Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

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.

This is an incredible book to support an anti-racist curriculum around the topic of the conflict over the Black Hills. Educators may need to be selective depending on the age of students - there is a photograph of dead bodies which I wish was not present, and I chose to skip over some of the more graphic details of specific action that took place during battles - but the message and content is very well done, and the story is engaging and offers a lot for discussion and thought. I used for 3rd and 5th grade, and they were riveted. The quotes at the start of each section and the illustrations were all really powerful. Hearing the author's own connection to Crazy Horse and Custer, as well as his intention in the way he made many of the illustrations, helped make it all even more interesting.

Excellent use of photographs in this middle grade nonfiction title that focuses on the relationship between Crazy Horse and Custer.

Two men, both of whom were alike in so many ways, are unfortunately on opposing sides and ideologies which lead to their tragic demises. Reading this book, it was fascinating to get to know the actual people of Crazy Horse and Custer. Following them throughout their lives, you cannot help but to grow at least a little fond of these stubborn, wild men. Which makes it even more brutal when it reaches the final outcome, what they are both primarily known for today, The Battle of Little Bighorn. I found this to be an intriguing read that slowly grabbed me the more I got into it, to the point where I almost teared up towards the end. For those interested in diving deep into some American history, this will be a good read.