Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition

by Anton Treuer

From the acclaimed Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer comes an essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from "Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?" to "Why is it called a 'traditional Indian fry bread taco'?" to "What's it like for natives who don't look native?" to "Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?", and beyond, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) does exactly what its title says for young readers, in a style consistently thoughtful, personal, and engaging.

Updated and expanded to include:

• Dozens of New Questions and New Sections—including a social activism section that explores the Dakota Access Pipeline, racism, identity, politics, and more!
• Over 50 new Photos
• Adapted text for broad appeal

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Indigenous, Native American, Middle Grade, Social Justice

383 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

Dr. Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. His professional work in education, history, and Indigenous studies and long service as an officiant at Ojibwe tribal ceremonies have made him a consummate storyteller in the Ojibwe cultural tradition and a well-known public speaker. In 2018, he was named Guardian of Culture and Lifeways by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. Anton's first book for young adults, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition), won the SCBWI Golden Kite. Where Wolves Don’t Die is his first novel.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆"Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?"☆ Ojibwe author and professor Dr. Anton Treuer tackles this question and dozens more in this engaging and informative book, perfect for young readers and adults alike. I learned so much from this book, including Indigenous history and the lives of Natives today. The Q&A format makes the information easily accessible, while the author's personal writing style will keep readers interested.

There were so many eye-opening parts to this book, covering topics like mascots, stereotypes, sovereignty, blood quantum, and residential boarding schools. A personal story the author shared about his treatment by police after being stopped while driving with his wife really stuck with me. Also, I went to the University of Kansas, and I had no idea about the cemetery and its history at Haskell Indian Nations University, which was just down the street.

I borrowed this book from the library, but I'm planning to get a copy of my own. This would make a wonderful reference guide for social studies classrooms too.

[Renata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for tweens through adults, honestly. It's written in Q&A format loosely broken into sections (like "history", "tribal languages", etc), which gives it almost a magazine-like feel--it's an approachable format. Some of the "questions" are like, very blunt rude things (like "Why do Indians have so many kids?") that as the title suggests people might be afraid to ask (for good reason bc it's rude AF) but address certain pervasive stereotypes, and Treuer's answers are generous, thoughtful, helpful, and funny. He's also aware that he can speak best about his own tribe and experiences but makes it clear that every tribe and every individual American Indian person has different experiences.

This was interesting to read cover to cover but could also work great as a reference book in a classroom setting.

[Lizzie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read Anton Treuer's Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask for SO LONG. I ended up reading the Young Readers Edition because I got it on sale for my kindle and thought that the cover was so gorgeous. I also work with a lot of young people and wanted to see if it might be a book that they'd enjoy.

This book is, as the title suggests, set up in the format of questions and answers, with occasional photographs. I learned a good amount about American and Canadian history and appreciated the accessibility of this book to young readers and folks with varying levels of knowledge about race and identity.

Three stars - I liked it :)

[Melissa Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 2021, "Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition," by Anton Treuer, is simply one of those books so good that it goes on my 'books that make life worth living' shelf.

I absolutely loved it.

There is *so* much information in this book. And all of it is delivered with the utmost compassion and care. I learned so much from this book. It made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me want to read more.

Recommended for everyone.

Five bajillion stars.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a handful of similar books since I was in college to be a teacher and read Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto, but mostly have focused on children's books because the amazing Debbie Reese makes it so easy to find good ones for children. It's about time for me to read another non-fic plea for understanding from a Native author.

I imagine that most of the message will be akin to the wonderful book I just finished, The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person. I will try to read with care though, instead of just nodding along at what I recognize and missing important details.
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Turns out that there were lots of important and interesting details. I really appreciate the learning experience. I can't make the time to organize my bookdarts and reactions, so please read further recognizing that my thoughts are partitioned as are the inspirations for them.

Or just skip ahead and read the book.
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Important resource for educators. No matter how busy you are, do your research at least as far as reading the concise entries here on Columbus and on Thanksgiving before teaching them as you were taught. Don't pass on lies; your students deserve better.
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Don't be fooled. This is not just for 'young people.' It's also not just about Indians. And it's not just dry 'facts.'

It's deeply human, and Native people (I cannot bring myself to choose the word Indian) and Black People (like Frederick Joseph of The Black Friend for example) could also learn a lot. Indigenous people do not have the visibility that other People of Color do, nor the numbers to effect change on the level or scale of other oppressed groups.

And yet, 'driving while Indian' is a thing. " in 19 states, Native Americans are incarcerated at a rate higher than any other racial group.... Indian youth are 1% of the US youth population but make up 70% of the youth incarcerated in US federal prison system, because of discrimination in the system and the unique jurisdiction issues on reservations."
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"It is because I love my country that I want to make sure the mistakes of our past do not get repeated."

