With photographs and stunning illustrations from acclaimed author-artist S.D. Nelson, this thrilling double biography juxtaposes the lives of two enemies whose conflict changed American history: Crazy Horse and George Custer.
In 1876, Lakota chief Crazy Horse helped lead his people’s resistance against the white man’s invasion of the northern Great Plains. One of the leaders of the US military forces was Army Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. The men had long been enemies. At the height of the war, when tribalism had reached its peak, they crossed paths for the last time.
In this action-packed double biography, S. D. Nelson draws fascinating parallels between Crazy Horse and Custer, whose lives were intertwined. These warriors were alike in many ways, yet they often collided in deadly rivalry. Witness reports and reflections by their peers and enemies accompany side-by-side storytelling that offers very different perspectives on the same historical events. The two men’s opposing destinies culminated in the infamous Battle of the Greasy Grass, as the Lakota called it, or the Battle of the Little Bighorn, as it was called by the Euro-Americans.
In Crazy Horse and Custer, Nelson’s gripping narrative and signature illustration style based on Plains Indians ledger art, along with a mix of period photographs and paintings, shines light on two men whose conflict forever changed Lakota and US history.
The book includes an author’s note, timeline, endnotes, and bibliography.
Author’s note. Time line. Notes. Selected Bibliography. Index.
Full-color illustrations were created with ink, colored pencils, and acrylic paint. Full-color and black-and-white historical photographs and reproductions.
Topics Crazy Horse (c. 1842–1877). George Armstrong Custer (1839–1876). North American Indian wars, 1866–1895. Oglala Indians. Kings and rulers. US generals. Battle of the Little Bighorn. Great Plains. Oglala Lakota. Colonialism. Military history.
Trim Size 9" x 7"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2021-11-08
JLG Release Date Apr 2022
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Biography Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Biography Middle Plus
Biography Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
This collection features biography and memoir titles that introduce middle school readers to a wide range of real people and personal stories—from familiar historical figures and individuals shaping the world today to lesser-known people with compelling lives and contributions. Selections emphasize narrative-driven approaches, including visual and illustrated storytelling, that help readers connect personal experiences to history, culture, science, and innovation.
17.85
