Publishers Weekly - Publisher's 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 Cahners Business Information.|
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 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 2005 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Bruchac (Sacajawea, 2000, etc.) teams up with a Lakota (Sioux) artist for an atmospheric view of the feared and revered Crazy Horse's youth. At birth, the child dubbed "Curly" did not cry, but "studied the world with serious eyes," quietly going on to lead all of the other youths in courage and, having watched his people being gunned down for killing a "wasichu" settler's errant cow, slipping away on a premature vision quest. 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. The author and illustrator both append substantial explanatory notes. Like A Boy Called Slow, also by Bruchac (1995), this makes inspirational reading and affords a glimpse into the heart of a renowned American leader. (Picture book/biography. 9-11)
From the Publisher
* "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. . . Like A Boy Called Slow, also by Bruchac (1995), this makes inspirational reading and affords a glimpse into the heart of a renowned American leader." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Sioux artist Nelson blends contemporary and traditional elements for the striking illustrations that accompany this story of the legendary Lakota warrior. . . 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" — Publishers Weekly
"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." — Booklist
ALSC Notable Children's Books - American Library Association (ALA) Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Teachers' Choices - International Literacy Association (ILA)
AUG/SEP 06 - AudioFile
This production offers an engaging, original way for children to learn about a Native American hero. Renowned Abenaki author Bruchac has selected interesting facts that reveal how a young boy is transformed into brave Crazy Horse. Narrator Curtis Zunigha is mesmerizing; he sounds as though he is telling an old story rather than reading a book. Zunigha’s voice is enhanced by Native American music that weaves in and out while light sound effects (such as the sound of hooves and wind) provide further suggestions of scenes that stimulate listeners’ imaginings. The book’s striking illustrations (produced by Sioux artist S.D. Nelson) will draw children in further as they listen with rapt attention. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
