Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies

Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies

With photographs and stunning illustrations from acclaimed author/artist S.D. Nelson, this thrilling double biography juxtaposes the lives of two enemies whose conflict changed American history: Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer. In 1876, Lakota chief Crazy Horse helped lead his people’s resistance against the white man’s invasion of the northern Great Plains. One of the leaders of the US military forces was Army Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. The men had long been enemies. At the height of the war, when tribalism had reached its peak, they crossed paths for the last time. In this action-packed double biography, S. D. Nelson draws fascinating parallels between Crazy Horse and Custer, whose lives were intertwined. These warriors were alike in many ways, yet they often collided in deadly rivalry. Witness reports and reflections by their peers and enemies accompany side-by-side storytelling that offers very different perspectives on the same historical events. The two men’s opposing destinies culminated in the infamous Battle of the Greasy Grass, as the Lakota called it, or the Battle of the Little Bighorn, as it was called by the Euro-Americans. In Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies , Nelson’s gripping narrative and signature illustration style based on Plains Indians ledger art, along with a mix of period photographs and paintings, shines light on two men whose conflict forever changed Lakota and US history. The book includes an author’s note, timeline, endnotes, and bibliography. Gr 5 Up-A thorough treatment of the complicated histories of Lakota, white people, land, and the American westward expansion. In a parallel format, the book follows Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer from childhood to their deaths. It adeptly delves into their histories through engaging archival photographs, artwork, quotes, maps, and time lines. Nelson's breathaking illustrations were created with ink, watercolor, and acrylic paint on cotton paper. The taut writing and short chapters are the perfect vehicle for presenting the epic conflict between the war leaders and make this a great selection for reluctant readers. Nelson, who is Standing Rock Sioux, shares his lineage in the back matter and offers his insight about piecing the work together. Because history is often told by the victors, Nelson focused his research on parsing the facts from myth, as he explains in an author's note. The back matter also includes an extensive bibliography, notes, and suggestions for further reading. For sensitive readers, there is one graphic historical photograph depicting deceased individuals. VERDICT Recommend for all libraries.-Danielle Burbank, Farmington, NMα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. “SD Nelson’s depiction of two of America’s historic figures, shows the humanity of both men in their personal desires and conflicting values. An intriguing read for young people.”― Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Sicangu Lakota author and National Humanities Medal recipient “I can think of no other book that does a better job of helping the reader experience the complexity of this period in American history, not just from the Euro-American point of view but also from that of the indigenous nations of the Great Plains. The fact that SD Nelson avoids demonizing or deifying either of these two men is truly remarkable. At this time when so many things are being said, written, and done that divide us as a nation we need more books with the balance of Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies .”― Dr. Joseph Bruchac, celebrated Abenaki writer and author of One Real American “With startling beauty and immediacy, two hero-boys born into opposing cultures become alive on the pages of S.D. Nelson’s Crazy Horse and Custer, Born Enemies . Nelson presents two clashing historical views and takes readers on a profound and fascinating journey. A page-turner, an eye-opener, both beautiful and tragic.”― Nancy Bo Flood, award-winning author of Cowboy Up! Ride the Navajo Rodeo “What a storyteller Nelson is! With clear prose that reads at times like poetry and with his own glorious artwork, he shines a light on two worlds--the Lakota’s free life on the plains and the whites’ society as it pushes toward its ‘Manifest Destiny.’ This book is a treasure—profound, informative, and a delight to read.”― Nancy Plain, award-winning author of This Strange Wilderness “S. D. Nelson’s richly illustrated book brings to life traditional Lakota culture and that of a young, expanding United States, both presented through the lives of their most celebrated warriors: Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer. Nelson uses word images, historic paintings and photographs as well as his own magical illustrations to weave a tapestry of life and conflict in the West of Nineteenth Century America. A magnificent book.”― Bill Markley, journalist and author of Geronimo and Sitting Bull: Leaders