As a biographer, Freedman attempts to characterize the person behind the myths, legends and exaggerations by uncovering the facts of various famous people. Instead of focusing on their famous moments, Freedman shares as much about their daily lives to help characterize them. After garnering numerous awards, Freedman is recognized as a leading writer of photobiographies for young people.

That many facts were not recorded in English until fifty years after Crazy Horse's death posed a potential problem for Freedman; however, he continues this thread of symbolic representation present in the style of the band historian's work, by sharing detailed descriptions of a typical childhood, training to be a warrior, buffalo hunts, and Vision Quests. Freedman describes such passages as "vivid word pictures." By adding such small details he is able to distinguish Crazy Horse from his peers, who all saw their way of life change dramatically...