather visit in this story, which made their road trip all the more meaningful for me.
July 23, 2017
"For reals?" Every time the main character Jimmy said this I cringed a little. The idea of the book was good (Native American boy who doesn't fit in with his peers because he looks differently than most other Natives) but I wasn't very interested in the historical fiction spin on Crazy Horse's life that comprised almost the entire book.
April 11, 2016
I'm glad that kids can learn about Crazy Horse. However, I lost focus because it read more like a history book than an engaging narrative. It would be more relatable to kids if the story was more about Jimmy.
February 2, 2016
I do believe I enjoyed reading this more than Marshall enjoyed writing it
July 12, 2016
Great story about a grandfather's journey with his grandson. A really good introduction to Crazy Horse, who I'd like to learn more about.
February 19, 2017
This book is going to need a little help finding and audience, but when it does they are going to love it. Coming of age, road trips, history, culture all work so well in this slim text.
December 5, 2020
lol this book is a joke
January 28, 2016
I'm giving this book three stars, but to be honest, I probably would have rated it lower if I hadn't read Reading While White's review of it before I started it (which you can read here) which gave me a different way to approach this title. In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a history book disguised as fiction. The story of Jimmy and Grandpa Niles is a framing device to introduce readers to the life of Crazy Horse and the injustices that First Nations/Native populations in the United States had to deal with. Jimmy and Grandpa Niles are both pretty thin characters--they aren't very believable (if Jimmy said the phrase, "for reals" one more time in the narrative, I might have had to throw something), and I never really invested in their story or plot lines. Also, the book was very didactic and heavy-handed with its message. If I had approached this book without any prior knowledge of this title, these would have been huge issues for me and I would have struggled to finish.
However, the Jimmy and Grandpa Niles story is just a vehicle to tell readers about certain events in U.S. history in a way that doesn't vilify or exotify First Nations/Native peoples. The author goes to great lengths to show that there were real, living humans on both sides of every battlefield and the explain why Crazy Horse and other First Nations/Native took the actions that they did. Often, tellings of the Battle of Little Big Horn et al make it seem like First Nations/Native warriors were brutal and merciless, whereas Marshall offers readers a much needed balanced and nuanced story.
This book might be a tough sell to get students to read on their own (unless they're particularly interested in history), but it would be a perfect book to use during a classroom unit on First Nations/Native people. In California, this unit comes in 4th grade, which I think would be the ideal age group for this title. It's so important to have books like these that show a side of history that is often overlooked in most curricula, and I hope more books like this continue to be published.
However, the Jimmy and Grandpa Niles story is just a vehicle to tell readers about certain events in U.S. history in a way that doesn't vilify or exotify First Nations/Native peoples. The author goes to great lengths to show that there were real, living humans on both sides of every battlefield and the explain why Crazy Horse and other First Nations/Native took the actions that they did. Often, tellings of the Battle of Little Big Horn et al make it seem like First Nations/Native warriors were brutal and merciless, whereas Marshall offers readers a much needed balanced and nuanced story.
This book might be a tough sell to get students to read on their own (unless they're particularly interested in history), but it would be a perfect book to use during a classroom unit on First Nations/Native people. In California, this unit comes in 4th grade, which I think would be the ideal age group for this title. It's so important to have books like these that show a side of history that is often overlooked in most curricula, and I hope more books like this continue to be published.
January 24, 2016
Eleven-year-old Jimmy McClean often feels caught between two cultures since he is three-fourths Lakota and one-fourth white. He and his family live on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he puts up with more than his share of teasing because he looks white and has a white name and struggles with school for many reasons. Jimmy's grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, decides that it's time for a road trip over the territory where Crazy Horse once lived and fought. As they travel to various spots, the older man shares stories of the famous Lakota leader. Jimmy learns several important life lessons along the way, mostly about the need to never forget what happened in the places they visit while gaining a sense of pride and experiencing a feeling of loss for what ultimately happened to Crazy Horse and his people. Thus, readers learn a very different version than might be found in history books of what happened at the Battle of the Greasy Grace (the Battle of the Little Bighorn) and the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands (the Fetterman Battle). Appropriately, the spots they visit and the battles they discuss are described through the lens of the Lakotas. Readers will close the book, moved profoundly, and troubled once again by the treatment of the Lakotas by the whites who moved into their territory. I was particularly impressed by the heroism of this man who chose to fight against the U.S. government and then once again by his decision to surrender in order to protect the women, children, and elderly who were with him. Although the book is understandably slanted in favor of Crazy Horse and the Lakotas, it fills a need for positive depictions of the history of First Nations peoples. I found the stories compelling and just as inspiring as Jimmy does.