"The US government sterilized 25,000 Indian women by tubal ligation without their consent in the 1960s and 1970s."

The national Lutheran and Episcopalian churches, and others, have repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery (a very bad thing that is still profoundly impactful); others, including the Catholic Church have refused to retract or repudiate it.

"When the unemployment rate in the United states reached over 15% in the 1930s, they called it the Great Depression. Well the unemployment rate in Indian country has never been below 15%. For Indians, the "Great Depression" began in the 1800s, and it has never ended."

"My heroes are not your heroes. Father Junipero Serra was founder and architect of the Spanish mission system in California, which enslaved whole tribes like the Chumash, killed thousands of natives, forced their conversion to Christianity, and engaged in genocide against California natives. He is hated by many Native Americans. He was elevated to sainthood by the Catholic Church in 2015."

"Hurt people hurt people."
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In a section on identity, re' a question on LGBTQ, he says "We all need affinity space--places where we can go and be accepted for exactly who we are and where we don't have to explain everything in order to be understood." I can only guess how hard it is to be Native, and Black, and Trans, and yet of course there are some people who identify in that and in other complex ways.
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I am delighted to learn what kinnickinnick is (a tobacco blend used spiritually); I went to college in River Falls, WI, and did not know then what the park and river Kinnickinnic were named after.
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I particularly appreciate how Treuer reminds us time and again that he has his own point of view, and that other Natives have others. He lets us know when "most Indians think" and when "I believe that" and also that "all of us have been affected."

Terminology, btw, is one of those issues. Debbie Reese, mentioned above, always uses the word Nations. Because sovereignty is key, and because the use of the word will likely reinforce in her audience (educators and families of young readers of all races & groups) the validity of the Nations and the fact that they and their members are worthy of as much respect as any other Nation. Treuer seems pretty happy with the word "tribe" and I am not sure why.
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Hawaiian Natives (and some non-Natives) are participating in a grassroots movement to revitalize the language, with now over 23,000 speakers and at least 22 Hawaiian-medium schools (immersion schools).

There's also the Ojibwe language immersion school in Wisconsin, Waadookodaading, "which has had very high pass rates on state-mandated tests administered in English. But the teachers there never instruct Native youth in anything other than the tribal language until the highest grades. That says a lot. And we should all pay attention. Assimilation does not create educational achievement, but access to tribal language and culture for Indian youth does."
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"We have to be brave if we want to make the world a better place. So don't imagine Indians, understand them."
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It may not be a perfect book, but it is amazing, and I do recommend it to every one of you.

Includes photos, notes, recommended further reading, and an index.

[Kait]

I don't want to give this a rating because this read wasn't really for pleasure like my other reads have been. I read this to get an idea of it before I recommend it to people looking to gain a better understanding of issues in and facing the Native community in North America. While I don't agree with the writer on every point made (like that of his opposition to cannabis legalization and his support for police), I do think that overall this is a good starting point for folks to learn more about the modern experience and historical struggles of Indigenous peoples.

[Thilo Mischke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jetzt weiß ich sehr viel mehr

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great tabletop book. It's the kind of book you can start in the middle or anywhere for that matter and not have to worry about a who-done-it type of story.
I am on several Indian/tribe sites and sometimes I wonder if I offended anyone.
Thanks to this book I can now look up those words or phrases I use and either feel better or correct them in the future because of this insightful book.
Thank you Anton Treuer.

[Kelly]

Essential reading for anyone who wants to learn more about Native history, contemporary Native life, and how non-Natives can advocate for Native lives.

The question and answer format works well, with some questions having a quick -- sometimes terse -- response (in context, that terseness makes perfect sense), while others have a number of pages and images dedicated to answering them. Treuer is clear he doesn't speak on behalf of all Natives and doesn't try to.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: Before I even begin to review this book, please note that this is a 2021 publication, and the author is a respected Ojibwe professor.

Do you have questions about Native Americans? Do you wish you knew someone who could authoritatively respond to your questions? Are you not even sure how to refer to Native Americans?

This is the book for you then. Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer fields any and every question you might ponder that touches on the subject of First People, and he replies with a blend of historical accuracy, considered reflection, and personal experience to each.

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Q&A format of this book was awesome. Makes it so accessible to readers and allows readers to jump around to different topics if they choose. I really enjoyed this and learned a lot!

