Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse & the Badlands With Your Grandchild

One woman’s valiant account of homesteading alone on the prairies near DeSmet, Dakota Territory in the 1880’s. Another wonderful book by William Anderson in his “Laura Ingalls Wilder Family Series.”

Honorable Mention in the 2006 Independent Publisher Awards in Children’s Books (7 & over). Using historical facts and rollicking rhythm, author Jean L.S. Patrick reveals how and why George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt were chosen. Rich illustrations by Renée Graef make the unique history of Mount Rushmore come alive for children.

A rough-and-tumble account of the early days of Deadwood and the Dakota Territory written by early day pioneer John S.McClintock. He provides material on the gold rush, skirmishes with Indians, exploits of road agents and outlaws, and appearances of celebrities such as Wild Bill Hickok and Deadwood Dick.

This entertaining and very readable book tells the fascinating stories of the people of Mt. Rushmore. Included are first person accounts of not only the carvers, the politicians and Borglum, but an almost unbelievable host of others who became part of the tumult and triumph that make this history read like a novel. If you’re only going to read one book about Rushmore, this is the one.

Crazy Horse is among the best-known Native American heroes. Yet many people do not know his boyhood name was Curly, inspired by his curly hair. Curly was a leader even as a young boy, taming wild horses and hunting powerful buffalo. But all his bravery could not prepare him for the trouble he and the other Lakota Indians would face with the white settlers. Wanting to help his people after a fierce battle that mortally wounded Chief Conquering Bear, Curly defied traditional custom and risked his own life by running away, up to the hills, to seek a vision. Renowned Abenaki author Joseph Bruchac tells a gripping and compelling story of how the dedicated young boy, Curly, grows into the brave warrior Crazy Horse. Sioux artist S.D. Nelson, with paintings inspired by the ledger book style of the Plains Indians, evokes the drama and tragedy of an important figure in American history.

A Lakota boy comes of age and finds his courage in this picture book from award-winning author and illustrator S. D. Nelson When Flying Cloud's father gives him a Gift Horse, marking the beginning of his journey to manhood, Flying Cloud names the horse Storm. The two become inseparable: they spend their days riding across the prairie, hunting deer, and roughhousing with the other boys and their horses. But as Flying Cloud becomes a man, his life takes a serious turn: He must now learn the ways of his people and what it means to be a Lakota warrior. So, when enemies of the Lakota steal many of the tribe's horses--including Storm--Flying Cloud must join the rescue party. Will he prove he has the courage to become a true Warrior? The bold, full-color illustrations bring to life this exciting coming-of-age tale from award-winning creator and member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe S. D. Nelson and provide a unique look into the lives of the Lakota during the nineteenth century. Backmatter includes a brief summary of Lakota history.

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 a light on two men whose conflict forever changed Lakota and US history. The book includes an author's note, timeline, endnotes, and bibliography.

The Massacre at Wounded Knee was the last major battle between whites and Native Americans.With parallels to concerns some have of today’s news reports, you’ll see that this massacre was largely a result of overblown news reports of the danger of the Native American Ghost Dance. Even more startling is the revelation in this book that the Ghost Dance had its origin in the Christian resurrection story. This book spans fifty years of the life and struggles of Native Americans as they try to maintain their lifestyle in the face of America’s westward expansion.

Joseph Bruchac presents a wonderful children’s book about the life of the great Sioux chief Sitting Bull.The historical Indian tale reassures young boys that success comes through effort and not through birth. Wonderfully told and illustrated in true storybook style.