Description
Book SynopsisNot only pointing out works that foster misinformation and stereotypes, this work also examines the number of authors that counteract such messages. It is useful for teachers, librarians, parents, and young adult readers seeking information about American Indian-themed literature for young adults.
Trade Review...as adult selectors of books for youth, librarians cannot take lightly their responsibility to identify and expose demeaning stereotypes, distorted history, or socially ignorant context, regardless of the famous name in the author line or even the excellence of the writing itself. Scholarship is essential, and this book will certainly assist teachers, librarians, and others who want worthwhile, appropriate, and historically accurate Native American-themed literature for young adults....Prepare to be shocked at the 'classic' titles that are sources of false information, but pointing out these books is nicely counterbalanced with recommendations for good reading and an excellent bibliography. This book is a must for those who need some assistance in a culturally sensitive area. * VOYA *
...this long-awaited book will be a prize for those studying and teaching children's literature. Highly recommended. All collections; all levels. * CHOICE *
Sound, grounded information which would be helpful for educators, librarians in developing balanced collections for young adults, and other professionals dealing with the field of literature and Native Americans' portrayal. Recommended. -- K. McIntire, Selwyn School Grades 6-11
...an important and eminently readable book, a treasure that has a place in every library, and in every school where history and literature are taught. * Multicultural Review, Vol. 15, No. 4 (Winter 2006) *
...any professional who works with young adult literature will...want to read Molin's detailed survey. * School Library Journal, 10/1/2005 *
Molin, a member of the Minnesota Chippewa tribe, analyzes the depiction of Native Americans in contemporary young adult fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction written by both non-Indian and Native authors. Novels about life on the frontier, captivity narratives, memoirs, biographies, poetry, and book reviews are discussed. An entire chapter is devoted to the controversy over My heart is on the ground: the diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux girl. * Reference and Research Book News *
...highly recommended. * American Reference Books Annual, vol. 38 (2007) *
...a good present; Paulette Molin's guide provides direction to librarians, teachers, and parents alike.
Table of ContentsPart 1 Acknowledgments Part 2 Foreword Part 3 PART 1: CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE Chapter 4 1 "Wildest Imaginings about Indians": Contemporary Young Adult Fiction by Non-Indian Authors Chapter 5 2 The American Indian Renaissance and Contemporary Young Adult Literature Part 6 PART 2: HISTORICAL FICTION Chapter 7 3 Perils on the Frontier and Imaginary American Indian Protagonists in Young Adult Historical Fiction Chapter 8 4 Running the Gauntlet: Fictional Captivity Narratives in Young Adult Literature Chapter 9 5 Historical Fiction: The Controversy over My Heart Is on the Ground Chapter 10 6 "The Best Teller of Stories": American Indian-Themed Historical Fiction for Young Adults Part 11 PART 3: NONFICTION Chapter 12 7 American Indian Topics in Young Adult Nonfiction Chapter 13 8 Nonfiction: American Indian Life Stories Part 14 Bibliography Part 15 Index Part 16 About the Author
