Discovering the Rich Tapestry of Native American History: A Review of Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of the American Indian
One of the greatest joys of reading is stumbling upon a book that not only captures your interest but also enriches your understanding of history. Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of the American Indian by [Author’s Name] did just that for me, serving as a profound reminder of the untold narratives that shape our past. I approached this Middle Grade nonfiction book with a mix of curiosity and skepticism—after all, how much depth could a book aimed at younger audiences really provide? But wow! I was soon highlighting passage after passage, and I’m not sure I’ve highlighted so much outside an academic setting.
At a glance, Stealing Little Moon navigates the complex and often painful history of Native American boarding schools, a subject I was woefully ignorant about until recently. My awareness was first sparked by news surrounding the Kamloops Indian Residential School in Canada, followed by a growing interest in U.S. history from marginalized perspectives. The book’s exploration of these themes made it an invaluable read, not just for middle school students but also for upper MG and YA readers—and even for adults like myself who are keen on expanding their historical horizons.
One of the standout elements of this book is how it intertwines historical facts with personal narratives. The author brings us along on a journey through the history of boarding schools, detailing the devastation wrought by U.S. policies aimed at eradicating Indigenous identities. I especially appreciated the inclusion of his family’s own experiences with Chilocco Indian School, which highlighted a shift from oppression to acceptance as policies evolved. This dual lens made the narrative feel approachable and relatable, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more chronological structure, leading me to round my rating down slightly to 4.5 stars.
The rich mini-biographies of historical boarding school attendees deeply resonated with me, especially the stark visual contrast in the accompanying photographs. The images captured these children before and after their time at boarding schools, a powerful reminder of how European assimilation stripped them of their identities. Concepts often felt heavy, but the author balanced this weighty content with lighter, yet still informative, explorations of the American Indian Movement and the shifts in representation within the film industry today.
The strengths of Stealing Little Moon lie not only in the content but also in its writing style. The author’s voice is approachable, making complex topics digestible for younger audiences. Even when embarking on related tangents, which can sometimes lead to pacing issues, the overall narrative remains compelling. For those familiar with nonfiction history books that deviate from a strict chronological format, this will likely be a minor hurdle.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Stealing Little Moon to anyone interested in U.S. history or Native American heritage. It is a beautifully crafted work that sheds light on topics often overlooked in traditional education. This book has profoundly impacted my perspective and understanding, reminding me of the importance of embracing diverse narratives in our learning journeys. Whether you’re a middle school student or an adult seeking to deepen your knowledge, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Thank you, Scholastic Focus and NetGalley, for providing this ARC that opened my eyes to such a significant chapter in our nation’s history.
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