83 pages 2 hours read

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz is a chronological narrative that recounts U.S. history from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, challenging traditional historical frameworks by focusing on pre-colonial thriving nations through European colonization, U.S. expansion, and modern imperialism and militarism, highlighting Indigenous resistance and advocacy for self-determination and sovereignty. The book discusses extreme violence, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and sexual abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz's An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States offers a compelling, revisionist perspective, highlighting Native American resilience and countering traditional narratives. Critics laud its thorough research and accessible prose. However, some note its occasional lack of nuance and perceived bias. Overall, it's an essential, provocative read for understanding American history.

Who should read this

Who Should Read An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States?

Readers who appreciate An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz are typically history enthusiasts, social justice advocates, and those interested in Native American studies. Comparable to Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, they seek a nuanced and critical exploration of American history from marginalized perspectives.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1220L

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Race / Racism

Social Justice

Period

Colonial America

Colonialism / Postcolonialism

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Society: Nation