[Gary Anderson]

Anton Treuer’s Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition is a book that fills a need. Presented in a question-and-answer format, each chapter addresses aspects of Native American culture, history, and identity with straightforward information delivered in an accessible voice conveying humor where appropriate and indignation when it’s called for. Treuer addresses big questions like “Do Indians have a stronger sense of community than non-Indians?” and “What should tribes be doing to improve the economic conditions of their citizens?” to more of-the-moment questions, including “Why did COVID-19 kill so many people at Navajo Nation and other reservations?” and “What do you think about the #MeToo movement and its impact on Sherman Alexie’s career?” Regardless of the issue under consideration, Treuer emphasizes the importance of communication and seeking to understand. The appeal to younger readers may be strained in some of the sections addressing intricacies of governmental policies, but the sections related to popular culture and activism speak directly to today’s teen readers. Although I read this from front to back, readers can also dip in and out or search for specific areas of interest. I probably learned more from this book than any other I read in the past year, and I know I will return to it for authentic answers in the future. Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition is a good book to have on hand for young readers who have questions after or while reading the excellent recent young adult novels by Indigenous authors, including Joseph Bruchac, Darcie Little Badger, Cythia Leitich Smith, Dawn Quigley, Angeline Boulley, Eric Gansworth, and many others.

[Andrew Eder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great!! Definitely more of a textbook style read than a cover to cover storyline or anything like that. I’m very glad i listened to it because if I tried to read this as a print book I probably would’ve quit because it’s so long and so dense.

But the pieces and parts are very interesting and each topic or subject is broken up in a very palatable way. I was very happy with how the amount of information delivered wasn’t hurting the enjoyment!

HIGHLY recommend reading. Great resource!!!

[JG (Introverted Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anton Treuer is an Ojibwe professor who has taken the time to answer all the questions that non-Native people have often wondered about Native life and culture.

I found this absolutely fascinating. It's written in a simple question and answer format with an index and extensive bibliography. It's easy to dip in and out of but I mostly read it straight through. He begins with my first question after reading the title, "What general terms are most appropriate for talking about North America's first people?" He answers hundreds of questions divided into topics such as terminology; history; religion, culture, and identity; politics; social activism; and more. I read this with a set of post-it flags in hand and my book is colorful with everything I marked.

Dr. Treuer makes it clear and consistently reinforces that he is writing from his own perspective and answers to questions are are going to vary from individual to individual and from tribe to tribe. He grew up in Minnesota so most of his answers relate to nations in that region, with some mentions of tribes in the southwest.

I learned so much as I read this book. I learned answers to questions I didn't even know enough to ask. One section that I particularly wish more people would read surrounds the controversy around Native American mascots. Dr. Treuer writes,

"And even if a home team truly believes it is honoring Indians through its mascot, opposing teams caricature and abuse each other's mascots in the name of team spirit. Other teams in a conference with a team that has a Native mascot will most definitely not be honoring Native Americans. Many high school sporting events have seen opposing fans bring signs saying things like 'Hey, Indians, Get Ready to Leave in a Trail of Tears, Round Two.' These kinds of statements are really painful for a lot of Native Americans."

He includes a photo of one of those blinking roadside signs that reads, "'KC Chiefs' will scalp the Redskins Feed them whiskey Send 2 Reservation" Ouch. Talk about insensitive. But it's true. My high school played against a team with a Warrior mascot and I know there were signs about scalping them at our games.

One of his comments particularly spoke to me. Xenophobes who never want anything to change in our country and who think that being politically correct is a bad thing often accuse those who want change of being unpatriotic. The author writes this,

"Still, I love my country. In fact, it is because I love my country that I want to make sure the mistakes of our past do not get repeated. We cannot afford to cover over the dark chapters of our history, as we have for decades upon decades. It is time for that to stop."

There is nothing wrong with teaching truer, more inclusive history. There's nothing wrong with relegating offensive statues and paintings to museums where they can be explained in context or removing the most egregious ones altogether instead of leaving them in places of honor. We've made mistakes in our past. Acknowledging them helps us move on, learn from them, and build a future that's closer to our written ideals.

Pick this up for a thoughtful, eye-opening look at Native American life, history, and identity. Challenge any mistaken beliefs you may hold. Then go out, share what you know, and be better.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written in a question and answer format which occasionally made it difficult to listen to for long periods (I recommend reading it, not listening to it as I did). That aside, the author effectively communicated about nuanced issues in an engaging and accessible way. I especially connected with the stories he used from his own life to illustrate points and ideas. As a non-native person I am appreciative of the detailed and time intensive work it took to write it. It is an excellent tool for creating understanding. I learned a great deal.

