Synergy: Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer

Crazy Horse (Tashunka Witco) was a Lakota warrior of the Oglala Band who joined in the resistance against the reservation system and threats to his people’s traditional way of life.

George Armstrong Custer rose through U.S. military ranks to become a lieutenant colonel. He led campaigns to enforce the reservation system.

Crazy Horse and Custer met for the last time at the Battle of the Little Bighorn where Custer was killed. Although Crazy Horse continued to fight for another six months, he ultimately surrendered to protect his band.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for youth then learn more at the website.

CRAZY HORSE AND CUSTER: BORN ENEMIES by S.D. Nelson is a compelling, dual biography exploring the parallels between two 19th century leaders with opposing viewpoints. Young readers will enjoy the fast-paced approach featuring short, engaging narratives. Along with period photographs and paintings, Nelson produced stunning full-color illustrations inspired by Plains Indians ledger art. The book concludes with an author’s note, timeline, end notes, and a bibliography.

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument website provides information and resources related to the encounter between U.S. Cavalry soldiers and Northern Plains Indian tribes. Known as the Battle of Greasy Grass by the Lakota, the website explores multiple perspectives on one of the last armed efforts of indigenous people to preserve their way of life. The website describes the epic encounter, shares a photo gallery, provides biographical sketches of key individuals, and identifies key locations.

To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/libi.

Use these resources to inspire youth to explore multiple perspectives related to other connected individuals in history.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Ely S. Parker

Ely Samuel Parker (1828-1895) was born to a prominent Seneca family. He was a sachem, interpreter, civil engineer, Civil War general, and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. He may be best known for helping to draft the surrender documents at Appomattox Courthouse. At that time, he was both the highest ranking Native American in the Union Army and the Grand Sachem of the Iroquois Confederacy.

Read the recently published biography for youth, then learn more at the websites:

ONE REAL AMERICAN: THE LIFE OF ELY S. PARKER by Joseph Bruchac tells to story of a 19th century Native American who made significant contributions in both tribal and federal government. The author weaves historical photographs and other primary resources into this well-researched narrative. Through short, engaging chapters, readers learn about Parker’s challenges and accomplishments. The back matter includes a useful timeline.

ONE REAL AMERICAN from the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Historic Site is a video featuring storyteller and author Joseph Bruchac who shares insights into Ely Parker’s life as well as Parker’s relationship with Grant.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/sP7_M1pHWbc.

ELY PARKER: A REAL AMERICAN from the Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Park website provides links to primary sources associated with Parker including sketches, letters, and books.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2NLSmfi.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Native American History & Culture

Native Americans are the indigenous peoples of the United States and represent over 570 federally recognized tribes.

Read the recently published reference book, then learn more at the website:

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY & CULTURE from National Geographic includes stories, timelines, maps, and more. Through full color illustrations and short engaging articles, the book explores seven regions including the Arctic and Subartic, Northeast, Southeast, Plains, Southwest, Great Basin and Plateau, Northwest Coast, and California. 

The National Museum of the American Indian website contains information about the museum as well as many online exhibits and resources. The Native Knowledge 360 section focuses on transforming teaching and learning about Native Americans.

National Museum of the American Indian website  

https://americanindian.si.edu/

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Website: Native Knowledge 360

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE 360 is an award-winning history and culture project from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

This website provides educators and students new ways of thinking about Native American history and culture. Begin by reading about the ten essential understandings that serve as a framework for the project. Use the search tool to locate resources or explore the educational materials by subject, language, nature, region, grade, or format. Resources include digital lessons, teacher guides, teaching posters, websites, and videos. Don’t miss the “did you know?” section that addresses common myths.

Librarians will find this website to be a valuable tool in connecting youth with new perspectives on Native American history, cultures, and contemporary lives. Work with teachers to weave the resources across the curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360.