   | Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask Author: Treuer, Anton | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Organized by dozens of different questions, some weighty and some minor, but all the time funny, insightful, personal, and interesting, this book does exactly what the title says while adapting its coverage to young readers.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/15/21)
School Library Journal (+) (00/06/21)
Booklist (02/15/21)
The Hornbook (00/07/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2021 Academic and Ojibwe author Treuer here adapts his 2012 adult title for young readers. Using a question-and-answer format arranged thematically (Terminology; History; Religion, Culture, and Identity; Powwow; Tribal Languages; Politics; Economics; Education; Social Activism; and Perspectives), he answers general queries (“What is the real story of Columbus?”), explains the more obscure (“What are allotments?”), and details sensitive inquiries (“What is Indian time?”). The arrangement allows for reading cover-to-cover or for researching specific topics; the writing is clear and concise, frequently augmented with personal examples. Treuer is careful to distinguish between facts and his opinions, often citing sources for his views. He doesn’t sugarcoat the often-difficult history of Indigenous-settler relations, but neither does he scold, instead asking readers to acknowledge past mistakes and make better choices in the future. Appended with recommended reading and notes and illustrated with black-and-white photos (some archival, some personal), this is a thoughtful look at a complex subject that will be useful for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers and a welcome addition to most libraries. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 06/01/2021 Gr 6 Up—Reading this book is like enjoying a talk with a close relative who wants you to learn, grow, and continue to ask questions. Treuer, a professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, presents himself as an ambassador of his people. In the book, adapted from the title of the same name aimed at adults, the author answers nearly 200 questions and covers topics ranging from Indian casinos to ceremonies, politics to powwows. Some questions will be familiar to young readers, such as "Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?" The book is broken down into sections: Terminology; History; Religion, Culture, & Identity; Powwow; Tribal Languages; Politics; Economics; Education; Social Activism; Perspectives: Coming to Terms and Future Directions; and, the conclusion, Finding Ways to Make a Difference. Treuer speaks from his own perspective; he draws from his experience as an educator and is careful not to speak in generalizations or for anyone else. The title also includes recommended reading, source notes, and an index. VERDICT This book is an important resource about contemporary North American Indigenous peoples. Recommend for all libraries.—Danielle Burbank, San Juan Coll., Farmington, NM - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