December 19, 2018
What a great premise for a historical fiction book-weave a story of Jimmy, a present day Lakota boy who experiences bullying due to his mixed heritage, with the history of real life Lakota hero Crazy Horse. Life lessons and history to be learned abound in the story. But like reviewers Becky, Jennifer and Sasha, I felt the story fell flat for a number of reasons. First and foremost was the overly simple sentence structure and redundant phrases. For example, page 12 in my copy has a 7 sentence paragraph and 3 of those sentences start with “It was..” and very little else. And how about the part when Grandpa tells Jimmy that Crazy Horse could hear the moans and screams of the soldiers behind the barricade and then needlessly adds: “Those were the wounded soldiers.” Really? I think the target audience of 4th-6th graders can figure that out! The second flaw in this promising plot is that the “factual” sections, called “The Way It Was” didn’t stick to facts. Too much needless speculation into what Crazy Horse was thinking or saying to his wife and friends. My final criticism was also expressed by several other reviewers. There was very little depth in the character of Jimmy. As a huge promoter of books chosen for the Texas Bluebonnet list, I am disappointed. I very much appreciate and support the Bluebonnet selection committee’s determination to compile a list of 20 books that represent the great ethnic and economic diversity of our fine state, but if a Native American character was desired, I would have continued looking at other possible titles.
August 24, 2017
Road trip story of a Lakota by and his grandfather, starting at the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota and stopping at Crazy Horse sites in Bear Butte in the Black Hills, South Dakota; a section of the Oregon Trail, Ft. Laramie, and Ft. Robinson in Nebraska; the Bozeman Trail, Casper, Ft. Phil Kearney, and the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands in Wyoming; and the Battle of Little Bighorn in Montana. The grandfather tells a series of stories at the sites that help his grandson connect to the figure of Crazy Horse and to his own heritage. Most of those stories relate to warfare or strategy, and some are fairly graphic. This would be as enjoyable for some readers as it would be offputting to others, so know your audience. There's also a suggestion at he end that violence (even if as a last resort) is a dignified and effective way to stand up to bullies.
The grandfather' storytelling is engaging, but some of the dialogue between the two is stilted and there's a strange amount of unnecessary detail in some parts of the book--for example, detailed descriptions of driving routes, which could have been more effectively pulled out and put into an itinerary at the end of the book for readers who want to recreate the trip themselves. The story basically exists as a vehicle for the grandfather's stories, and those sections are the most enjoyable portions of the book.
The grandfather' storytelling is engaging, but some of the dialogue between the two is stilted and there's a strange amount of unnecessary detail in some parts of the book--for example, detailed descriptions of driving routes, which could have been more effectively pulled out and put into an itinerary at the end of the book for readers who want to recreate the trip themselves. The story basically exists as a vehicle for the grandfather's stories, and those sections are the most enjoyable portions of the book.
January 26, 2016
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CRAZY HORSE by Joseph M. Marshall III tells the powerful story of a Lakota boy who goes on a road trip with his grandfather to learn about his cultural heritage.
Designed for middle grade readers, this compelling story follows Jimmy McClean’s journey to learn about the past in order to understand the present. Jimmy’s grandfather facilitates Jimmy’s quest by taking him to historical landmarks and telling the stories of of his culture heritage using Crazy Horse as the thread that weaves the tale together.
Librarians will find that readers of both realistic and historical fiction will enjoy this story. The novel would be an effective way to immerse readers in Lakota culture and heritage. Consider weaving this text into the upper elementary or middle school reading and history curriculum. The author’s note, glossary, and bibliography add to the usefulness of this outstanding text for classroom use. Also, keep in mind that this book is an excellent addition to the diversity collection.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.josephmarshall.com/.
Published by Amulet/Abrams on November 10, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.
Designed for middle grade readers, this compelling story follows Jimmy McClean’s journey to learn about the past in order to understand the present. Jimmy’s grandfather facilitates Jimmy’s quest by taking him to historical landmarks and telling the stories of of his culture heritage using Crazy Horse as the thread that weaves the tale together.
Librarians will find that readers of both realistic and historical fiction will enjoy this story. The novel would be an effective way to immerse readers in Lakota culture and heritage. Consider weaving this text into the upper elementary or middle school reading and history curriculum. The author’s note, glossary, and bibliography add to the usefulness of this outstanding text for classroom use. Also, keep in mind that this book is an excellent addition to the diversity collection.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.josephmarshall.com/.
Published by Amulet/Abrams on November 10, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.
March 7, 2017
Marshall III, Joseph In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse, 165pgs. Amulet Books, 2015. $16.95. Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (description of battle).
Jimmy McLean is relieved school is out for the summer. Being a light eyed, light brown haired kid who was three parts Sioux, one part Scottish on a Sioux reservation made daily life at school unbearable. To help Jimmy discover more about himself and his family heritage, his grandfather takes him on a trip tracing the life events of Crazy Horse. Each stop on the road trip brings knowledge, understanding and insight into the lives of the Lakota people during the life of Crazy Horse.
Engaging story, good for class read aloud, or for small groups working with historical fiction. The glossary in the back of the book is particularly helpful as it gives cultural background as well as definitions. A gentle story about discovering yourself in your ancestors and heritage.
EL, MS- ADVISABLE. J. Hafen
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Jimmy McLean is relieved school is out for the summer. Being a light eyed, light brown haired kid who was three parts Sioux, one part Scottish on a Sioux reservation made daily life at school unbearable. To help Jimmy discover more about himself and his family heritage, his grandfather takes him on a trip tracing the life events of Crazy Horse. Each stop on the road trip brings knowledge, understanding and insight into the lives of the Lakota people during the life of Crazy Horse.
