This vividly illustrated picture book is the story of Curly, a boy born to two Native Americans, who grows up to become a hero. The story, told by Joseph Bruchac, begins with the birth of a boy who became strong, but never tall. It continues by guiding the reader through events that occurred in his life, such as his father giving him his first horse, to settlers moving onto his people's land, all the way to the war that was started between his people and the white men. Curly, after seeing all of the terrible things that had happened, decided to go on a vision quest. Curly's father and High Backbone went looking for Curly, and when they found him, they expressed how upset they were that he did not properly prepare to receive a vision. Seeing how angry they were, he chose not to tell them what he saw. After three years passed, Curly finally discussed what he had seen with his father, who then explained the vision's meanings to his son. The vision communicated that Curly would become a great warrior, and he did... causing his name to change from curly to Crazy Horse. The book is beautifully illustrated by S.S. Nelson, in such a way that the reader drawn to study the artwork even after they are finished reading the text.
A really good exercise to use in connection with this book would be an exercise that enlightens students to what happened between Native Americans and Settlers. The students may, for example, be encouraged to find another book, movie, or poem that reminds them of Crazy Horse's Vision, or conduct research with their parents on a Native American Tribe. In doing this, and having the class share their findings, there students would gain excess knowledge on Native Americans, Native American culture, and Native American history.
A really good exercise to use in connection with this book would be an exercise that enlightens students to what happened between Native Americans and Settlers. The students may, for example, be encouraged to find another book, movie, or poem that reminds them of Crazy Horse's Vision, or conduct research with their parents on a Native American Tribe. In doing this, and having the class share their findings, there students would gain excess knowledge on Native Americans, Native American culture, and Native American history.
Estimated Reading Level: 1.5
*Interest Level: Grades k-3
Awards for this book include: ALA Notable Book, Parents' Choice Award, Reading Magic Award, and Parenting Magazine Notable Book for a Global Society.
Bruchac, J. & Nelson, S.D. (2000). Crazy horses vision. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.
ISBN: 1880000946
* Information found on scholastic.com
*Interest Level: Grades k-3
Awards for this book include: ALA Notable Book, Parents' Choice Award, Reading Magic Award, and Parenting Magazine Notable Book for a Global Society.
Bruchac, J. & Nelson, S.D. (2000). Crazy horses vision. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.
ISBN: 1880000946
* Information found on scholastic.com