In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse - by Joseph Marshall (Hardcover)

About the Book

Teased for his fair coloring, eleven-year-old Jimmy McClean travels with his maternal grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, to learn about his Lakota heritage while visiting places significant in the life of Crazy Horse, the nineteenth-century Lakota leader and warrior, in a tale that weaves the past with the present. Includes historical note and glossary.

Book Synopsis

Through stories of Lakota leader Crazy Horse, a boy learns about his heritage and himself in this American Indian Youth Literature Award-winning novel from acclaimed author Joseph Marshall III.

"This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of 'hero.'" ―Kirkus (starred review)
"A moving narrative that should be required reading for all students of American history." ―School Library Journal

Jimmy McClean is a Lakota boy, though you wouldn't guess it by his name. His mother is Lakota, and his father is half white and half Lakota. Over summer break, Jimmy embarks on a journey with his grandfather Nyles High Eagle. While on the road, his grandfather tells him the story of Crazy Horse, one of the most important figures in Lakota, and American, history.

Expertly intertwining fiction and nonfiction, celebrated Brulé Lakota author Joseph Marshall III chronicles the many heroic deeds of Crazy Horse, especially his taking up arms against the US government.

He fiercely fought against encroachments on the territories and way of life of the Lakota people, including leading a war party to victory at the Battle of the Greasy Grass (the Battle of the Little Bighorn) and playing a major and dangerous role as decoy at the Battle of the Hundred-in-the-Hands (the Fetterman Fight).

With Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse was the last of the Lakota to surrender his people to the US Army. Through his grandfather's tales about the famous warrior, Jimmy learns about his Lakota heritage and, ultimately, himself.

Drawing references and inspiration from the oral stories of the Lakota tradition, Marshall gives readers an insider's perspective on the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse.

Review Quotes

"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"

"Follow the geography of Crazy Horse's life...was instrumental in the most significant Native American military victory against the white invaders."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"It provides insights and stories that you don't get from academic historians...There is nothing like it."-- "Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature"

STARRED REVIEW
"This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of 'hero.'"-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Joseph Marshall III, raised on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, is an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota (Rosebud Sioux) tribe. His internationally acclaimed works include nine nonfiction books, four novels, a collection of short stories and essays, and several screenplays. He divides his time between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.

Jim Yellowhawk is a contemporary Lakota multimedia artist. He lives in Rapid City, South Dakota.