Engaging story, good for class read aloud, or for small groups working with historical fiction. The glossary in the back of the book is particularly helpful as it gives cultural background as well as definitions. A gentle story about discovering yourself in your ancestors and heritage.
EL, MS- ADVISABLE. J. Hafen
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
December 3, 2018
Hmm, this is going to sound strange but I found this book both interesting and boring. The historical parts were interesting but the story was boring. This is aimed at a younger age group but here is an example:
"Past the gate they followed the road toward the parking lot. Off to the right were houses. At the western edge of the parking lot was a two-story stone building. The parking area went further to the south, bending slightly to the east. South of the stone building was a cemetery with rows and rows of white headstones." This is a fiction book not a guide book.
I think this would have come across much better as a narrative non-fiction or written in the first person from the young boy's point of view.
"Past the gate they followed the road toward the parking lot. Off to the right were houses. At the western edge of the parking lot was a two-story stone building. The parking area went further to the south, bending slightly to the east. South of the stone building was a cemetery with rows and rows of white headstones." This is a fiction book not a guide book.
I think this would have come across much better as a narrative non-fiction or written in the first person from the young boy's point of view.
February 18, 2016
Jimmy and his grandfather take a road trip, visiting many key places where Crazy Horse lived and fought. The narrative is relatively easy to read - perfect for 4th graders on up, and the book is relatively short and includes ink sketch illustrations. The narrative alternates between Jimmy's perspective (using third person), and grandfather's stories/history about Crazy Horse (which uses italics to differentiate the text). There is a clear map at the beginning of the book, outlining each place mentioned on their trip, and an author's note and glossary at the end. Excellent for classroom use, this received the American Indian Library Association's Youth Literature Award.
April 25, 2016
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a story about a boy named Jimmy who is half Lakota and half white. He is teased for having blue eyes and can't seem to find his place in his culture and community. His grandfather, Grandpa Nyles takes him on commemorative journey through the footsteps of a brave Lakota warrior named Crazy Horse. Jimmy is enchanted by Grandpa Nyle's stories of Crazy Horse. Jimmy makes a great connection with his native culture. After his journey, Jimmy finds his inner strength to face his bullies.
March 2, 2018
I read this with my third grade son; I really enjoy how reading a book aloud with someone can enhance the experience. I learned a lot, mainly trying to put things in perspective with my general history knowledge.
The story is a boy and his grandfather taking a road trip -in the footsteps of Crazy Horse- and the grandfather is telling the grandson stories. There are flashbacks to battles and Crazy Horse's life. It made me want to learn more and my son was completely captivated by the story. I am so glad I read the book.
The story is a boy and his grandfather taking a road trip -in the footsteps of Crazy Horse- and the grandfather is telling the grandson stories. There are flashbacks to battles and Crazy Horse's life. It made me want to learn more and my son was completely captivated by the story. I am so glad I read the book.
April 19, 2016
"In the footsteps of Crazy Horse" is about a young Lakota boy named Jimmy McClean that through a journey with his grandfather he learns about his Lakota heritage. In particular, he learns about the history/story about the history of a Lakota famous figure. I enjoyed reading this book because it opened my eyes into a cultural history that I had no knowledge of and it helped me learned something new overall.
October 31, 2016
This was a good idea, but the writing was just too dry and boring for me to get engaged in the story. Jimmy McLean, a member of the Lakota Nation, is picked on by other kids for not looking native enough. After he and his grandpa go on a trip tracing Crazy Horse's life, Jimmy finds the courage to be happy with himself as he is. The parts where grandpa was retelling Crazy Horse's life were the best; we could have done with out Jimmy's lame plot line.
July 19, 2017
If your intent on writing a story is to teach something, then please write it as non-fiction. I would have enjoyed this so much more as a biography or non-fiction book about Crazy Horse. As a fiction story, there was So. Much. Telling. And so much detail about the routes they traveled. The characters had no depth. I would have more enjoyed a fictionalized story about Crazy Horse without the modern characters.
September 2, 2019
My husband and I read to each other at night until one of us falls asleep. We've decided that we are taking this book with us the next time we head out to Montana/Wyoming area and try to trace the story ourselves. The book is that good. We've been to where the Greasy Grass Fight/Battle of Little Big Horn took place, but now realize that we barely knew what happened. Great job, Joseph Marshall III! Your fans, Mike & Renee in Minnesota
December 12, 2017
This would have been a two star if I didn't like the plot/story so much. The writing is just... bad. It's super choppy and all the conversations felt so robotic. A book that should have been finished in one or two sittings took days because I had a hard time enjoying it and staying interested in the writing. I'd like to read a story about Crazy Horse, though, and perhaps by a different author.
January 30, 2016
A compelling intergenerational story that movingly touches upon history, heritage, and identity.
February 10, 2016
When Jimmy accepted his grandpa's invitation to spend the weekend together, he didn't know they'd embark on a four-state road trip tracing their famous Lakota ancestor Crazy Horse.
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