My 12 Favorite Native American History Books

What did you learn in school about Native Americans?  

Did you only study tribal history during November?

Were the topics only centered around early US history?

Native American history didn't end and is more than just Thanksgiving.  The list below will start you on the path to exploring the vast true history of Native people.  Several of the titles also include more modern topics.

Native American history is sometimes an ugly truth, but also includes some amazing stories of heroes.  Reading and study this history, however tough to read, is so important to make sure these mistakes are not made again.

Check out the list below of my favorite Native American history books.

Go beyond the black-and-white photos in your middle school history book with our list of our favorite Native American history books.

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Best Native American History Books

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz is a groundbreaking account that offers a fresh perspective on the history of the United States by narrating it from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples. This essential work sheds light on the centuries-long genocidal program of the US settler-colonial regime, a history often overlooked in mainstream narratives. The book not only challenges the founding myths of the United States but also highlights how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the US empire. With relevance to contemporary issues, such as the movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline, Dunbar-Ortiz's meticulously researched work becomes a crucial resource, weaving historical threads that are essential for understanding the present.

Readers interested in Native American history should delve into this book for its comprehensive exploration of more than four hundred years of history, offering a bottom-up peoples' perspective that reframes the conventional narrative. The author exposes colonialist policies designed to displace or eliminate the original inhabitants and reveals the explicit endorsement of such policies in popular culture, government, and the military. By reading “An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States,” individuals gain valuable insights into the silenced aspects of the nation's past, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding Native American experiences and their enduring resistance.

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Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West

“Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown is a seminal work that provides a poignant and meticulously documented account of the crimes against American Indians during the 19th century. As a landmark and bestselling narrative, this book is an indispensable read for anyone interested in understanding the systematic destruction of Native American communities. By drawing upon council records, autobiographies, and firsthand descriptions, Brown unveils the heart-wrenching details of battles, massacres, and broken treaties, shedding light on a dark chapter in American history that has often been overlooked. Reading this powerful narrative is crucial for gaining insights into the profound impact on Native American communities, making it an essential resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and injustices of Native American history during the 19th century.

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The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present

“The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee” by David Treuer offers a compelling and multifaceted perspective on Native American history, challenging the prevailing narrative that often concludes with the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890. As a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award and a New York Times bestseller, this meticulously researched work presents a counter-narrative that spans from the late 19th century to the present, revealing the resourcefulness and resilience of Native American communities. Through Treuer's blend of history, reportage, and memoir, readers gain a nuanced understanding of how Native Americans, despite facing intense struggles and historical trauma, have continuously adapted, preserved their cultures, and shaped their own destinies, making this book an essential read for anyone seeking a comprehensive and transformative exploration of Native American history.

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Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

“Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. Gwynne is a riveting historical account that delves into the forty-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West, with a central focus on Quanah, the greatest Comanche chief. Offering a vivid portrayal of the rise and fall of the Comanches, the narrative explores the astonishing prowess of the tribe in shaping the American West's destiny. Readers interested in Native American history will find this book essential as it not only sheds light on the Comanches' unparalleled fighting abilities but also intertwines their story with broader historical events such as Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, and the impact of the railroads, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex forces that shaped the United States during this transformative period.

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Earth Is Weeping

“The Earth Is Weeping” by Peter Cozzens offers a comprehensive exploration of the conflicts that unfolded over three decades as the United States expanded onto traditional Indian tribal lands in the aftermath of the Civil War. In this illuminating narrative, Cozzens delves into both sides of the wars and negotiations, providing intimate details that highlight the destruction of tribal ways of life while paving the way for the emergence of the modern United States. For readers interested in Native American history, this book stands out as a crucial resource, offering insights into the encroachment experienced by tribes, the internal conflicts over whether to fight or make peace, and the complex lives of soldiers and generals faced with ethical dilemmas. As the narrative unfolds across diverse landscapes, including Kansas, Nebraska, the Southwestern desert, the Dakotas, and the Pacific Northwest, readers encounter a rich array of historical figures, from military and political leaders like Custer, Sherman, and Grant to Native American leaders such as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, and Red Cloud. “The Earth Is Weeping” stands as the fullest and most detailed account to date of the complex and multifaceted story of how the West was won.

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The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn

“The Last Stand” by Nathaniel Philbrick is an engrossing and tightly written account that delves into a critical chapter in American history, specifically the epochal clash at the Little Bighorn in 1876 that spawned the legendary tale of Custer's Last Stand. Philbrick, known for his ability to bring history to life, offers a monumental reappraisal of the collision between two American icons, George Armstrong Custer and Sitting Bull. Readers interested in American history, particularly the intricacies of this pivotal event, will find this book indispensable as Philbrick not only brings a wealth of new information to the subject but also skillfully explores how the battle has been shaped and reshaped by national myth over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding this iconic moment in the nation's past.

