Though Native Americans inhabited America long before Europeans set foot on the land of the free, American history is often overshadowed by the newcomers and the defining events that their arrival led up to. However, the history of the people who actually lived in America before explorers came along is no less important. Their story is a blend of adventure and pain.
And in order to understand American history better, it is important to consider the Native American perspective. That's why we came up with a top 10 list of the best ones for you! Topping our list is Charles C. Mann's 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, which gives you a new perspective on American history. Check out the rest of the books on our list and give our buyer's guide a read, too, so you know how to pick the best book for you.
Quick List - Top Native American History Books
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
American History from the Perspective of the People Who Shaped It
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Make sure you choose a Native American history book that zeroes-in on a particular historical focus point that you want to learn more about. Consider getting one written by a Native American and see how the book tackles its topic. After you pick a format that works for you, don't forget to run a background check on the author.
Native American history is rich and multi-dimensional. The story is a blend of excitement, adventure, pain, and conflict. Because of this complexity, it's important to choose a Native American history book that zeroes in on a particular aspect of the story.
Some books focus on different tribes and their individual histories. After all, "Native American" is a catch-all term for peoples who can be vastly different and had very varied experiences. Others take a more holistic approach and tackle the subject by discussing the events that have taken place in Native American history in chronological order.
Books that focus on Native American art and culture will give you information on tribes' practices and various creative expressions. These are pleasant reads more often than not.
However, other history books really aim to reveal the dark side of Native American history. Stories of conflict, war, mass killings, and enslavement help to provide a more accurate view of American history as many books leave these morbid parts out.
Though some history books paint a nice picture of how European settlers came to America and colonized the land alongside Native Americans (like the mainstream origin story of Thanksgiving), others show the reality of how Native Americans were driven out of their homes and forced to fight wars they did not ask for.
You can also find history books that focus on the role of Native Americans during specific international events, like in World War II when certain tribes helped the US Army decode radio messages.
Historical biographies of prominent native Americans cover their life stories and tackle history from their perspective. Choose a book that focuses on an aspect of native American history that you want to learn more about.
A history book written by an indigenous author will capture more of the perspective of America's first inhabitants. It will fill in some of the gaps that many mainstream historical textbooks tend to miss. Aside from this, Native American authors are more aware of their ancestral outlook on past events.
Some Native American history books also contain first-hand accounts from the people who actually experienced going to war to fight for their land or even being kidnapped and traded as slaves.
The perspective of the author always affects the topics covered in a history book. So, if you really want to learn about American history from the perspective of Native Americans, then what better way to do so than to get a book written by someone who is connected to the topic?
Everyone has a different learning style, so choose a book that tackles Native American history in a way that will help you better understand it. Some books give you quick facts that are spread out as tidbits of information. If you like learning little by little, books that give you easy-to-grasp bits of information might work for you.
If you’re the type to take in history as a whole, then a history book written like a novel might work better. Some books are more organized and have a textbook-like feel, with chapters and subheadings that divide topics. These are pretty easy to read over the long run because the headings make it easy to remember where you left off.
Native American history books for kids might come with a lot of pictures, which are great for reference and imagination. Atlases come with maps to help you get a better picture of where certain events central to Native American history took place!
When it comes to learning about Native American history, you want to consider the expertise of anyone who teaches it. Some authors have credentials to back their claims, like a degree in history, or even have experience teaching subjects related to Native American history.
As mentioned earlier, other authors are actually Native American or have Native American roots, which give them a substantial connection to the contents of the history book. Some authors are advocates of certain initiatives that aim to help preserve Native American heritage, while others are editors of Native American publications.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Charles C. Mann 1491|2nd edition | ![]() | The Americas Long Before Christopher Columbus Came | |
2 | Dee Brown Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee | ![]() | A Grim Look at the Dark Side of Native American History | |
3 | Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States | ![]() | American History from the Perspective of the People Who Shaped It | |
4 | Dr. Anton Treuer The Indian Wars | ![]() | Read About How Native Americans Fought for Their Home | |
5 | Peter Cozzens The Earth is Weeping | ![]() | A Balanced Account of the Indian Wars and the Decisions Behind Them | |
6 | Vine Deloria, Jr. Custer Died for Your Sins | ![]() | The Native American Perspective Explained by a Native American | |
7 | Jake Page In the Hands of the Great Spirit | ![]() | Explore the History of Native American Ancestors | |
8 | Cara Ashrose The Very First Americans | ![]() | A Native American History Book for Kids | |
9 | Andrés Reséndez The Other Slavery | ![]() | Learn About the Enslavement of Native Americans in the Past | |
10 | Anton Treuer Atlas of Indian Nations | ![]() | A Comprehensive Atlas With Maps and Pictures |
Many American history books begin with Christopher Columbus's arrival. However, Native Americans had been living on the land long before that! This book tackles Native American life prior to the appearance of European colonists and gives you a look into the complex societies that had been built by tribes like the Aztecs.
This book reveals that pre-Columbian Native peoples had already changed their own landscapes and had put in place groundbreaking innovations to help them cultivate the land. It sheds light on how advanced Native American societies were before America was discovered by its European neighbors.
Some reviewers said that this book focused more on Native Americans from Central and South America. Though readers said that it's interesting, some found the book a bit too complex and lengthy. Some also found the information to be a bit overwhelming.
On the upside, reviewers really loved how this book shed new light on Native American History. Some even said that the book showed them historical truths that were left out in their history classes! Many thought that schools should incorporate this book into their curriculum, as it gives a bigger picture of American history.
