Crazy Horse’s Vision

Bruchac, J., & Nelson, S. D. (2000). Crazy Horse's Vision. Lee & Low Books.

ISBN: 978-1880000946

Plot Summary:

Crazy Horse is among the best known Native American heroes. Yet many people do not know his boyhood name was Curly, inspired by his curly hair.

Curly was a leader even as a young boy, taming wild horses and hunting powerful buffalo. But all his bravery could not prepare him for the trouble he and the other Lakota Indians would face with the white settlers. Wanting to help his people after a fierce battle that mortally wounded Chief Conquering Bear, Curly defied traditional custom and risked his own life by running away, up to the hills, to seek a vision. 

-Amazon

Analysis:

The story of Crazy Horse is legendary in Native American folklore. This depiction of him as a young Lakota boy known as Curly, shows that even as a child his spirit was full of leadership, wisdom, generosity, and determination. When white men built a fort on Lakota land and conflict erupted, Curly went on a vision quest looking for answers that would protect his people. The message he came home with was to “keep nothing for yourself”. When the time was right he shared the vision with his father. His father, Tashunka Witco (meaning Crazy Horse when translated to English), proudly bestowed his own name upon his son. Crazy Horse defended his people bravely for the rest of his life. The illustrations in this book are full of traditional symbols and symbolic colors. Perspective, color and texture are all windows into traditional art of the Plains Indians. The ledger-style paintings on the front and back endpapers of the book show the Battle of Little Bighorn. They are depictions representing the violence and carnage of battle. These painted scenes with guns, bows and arrows and knives may be upsetting to sensitive readers.  I recommend this book as it may help readers understand the Lakota people and this tragic historical time.

Book Reviews:

Bruchac has created a memorable tale about Crazy Horse's childhood, capturing the spirit of one of the most dedicated and daring leaders among the Lakota. In beautiful illustrations inspired by the ledger book style of the Plains Indians, Sioux artist Nelson fills the pages with both action and quiet drama. An author's note provides information about Crazy Horse's adult years and death, and an illustrator's note explains the art. 

—Booklist

His stormy vision of a rider with a lightning bolt on his cheek, spots like hail on his chest, and a clear, if unspoken, command to keep nothing for yourself, led him to become a man as noble as he was brilliant and daring. Inspired by the ledger-book art of the Plains Indians, Nelson paints his figures with stylized forms, chiseled features, and indistinct expressions, adding realistic depth of field but giving Crazy Horse blue skin to emphasize his connection to the spirit world. 

—Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

This book could be a study in Plains Indian art as well as a discussion point about this time in American history.

Awards:

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 2001

CCBC Choices, 2001

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5361.