Nonfiction Review: An Indigenous People's History of the United States for Young People

One of my book groups chose the adult version of this hot nonfiction title, but since it was not available through my library at the time, I requested the YA version, An Indigenous People's History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese). While I was reading it, the adult version of the same title also became available, so I was able to compare both books. Whichever version you choose, this book is a must-read for every American: certainly horrifying but also eye-opening and necessary.

This unique book is, as its title suggests, the history of the United States but from the perspective of the 15 million indigenous people who were here many thousands of years (BCE) before white Europeans came to claim the land as their own. It starts with early history of the full Americas and then zeroes in on the area that is now known as the United States. Topics include geography and the importance of the land to indigenous people; the role of corn in their societies, in both North and South America; the arrival of white settlers from Europe; and all that came later. Many historical myths are busted in this engrossing narrative, like that North America was wilderness when the Pilgrims arrived (rather, the Native Americans had strong communities and nations and plenty of infrastructure in place across the entire continent) or that American Indians were violent savages who scalped their victims (in fact, it was the European settlers who began the practice of scalping in order to reward those who killed indigenous men, women, and children). The book proceeds through the entire history of the U.S. to the present, discussing in detail our well-known historical events from the perspective of Native Americans.

This historical book is stunning, powerful, and often absolutely horrifying, but it is also immensely educational. It is shocking to read words that our beloved founding fathers and esteemed presidents (even Lincoln!) wrote about needing to exterminate Indians. The adult version of the book is more detailed and includes ample footnotes, but I preferred the "for Young People" YA version. It includes maps, graphics, and photos that help in understanding the facts but are completely missing from the original version (why did they think adults wouldn't find maps and photos interesting and additive?). Also, oddly, the last two chapters of the YA version are--about modern-day issues, including the conflicts and protests over oil pipelines going through Native American lands--are entirely absent from the adult version. I found these chapters extremely informative and would have read the adult version, if they'd been included, for even more details. Admittedly, this is a heavy and difficult narrative to read but such an important book for all of us. It was incredibly enlightening, opened my eyes to the details of our nation's historical and continuing impact on indigenous people, and I am glad to have read it.

244 pages, Beacon Press

NOTE: My book group postponed its meeting until March, so I don't yet know what the other members thought of this book.

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Listen to a sampleof the audio book (based on the adult book--there is no YA audio) here and/or download it from Audible.

You can purchase An Indigenous People's History of the United States for Young People from an independent bookstore, either locally or online, here:

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