Monday, November 29, 2021

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.