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is tied up with mine then let us work together”
- Lilla Watson

[Kaitlin Klak · Rating 5 out of 5]

a recommendation from a colleague. this was an articulate and accessible non fiction read that answered a ton of questions about native american people. although it is written from an american perspective, the author did bring up some examples that were from canada as well. i thought that this was written in a way that was easy to understand (it is written with YA readers in mind) but still had me thinking and learning about complicated topics, especially those around how tribes work and the history of the native american experience. some of the information presented was not new information to me, but i did like reading the more “controversial” Q & A’s, like the ones about stereotypes, white privilege and mascots. one point that really stuck with me was regarding problematic statues and artwork. i like how anton doesn’t discredit that these have historical value and shouldn’t be destroyed, but they should be moved somewhere that is not in a publicly glorifying space. i also liked how he treated the topic of christopher columbus. a simple passage really showed the horrors he inflicted on the indigenous populations and it was extremely powerful. you can still talk about someone as an important historical figure and also recognize that they were a shitty human being.

although i did find anton to be a little judgemental at times, i liked how he strictly made sure to separate the facts from his own opinions. he doesn’t believe in legalization and although he had valid reasons for it, i think that was one of the only things i found myself disagreeing with him on.

support your local indigenous casino. i had no idea that these business ventures directly support the tribe that runs them. very interesting!

although this wasn’t canadian specific, i still think this is essential reading for anyone at any age who wants to learn more about native american culture, even the sticky stuff. a really great educational resource that i wish was made for more cultures/countries in the future!

[Lecy Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book and listened to the young readers' edition audiobook because that's what my library had available. Even though this was geared toward youth, I don't feel that Treuer skimped on any information. This was a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Native American history, culture, and traditions, as well as the challenges they face today. This book was styled in a long-form Q&A format, allowing the author the space to share nuanced answers that come with topics about any group of people with a shared identity. I'd love to see this on more school reading lists.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wealth of information on Indians/Native Americans in the US and to a smaller extent Canada is presented in a question and answer format for tween and teen readers. Topics include culture, politics, economics, history, and and language. Anton Treuer is an Ojibew scholar.

The question and answer format of this made it a very interesting read. I've always loved learning about Native Americans and it is great to do it from one.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in depth look at the lives of Native Americans in the past, present and future.

An extremely important read I cannot begin to describe how much I learned. I read this book in its entirety but it could also be read in bits and pieces as to answer specific questions. It's aimed at younger readers and although reading this whole book might be a lot for grades 5 and up reading parts of it could work. Recommended reading for anyone trying to know more about those who are different than them.

[Miss Syreena]

Highly recommended for any age!

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked it up off the library display table, since I've always had a fascination with Native Americans, from the angle of growing up in the mountain west. I learned so much, & it opened up my eyes.
If you're interested, or want to be racially aware, it is well worth your time.

[Tracee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really learned a lot! It was an easy-to-read format (question-response). Highly recommend this to everyone.

[Michelle Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this nonfiction, especially through audiobook it doesn't take long! I love how compact this is for young and old readers, and explains a lot of things that most people don't understand about Natives. Major thanks to Levine Querido for sending this to me!

[Abby Hartzell]

A unique format for a book--Q&A. I learned so much about Native American culture, history, policies, and challenges. I would love to use Treuer readings in my classroom in the future.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a short read it covers so many topics!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and educational - not just for young readers! Definitely falls into the category of “things I should have learned in school” and addressed a lot of questions I didn’t even know to ask. A good primer for learning about culture, history, and legal/political jurisdiction and how all those pieces combine.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brothers Anton Treuer and David Treuer are revitalizing the Ojibwe language tradition and are writing Native American history into the 21st century. This approachable reference work is essential for libraries and classrooms, and is recommended reading for students and adults who find themselves asking, "Why is [xyz] racist?".

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect book to read during National Native American Heritage Month. In a quick and accessible Q&A format, through the author's lens, we get to see things in a historical perspective, learn about current issues that are being struggled with, and provides some things we can all do to create a better future.

It's amazing all the things we were taught and not taught in school. Silence, distortion of facts, and erasure from the narrative seem to be some tactics to keep any minority groups oppressed. The more we learn about each other will only make us stronger.

And I do prefer a Young Readers Edition since I actually feel they're better having had to be gone over again and only the important things are included. And they (the good ones, at least) aren't dumbed down.

[Jennilynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok 3.5 ⭐️’s. I picked this up as I definitely have many questions as this book suggests, however the questions and topics covered were not what I was hoping for. I am still left with many questions that I hoped were addressed in this book, but maybe since it is geared towards a younger audience it didn’t cover my fascination with older traditions and legends. Peyote was mentioned as part of religious ceremonies… but I want to know more! Give me the details!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned LOTS from this book, and it's very readable without feeling like it's somehow talking down to readers like young readers editions sometimes seem to do, albeit unintentionally. It's not really a book to read cover to cover-- more of a reference book, although you CAN read it cover to cover.