This historical account gives readers a look into the brutal realities of Native American history. It highlights the crimes and atrocities that were committed against them during the nineteenth century. If you like finding out the truth no matter how grim it may be, then this book might be it for you.
With council records and autobiographies, as well as first-hand descriptions, the history book provides a detailed and accurate account of history from the perspective of Native American peoples. The bestseller also covers great warriors, chiefs, and tribes.
Some reviewers didn't like the way the book was written. Others found it interesting, but a bit repetitive and lengthy. Still, some readers found the topic too disturbing because of the harsh historical reality that it revealed. However, on the upside, many found the brutal truths to be compelling.
The book got many to think of Native American history in a different way, as the heartbreaking accounts showed a different side of the story.
This book gives readers the history of America delivered from the perspective of its Native peoples. It challenges the historical foundation held by many Americans and offers insights into the injustices that took place as indigenous people were forced out of their land by colonists.
Covering more than 400 years of history, this book also sheds light on the dark government policies that aimed to displace and eliminate Native Americans. Not for the faint of heart, this book is bound to reveal some shocking truths about Native American history.
Some reviewers found the author to be too extreme, while others thought she sounded biased against Caucasians. However, many readers raved about how this book was an eye-opener for them when it comes to their understanding of American history, saying it covered a historical perspective different from the one usually taught in schools.
Imagine if you were going about your everyday life, and all of a sudden, people came and told you to leave because they wanted to make your home their home. You'd put up a fight, right? This book tells the story of how Native Americans did just that.
This history book covers the different wars that various tribes fought over their territories. It tells of how they fought each other for land and how they banded together to survive when European colonists came to claim their land. The book also gives readers knowledge of the unique cultures of different tribes.
Reviewers raved about this read, saying that it's insightful and informative. Many loved the war stories and the colorful pictures spread throughout the book! Readers also liked that this history book touched on specific practices of the different tribes.
This book on the Indian Wars doesn't just give you an account of the battles that took place, but it also gives readers an in-depth look into the reasons behind them. The author presents the conflict that the Native Americans experienced - whether they should fight for their land or make peace - and explains the different perspectives of Native Americans and white men.
It gives accounts of the bloody battles like Wounded Knee, the Nez Perce War, and the Battle of Little Bighorn. Readers also get a chance to get to learn key figures like Custer, Sitting Bull, and Sherman. Some reviewers found this book too long and repetitive, and others didn't really like that a lot of the information seemed to be crammed together.
However, many reviewers raved about how this account gives a balanced understanding of history with its unbiased approach and presentation of multiple perspectives. Reviewers also found the book well-written and the stories emotionally moving.
This book pulls you into the Native American perspective, tackling issues that revolve around race relations, the concept of federal bureaucracies, Christian churches, and social scientists. A manifesto that can be read by Native Americans and non-Native Americans alike, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in America's story.
Some reviewers found the book to be a bit outdated. However, many raved about how this book was life-changing. Readers loved the mix of emotions that this manifesto evokes: humor, shock, and horror.
Others loved that the book helped them not only to understand Native American history but also that of the rest of the world. Reviewers said that the book was both informative and entertaining.
This book takes things way back as it covers a total of 20,000 years of Native American history. It goes against the grain of covering history from a Euro-centric starting point and showcases Native American history as it is instead of how non-Native Americans have interpreted it to be.
The author puts together recent research and his own experience living with the Hopi tribes as he records various facets of Native American life and how the people have changed over time. However, some reviewers said the book was either too shallow or gave too many details.
On the upside, many really liked how far back this history book went into Native American history. Readers really liked how the author personally gathered the information for this book. Others found it inspirational and unbiased.
It's important for kids to learn about different historical perspectives early on, and this book delivers just that in a way your kids can understand. The simple text also comes with fun activities!
The book covers how the different Native American tribes used to live: what they ate, what they did to have fun, the structures they lived in, and other things. It also teaches kids how Native American life has changed over the years and where they are today.
Some reviewers found the book too short and shallow. Others wished that the book gave kids more information. However, many readers loved that the book delivers concepts and ideas in a way that's simple enough for kids to understand. The captivating illustrations were also a huge hit, as they painted a picture for kids.
This heavy read covers the grim reality for Native Americans when their enslavement was openly practiced despite being illegal since Columbus' time.
This book draws readers into the generational pain of the Native Americans who were kidnapped by conquistadors and forced into servitude. The author of this book reveals the practice for what it was: mass slavery. It also talks about how Native Americans began taking each other as slaves.
Many reviewers appreciated that this book covered a topic that isn't talked about much. Many found that the information filled in the historical gaps of America's past. Readers were moved by the engaging yet heart-breaking accounts of how Native Americans were enslaved. Some reviewers were even moved to tears.
This comprehensive atlas lets you learn all about Native American cultures and history. If you're a visual learner, then this book is perfect for you, because it comes with tons of illustrations and maps. The photos, maps, and art all work together to tell you unique Native American stories.
Some reviewers found the atlas a bit disorganized while others wished that it offered more information. However, many readers raved about the stunning works of art captured in the pages of this atlas.
People also loved all the maps in this book, as it helped them picture where certain Native American tribes were based. Others also liked that the book covers a wide range of tribes.
If you find yourself with some extra free time, you may want to check out these great reads. You're bound to learn a lot from them.
No. 1: Charles C. Mann|1491|2nd edition
No. 2: Dee Brown|Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
No. 3: Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz|An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
No. 4: Dr. Anton Treuer|The Indian Wars
No. 5: Peter Cozzens|The Earth is Weeping
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