A book about the native inhabitants of North America as represented by the most prominent figures of their history. This is traditional biography, accurately portraying the character and historical contribution of each figure, while keeping the narrative free of labels or interpretations that 'take sides.'
The facts - words and actions of this book's heroes - are entirely enough to deliver a vivid picture of the difficult and often tragic history of the native North Americans since the arrival of the Europeans. No blameful tone or focus on victimhood at the expense of the perseverance, resourcefulness, commitment to their roots, and heroism of the native peoples, and their leaders.
Our sources are mainly memoirs of the actual participants of the historical events described, plus early (mostly 19th-century) biographies, and some modern academic writings. I did not include facts that may be perceived by kids as gruesome or disturbing. I also avoided going into the details of historical battles, focusing rather on the human aspects - the people whose decisions resulted in war, peace, or change.
Here is a list of the historical figures included in this book:
Powhatan, Pocahontas, Opechancanough, Samoset, Massasoit, Squanto, King Philip,
Pontiac, Sequoyah, Sacajawea, Tecumseh, Osceola, Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph
To provide additional information about American Indian culture and history, the book offers paragraph-long explanations of related concepts and terms, such as
- matrilineal societies
- native land ownership
- use of metals
- arrival of horses in North America
- buffalo
- domestication of corn, sunflowers, tobacco
- native bread
- 'three sisters' and native crop patch agriculture
- medicine man / woman
- wampum
- pow-wow
- the Trail of Tears
- native counting systems
- native ball games (lacrosse)
- native houses
- the customs of burying the hatchet and coup counting
and others.
Like all books in this series, 'Native People of North America for Kids' is richly illustrated with reproductions of historical paintings and vintage photographs.
