Fact Friday: Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians but were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer

Image: Levine Querido

Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) by Anton Treuer. 386 p. Levine Querido, April, 2021. 9781646140459. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher and audiobook borrowed from the public library.)

Happy Friday! Fact Friday features Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) by Anton Treuer. Using a question and answer format, Dr. Treuer poses and answers around two hundred questions one might have about terminology, history, cultural practices, politics and activism regarding Native Americans. Dr. Treuer is an Ojibwe author and professor. The tone is thoughtful and seeks to educate the curious. There are plenty of well-captioned photos to illustrate the text, giving readers extra insight. 

Dr. Treuer speaks some painful truths about how Native Americans were/ are treated by the U.S. Government and its citizens. The book is a remarkable starting point for any reader seeking to unlearn American history. Back matter includes suggestions for further reading, source notes and an index.

The audiobook was narrated by the author in a dispassionate, reasoned tone allowing the facts to speak for themselves. I was glad I had the arc handy to see the photos and read the back matter. And, I absolutely love the cover! This is a book that belongs in all school and public libraries serving young adults. Highly recommended!