Bibliography
Marshall III. J., & Yellowhawk, J. (2015). In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse. Amulet Books.
Plot Summary
One summer, Jimmy and his grandfather go on a road trip inspired by the tales of Crazy Horse, the famous Lakota.
Critical Analysis
Each chapter starts off with a black and white illustration inspired by indigenous culture. Throughout the book, Grandpa Nyles gives Jimmy some background knowledge of the important event that occurred at whatever historical site they are at and then the time period flips to the time of the actual event. By switching time periods, the reader is able to become immersed in what Light Hair/Crazy Horse experienced.
The road trip is inspired by Jimmy’s frustration at constantly being teased for his light skin and blue eyes by the other Lakota children at school. His last name of McClean doesn’t do him any favors either. His mother is Lakota and his father is white which makes Jimmy 75% Lakota and 25% white - Scottish to be exact. In order to help his grandson, Grandpa Nyles decides to take him on a trip to help change his view of things. To help Jimmy connect even more with Crazy Horse, Grandpa Nyles points out that while Crazy Horse didn’t have blue eyes, he did have light skin as well and was called Light Hair before he became the warrior we know today as Crazy Horse.
The whitewashing of history is mentioned when Jimmy and Grandpa Nyles visit the Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. The Lakota’s called the battle that took place at the site the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands while the whites called it the Fetterman Battle or the Fetterman Massacre. A plaque claims that there were no survivors. “‘They got it wrong,’ Grandpa Nyles said. ‘There were survivors of this battle: hundreds of Lakota and Northern Cheyenne.’” (pg 65) By adding this information into the book, it creates an awareness to think of both sides of a battle, and it also demonstrates the need for sharing stories of marginalized communities.
This book serves as an important piece of literature about indigenous culture. Not only does it focus on a well-known warrior that will help draw in readers, but it introduces readers to important battles that show the strength and determination that these groups shared in trying to defend their land. There is a lot of action without glorifying war, a lot of research was put into portraying Light Hair/Crazy Horse, and the conversations between grandfather and grandson help provide a lot of background to the stories that are shared.
Review Excerpt(s)
Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee (2018)
American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Middle Grade Book (2016)
"This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of 'hero.'" ― Kirkus Reviews
"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. VERDICT A moving narrative that should be required reading for all students of American history." ― School Library Journal
Connections
-Activities
The back of the book provides a glossary of terms. Before beginning the book, have students create a In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse dictionary. This way they are better informed when beginning the novel.
Use the map provided in the book to help track Jimmy and his grandfather’s journey
Use Google Earth to show students some of the memorials Jimmy and his grandfather visit.
Discussion question: Why is it important to be aware of a culture’s past?
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