logo

46 pages 1 hour read

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Joseph M. Marshall III

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

166

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

American Midwest • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III, 11-year-old Jimmy McClean, who faces bullying at school due to his mixed Lakota and white heritage, embarks on a road trip with his grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, to explore Crazy Horse's legacy and the history of the Lakota people. As they visit significant historical sites, Jimmy learns valuable lessons about courage, identity, and cultural heritage. The book discusses colonialism, violence against Indigenous tribes, warfare, and violent deaths.

Adventurous

Inspiring

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.6

1,844 ratings

57%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III is praised for its engaging narrative and authentic representation of Lakota culture. Readers appreciate the blend of historical facts with a coming-of-age story, but some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it captivates with its educational value and heartfelt depiction of heritage.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with cultural depth, similar to Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac, will enjoy In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III. Ideal for middle schoolers, it combines Native American heritage with a compelling adventure, appealing to those interested in multicultural perspectives and historical narratives.

3.6

1,844 ratings

57%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Jimmy McClean

An eleven-year-old boy of Lakota heritage with blue eyes, light skin, and light-brown hair, who learns about his culture and gains confidence through his journey with his grandfather.

Jimmy's grandfather, who takes him on a road trip to teach him about their Lakota heritage and the history of Crazy Horse, serving as a mentor and storyteller.

A real-life Lakota war leader and secondary protagonist, known for his light-colored hair and courageous actions, whose life stories told by Grandpa Nyles inspire Jimmy.

Classmates of Jimmy who bully him; Corky is white, and Jesse is Lakota, and together they represent the antagonistic force in Jimmy's early school life.

A Lakota woman who Crazy Horse, as a young boy, rescues from a village attack, highlighting his protective nature.

Book Details
Pages

166

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

American Midwest • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.