School Library Journal Review Text

Gr 4–8—A comprehensive and accessible history of the Indigenous peoples of North America. McDonald takes young readers through a tour of Native American history, debunking myths and misinformation while highlighting influential individuals who have made a lasting impact on Indigenous and North American history. Focusing on the events from before Columbus to the present day, this thorough volume pokes holes in long held beliefs, such as how the first tool-using humans migrated from Siberia 13,000 years ago; evidence has been found that Indigenous peoples have been around at least 130,000 years. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to each conflict the U.S. has fought in, Native Americans have been a part of every aspect of American history. The work also details the horrible and methodical institutional racism, genocide, ethnocide, and erasure that they have endured at the hands of colonizers. Painful to read at times, this book illuminates not only the suffering Indigenous people experienced at the hands of the U.S. government, but also sheds light on their resilience and the impact they have made and continue to make on American culture. The narrative sometimes jumps chronologically, focusing more on themes than a specific time line. Sidebars are scattered throughout, offering definitions, context, and more to engage readers and add interest. There are also discussion questions at the end of each chapter, making this a good tool for classroom use. Images and a selected bibliography are included in the back matter. The author takes on an informal tone, speaking directly to readers, recalling the oral traditions that he emphasizes at the start.

VERDICT: A strong choice for middle grade collections, especially where readers are not yet ready for Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People.

Reviewed by Shelley M. Diaz, August 01, 2022

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About Author & Musician Liam McDonald (OPLIAM)

Liam McDonald, who records and performs under the stage name OPLIAM, is a published author, Indigenous rights advocate, and internationally touring musician of Mohawk descent. His debut book, Indigenous America (part of Penguin Workshop’s True History series), introduces readers to the oral and written histories of Native American nations that have long been omitted from mainstream history textbooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indigenous America by Liam McDonald about?

Indigenous America is an award-winning nonfiction book for middle-grade readers and educators covering Native American history prior to European contact through modern times. It debunks common historical myths, highlights significant Indigenous leaders, and addresses ongoing cultural impact.

Where can I read the original School Library Journal review?

You can read the full review on the School Library Journal website.