Bibliography:
Bruchac, Joseph. 2006. CRAZY HORSE’S VISION. Ill. By S.D. Nelson. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc. 1584302828.
Plot Summary:
Crazy’s Horse’s Vision is a beautiful folktale about a Lakota Indian boy who has a vision about helping his tribe deal with the white settlers who have settled on the Lakota land. Curly, or Crazy Horse as he will be known as as a young man, was a quiet, thoughtful and brave young man. An unfortunate incident occurs that ends in the loss of Curly’s tribe leader, Conquering Bear, Curly witnesses the horrible act and wonders how he can help and defend his people. Curly decides he will sit and pray for a vision about how he can help, he sees his vision but his father does not help interpret that vision for three winters. Curly’s father interprets the vision stating, “you will be the first to defend your people, though some will try to hold you back. As long as you keep nothing for yourself, no arrow or bullet can hurt you. Because of that vision you much have a new name, so I give you my own. From now on, you will be Tashunka Witco.” Tashunka Witco in English means Crazy Horse.
To the Lakota people giving the name of an elder or father to a young man is an honor, it means a young man has performed a brave or important act. The story of Crazy Horse was first spoken by one of Crazy Horse’s friends He-Dog some 50 years after the death of Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse's vision turned out to be true, he would not die of an arrow or bullet but he did die by a bayonet wound from a white soldier. Crazy Horse rode into Fort Robinson to talk peace but instead soldiers tried to throw him on the ground, when he resisted he was stabbed. No one knows the last words spoken by Crazy Horse but amongst the Lakota his spirit does live on as well as his amazing story.
Critical Analysis:
The illustrations by S.D. Nelson are absolutely beautiful, there was a lot of research that went into making sure the illustrations, the colors and what he describes as the “traditional ledger book style of the Plains Indians, which include the Lakota people” maintained the integrity of the Lakota people and their story. The story of Crazy Horse is a fascinating read but the illustrations make the story come alive. The images and colors are so vivid and capture the special meanings that the Lakota people believe. S.D. Nelson was able to capture hieroglyphic type images in his illustrations that many people are familiar with when studying and learning about the Native American culture. The story can be a little lengthy for young children but the illustrations can really pull you through the story which may help keep children interested in the story itself.
Strangely enough the only female character in this book was Crazy Horse's mother at the very beginning, woman are not represented in this tale. Crazy Horse's mother is portrayed as a caring woman who in the illustration carries her son on her back as a baby which is very traditional of Native Americans. The lack of female representation in the story probably not surprising since a traditional Native American tale is going to include the male tribal leaders and how they take care of the tribe which is what Crazy Horse's quest was, how to help his people.
Review Excerpts and Awards:
ALA Notable Children’s Book Award
Parent’s Choice Gold Award
Reading Magic Award by Parents Magazine
“Crazy Horse’s Vision is an outstanding picture book and a welcome addition to personal school and community library collections.” - Midwest Book Review
· There is much to be learned about Crazy Horse and his tribe the Lakota, this story is one that can be further researched and explored. Have school aged children research him and his culture further and share with the class or group. http://www.leeandlow.com/p/vision_tg.mhtml
· For younger children a teacher could hold a discussion about how Native American’s live, hunt, and the meaning of the colors all of which are depicted in Crazy Horse’s Vision.
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