Bulletin for the Center... - 09/01/2000 A fictionalized account of the early life of Lakota leader Crazy Horse has the authoritative ring of an oft-told tale. There are no specific source notes or bibliographic references, so it is difficult to say on what Bruchac is basing his account; be that as it may, the text has the tone and emotional feel of apocryphal stories linked together on a sturdy chain of narrative. Named “Curly” at birth for his curly hair, the title character was an observer who “studied the world with serious eyes.” Curly grew up brave, strong, and bold, proving himself time and again, whether taming a wild horse or hunting buffalo. When white settlers moved into Lakota territory hostilities between the two groups erupted into violence, and Conquering Bear, leader of the Lakota, was killed. Curly sought a vision to tell him who should lead his people; his vision was a man in blue leggings riding a horse, and a voice that said, “Keep nothing for yourself.” Curly’s father decides that the vision means his son will be a great leader, and he gives Curly a new name: Tashunka Witco, or, in English, Crazy Horse. Nelson’s paintings are based on the traditional ledger book style of his Lakota ancestors, and an illustrator’s note includes information on the painting style, the important symbolism of color, and other traditional icons used in the paintings. Nelson’s reimagining of the ledger book style in a more modern vein results in illustrations of unusual power and substance. Diagonal lines cut across arcs of human and equine shoulders adding an invigorating sense of energy and motion; graceful rolls of mountain, hill, and sky give a sense of spacious, open land as yet unsullied. The final illustration of Crazy Horse galloping over a hill on a dappled charger is a heroic and memorable concluding image. Author’s and illustrator’s notes are appended. - Copyright 2000 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

Booklist - 05/15/2000 For reading aloud. Crazy Horse, famous Lakota warrior and leader during the mid-1800s, was different even as a child. He was called Curly because of his curly hair, and he was small in stature and quiet. He was, however, a natural leader, inspiring others with his bravery and generosity. After witnessing white soldiers kill Conquering Bear, the 14-year-old Curly went into the hills to seek a vision. After three days, the vision appeared, but his father and uncle would not listen because Curly had not prepared himself in the traditional manner. Three years later, his father asked Curly about the vision, and as a result, gave his son the name Tashunka Witco, or Crazy Horse. 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. An author's note provides information about Crazy Horse's adult years and death, and an illustrator's note explains the art. - Copyright 2000 Booklist.