Crazy Horse's Vision

As we prepare for our trip to South Dakota I want very desperately to focus on the "other side" of this state's history. As we all know, history is written by the victor, but I want my children to see the history of South Dakota from those that have been forgotten, or at least not as honored as they should be.

While Crazy Horse obviously has not been forgotten, with an enormouse statue of him being carved out of a mountain, how many children can say they know why he is important? Heck, I don't think I could even provide an answer. So we have begun to delve into his life story with the picture book by Joseph Bruchac and S.D. Nelson.

This book is absolutately stunning and the story is incredibly moving. Matthew did ask why Crazy Horse was colored blue, and sadly I didn't have an answer for him at the time. After reading the author notes at the end of the book (which I suggest you do before reading to the kids) I found out that this color represents a connection to the spirit world. This books weaves a wonderful tale of Crazy Horse's childhood and the vision he received which shaped the choices he made later in life.

Crazy Horse's Vision was a great way to begin introducing the kids to Native Americans and their traditions. However, it does not provide much information about the role Crazy Horse played in Lakota and South Dakota histories. I have yet to find any additional children's books on Crazy Horse (at least none with good recommendations), but the search is still on.