Crazy Horse's Vision [Paperback]

Joseph Bruchac (Author), S. D. Nelson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Joseph Bruchac tells the compelling story of how a young boy named Curly seeks a vision in the hope of saving his people - and grows into the brave and fierce warrior Crazy Horse. Sioux artist S. D. Nelson's paintings, in the traditional ledger style of the Plains Indians, evokes the drama and the tragedy of this important American figure.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As he did in Gift Horse, Sioux artist Nelson blends contemporary and traditional elements for the striking illustrations that accompany this story of the legendary Lakota warrior. Bruchac (A Boy Called Slow: The True Story of Sitting Bull) traces Crazy Horse's boyhood, zeroing in on a pivotal event in his life and highlighting an important Native American rite of passage. As a youth, Crazy Horse (then known as Curly) witnesses U.S. Army soldiers brutally and unjustly attack his people. Troubled, he embarks on a vision quest and sees a figure on horseback riding untouched through a storm of lightning, hail and bullets. His father interprets the vision, telling him that "the man on that horse is the one you will become" and that he is destined to defend his people. Bruchac's description of the vision quest is compelling, and his decision to limit his canvas to a few select events demonstrates his understanding of his audience; an afterword describes subsequent events in the warrior's life. Endmatter also illuminates Nelson's approach. The artist explains his approximations of the Plains Indians' traditional ledger-book style (characterized by indistinct facial expressions and flat, two-dimensional figures) and his symbolic use of color (Crazy Horse is painted blue, representative of a connection with the spirit world). His sweeping vistas and somewhat ghostly textured brushwork bolster the book's visionary theme. Ages 6-up. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3–Joseph Bruchac's excellent picture book (Lee & Low, 2000) about the brave Lakota warrior presents information about his youth. The beauty of the story is not quite realized in the narration by Curtis Zunigha, former Chief of the Delaware (OK) Nation. While richly voiced, he reads Bruchac's spare narrative inordinately slowly and mechanically. Although he may be attempting to convey reverence for Crazy Horse, the integrity of the narrative is compromised by his halting speech patterns. While waiting for the narration to progress, listeners will likely become bored and read ahead on their own. Following the telling, Bruchac picks up the pace when he reads the interesting author and illustrator notes from the original text.–Jennifer Iserman, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books (August 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584302828
• ISBN-13: 978-1584302827
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joseph Bruchac is a highly acclaimed Abenaki children's book author, poet, novelist and storyteller, as well as a scholar of Native American culture. Coauthor with Michael Caduto of the bestselling Keepers of the Earth series, Bruchac's poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from Akwesasne Notes and American Poetry Review to National Geographic and Parabola. He has authored more than 50 books for adults and children. For more information about Joseph, please visit his website www.josephbruchac.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, February 13, 2001

By 

MichaelaQuinn "doc" (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crazy Horse's Vision (School & Library Binding)

This beautifully illustrated book is one to read to your children many times over. It tells a story all American children should hear, and it has a magical feel to it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, September 13, 2001

By 

"nickno" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Horse's Vision (School & Library Binding)

I adore Crazy Horse and bought this for my 5 year old daughter who just loves this story. It's a great story for anyone and I highly recommend it for all schools.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mastery of color, April 16, 2000

By 

"gierschie" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Horse's Vision (School & Library Binding)

I especially enjoyed the illistrations in this book. The pictures almost draw you into the pages. They are drawn in the traditional style of the Sioux People. The story is about a man who is greatly respected by his people.