In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse 

by Jospeh Marshall III

"A look came into Grandpa's eyes. Jimmy could not tell where he was looking. But he was definitely seeing something. It was his storytelling face."

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a heartwarming story of a young boy, Jimmy McClean, who sets out on a trip with his grandfather. Jimmy, who is part Lakota, learns more about his Lakota heritage on this trip -- including the famous Lakota leader, Crazy Horse. The book is a celebration of history and the tradition of oral stories being passed down through generations. Over the course of the story, Jimmy finds that as he learns about the history of his people, he has also learned about himself.

In the Classroom
Students will look at their own cultural histories to find an influential figure that they want to learn more about. This can be an individual who is historically well-known or who is a long-past member of the students' own families. Students will research their chosen individuals, and speak with family members to gain information if applicable. The project will culminate in each student creating a Facebook page for the individual who was researched (the requirements for the information needed to be included for the page should be specific).

In a related journal entry, the students will then explain what they learned about themselves through researching this historical figure.

Age level: Middle School