Indigenous Peoples of North America - Primary Sources - Hardcover

Grade 5-9-This series title offers an overview of Native American experiences and culture through the use of excerpted primary documents and accounts. A time line identifies the key historical moments; the five sections that follow move the narrative forward chronologically. These chapters cover early encounters with whites; "U.S. Expansion and Indian Removal"; "Broken Treaties and War"; and "The Native American Experience Since 1900," including descriptions of the Indian schools; and more. In the first section, beliefs and culture are revealed through the telling of folktales; in later chapters, excerpts from newspaper accounts, treaties, speeches, letters, and the like are offered. An explanatory contextual statement and source note are included for each selection. Though not heavily illustrated, there are black-and-white maps where called for (e.g., the routes of Indian removal, the Battle of the Little Bighorn) and a few archival photographs. The index is comprehensive. Naturally, a book this length cannot be all-inclusive and it is possible to quibble with the omissions. For example, Chief Joseph's "I will fight no more forever" statement made when the Nez Perc‚ surrendered in 1877 is not here, but an 1885 speech delivered in Washington is included. Still, the selections, particularly the contemporary ones, are important resources for information about Native American culture today. On balance, this is a useful resource for classrooms studying American history and native peoples.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

"Every heavily-illustrated book in the series includes similar chapters on family life, spirituality, interactions with white men and the environment, and existence in today's world. All include histories of broken treaties, inhumane conditions, and restrictive, poverty-ridden reservations. Nevertheless, each has a unique story to tell. All books in the series are attractive, affordable, and written on a level appropriate for upper elementary to high school. The photos and interesting sidenotes complement well-written text."
-- VOYA (June 2001) (VOYA 20010601)

"This is a useful resource for classrooms studying American history and native peoples."
-- School Library Journal (August 2002) (School Library Journal 20020801)

"The selections, particularly the contemporary ones, are important resources for information about Native American culture today. On balance, this is a useful resource for classrooms studying American history and native people."
-- School Library Journal (August 2002) (School Library Journal 20020801)