Comprehensive Review of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People

Introduction

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People is an adaptation of Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s groundbreaking 2014 book An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States. Adapted by curriculum experts Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese, this version is designed to make the original text accessible to middle-grade and young adult readers. The book offers a critical reexamination of U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective, challenging traditional narratives and emphasizing the resilience, resistance, and cultural survival of Native peoples.

Content and Themes

The book spans over 400 years of Indigenous history, beginning before European contact and continuing into the present day. Instead of reinforcing the Eurocentric myths of discovery and progress, it presents an Indigenous-centered perspective on key historical events, including:

  • Colonialism and European Settlement: The book challenges the idea that European explorers "discovered" America, instead detailing how Indigenous civilizations were already thriving before colonization. It highlights the advanced agricultural, governmental, and trade systems Indigenous nations had in place.
  • Genocide and Resistance: The narrative does not shy away from addressing the violence and displacement Indigenous peoples suffered. It includes events such as the Trail of Tears, the Wounded Knee Massacre, and forced assimilation through boarding schools. However, it also emphasizes Indigenous resistance, including the Ghost Dance movement, the occupation of Alcatraz, and the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
  • Environmental Connection and Land Rights: A central theme throughout the book is the Indigenous relationship with the land and the ongoing fight to protect natural resources from exploitation. The discussion of the Doctrine of Discovery, the Proclamation of 1763, and land seizure laws provides crucial context for understanding the legal struggles Indigenous communities continue to face.
  • Challenging American Mythology: The book critically examines concepts such as Manifest Destiny, American exceptionalism, and the idea of Indigenous peoples as "savages" needing to be civilized. It presents these ideas as tools of oppression used to justify land theft and cultural erasure.

Writing Style and Structure

The book is structured in a way that is both informative and engaging for young readers. It uses clear, accessible language while maintaining historical depth and nuance. Sidebars, discussion questions, and activities encourage readers to think critically about history and their own role in shaping the future. Maps, photographs, and primary source excerpts further enhance the learning experience.

Strengths of the Book

  • Balances Education with Engagement: The adaptation avoids the dry tone of traditional textbooks, making it more engaging for young readers while still being rigorous in its historical approach.
  • Challenges Traditional Narratives: By dismantling myths about American history, the book fosters a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the past.
  • Incorporates Indigenous Voices: Unlike many historical accounts, this book prioritizes Indigenous perspectives and primary sources, allowing Native voices to speak for themselves.
  • Encourages Critical Thinking: The discussion questions and activities help students analyze historical events and their present-day implications.

Potential Criticisms

  • Emotionally Heavy Content: Given the nature of the topics discussed (genocide, forced displacement, and cultural erasure), some younger readers may find certain sections difficult. However, these topics are handled with care and an emphasis on resilience.
  • Strongly Revisionist Tone: Some readers accustomed to traditional U.S. history narratives may find the book’s perspective challenging. However, this is precisely the book’s goal—to push readers to rethink historical assumptions.

Conclusion

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People is a powerful, necessary book that should be required reading in schools. It provides a long-overdue corrective to mainstream historical narratives, highlighting Indigenous strength, survival, and activism. By offering a compelling and fact-based perspective on U.S. history, the book equips young readers with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to understand both the past and its ongoing impact on the present.