In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
By (Author) Joseph Marshall
Illustrated by Jim Yellowhawk
Abrams
Amulet Books
1st December 2015
United States
Young Adult
Fiction
FIC
Winner of American Indian Youth Literature Award (Middle School) 2016
Hardback
176
Width 160mm, Height 203mm, Spine 20mm
350g
Jimmy McClean is a Lakota boy - though you wouldn't guess it by his name: his father is part white and part Lakota, 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 and American history. Drawing references and inspiration from the oral stories of the Lakota tradition, celebrated author Joseph Marshall III juxtaposes the contemporary story of Jimmy with an insider's perspective on the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse (c. 1840-1877). The book follows the heroic deeds of the Lakota leader who took up arms against the US federal government to fight 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 Little Bighorn. Along 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 more about his Lakota heritage and, ultimately, himself.
American Indian Youth Literature Award
STARRED REVIEW
"This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of 'hero.'"
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.