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Black Elk Speaks: The Complete Edition

“Black Elk Speaks” is a literary masterpiece that transcends genres and has captivated readers, selling over one million copies and being recognized as the 2017 One Book One Nebraska selection. This American classic, as praised by the Western Historical Quarterly, narrates the life of Oglala Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk during the transformative years of the late nineteenth century. John G. Neihardt's portrayal of Black Elk's profound visions, emphasizing the unity of humanity and Earth, makes this book unforgettable, whether appreciated as a poignant tale of a Lakota life, a historical account of a Native nation, or a timeless spiritual testament. The complete edition, featuring a new introduction by historian Philip J. Deloria and annotations by renowned Lakota scholar Raymond J. DeMallie, enhances the work with additional context, essays by Neihardt and other scholars, original illustrations, and appendixes, solidifying its place as a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of Native American history and spirituality.

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1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus

This national bestseller, a groundbreaking work by a remarkably engaging writer, challenges traditional narratives about pre-Columbian America, offering a radical reinterpretation of the Americas before Columbus' arrival in 1492. Contrary to common misconceptions, the pre-Columbian Indians were not living in a sparsely settled pristine wilderness; rather, they actively shaped and influenced their surroundings. The book unveils the advanced nature of indigenous civilizations, such as the astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, which boasted running water, impeccably clean streets, and a size surpassing contemporary European cities. It explores the ingenuity of Mexican cultures in creating corn through a specialized breeding process, often considered humankind's first venture into genetic engineering. This work challenges and surprises readers, providing a transformative new perspective on a rich and fascinating world that challenges previously held notions.

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The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America

A National Book Award finalist and winner of the Bancroft Prize, “The Other Slavery” by Andrés Reséndez is a landmark history that unveils the sweeping story of the enslavement of tens of thousands of Indigenous people across America, spanning from the time of the conquistadors to the early twentieth century. Reséndez challenges conventional beliefs by exposing the illegal practice of Indian slavery, which persisted for centuries despite being a well-kept open secret. The book argues that mass slavery, rather than epidemics, played a pivotal role in decimating Native populations across North America, presenting a compelling case supported by riveting new evidence, including testimonies of priests, merchants, and Indian captives. A crucial addition to American history, “The Other Slavery” urges the West to confront a devastating aspect of its past that has long been overlooked and emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and understanding this separate yet equally impactful enslavement alongside the more well-known history of African American slavery. Praised as an epic recalibration of American history, Reséndez's work stands as a profound contribution to understanding the complex narratives of North America.

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The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History

“The Journey of Crazy Horse” by Joseph M. Marshall provides a captivating and intimate biography that unveils a never-before-seen portrait of the legendary Lakota leader. Drawing on vivid oral histories, Marshall, a Lakota Indian himself, presents Crazy Horse not just as a peerless warrior remembered in world history but also as a dutiful son and humble fighter deeply connected to his Lakota community. Through firsthand research and tapping into the rich oral tradition within the Native American community, Marshall delves into the details of Crazy Horse's life, offering insights into the powerful vision that shaped his commitment to preserving the Lakota homeland and propelled him into battle with valor and unparalleled leadership. This biography stands as a testament to one man's fight for his people's survival and reveals Crazy Horse's true genius as a strategist, commander, and trusted leader. Marshall's work is not only an unforgettable portrayal of a revered individual but also a profound celebration of Lakota culture, community, and a way of life, making it an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of this iconic historical figure. As praised by the San Francisco Chronicle, those wishing to understand Crazy Horse as the Lakota know him won't find a better account than Marshall's.

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In the Spirit of Crazy Horse: The Story of Leonard Peltier and the FBI's War on the American Indian Movement

“In the Spirit of Crazy Horse” by Peter Matthiessen chronicles a tragic gun battle between FBI agents and American Indian Movement (AIM) activists in 1975 near Wounded Knee, South Dakota. The author, renowned for works like “The Snow Leopard” and “In Paradise,” provides an “indescribably touching, extraordinarily intelligent” account of this fatal confrontation. The shoot-out resulted in the death of an Indian and two federal agents, leading to the indictment of four AIM members on murder charges, with Leonard Peltier receiving consecutive life sentences. Despite facing one of the most protracted and bitterly fought legal battles in publishing history, Matthiessen's book exposes the complex and historically resonant issues underlying the violent events at Wounded Knee. “In the Spirit of Crazy Horse” delves into the Lakota tribe's enduring struggle with the U.S. government, shedding light on the importance of the traditional Indian concept of the earth, especially at a time when global populations threaten the depletion of precious resources. A controversial and poignant exploration, Matthiessen's work remains a significant contribution to understanding the challenges faced by Native American communities in their ongoing struggles for justice and preservation of their cultural heritage.

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Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis

“A New York Times Notable Book” and winner of the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, Timothy Egan's “Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis” unveils the compelling life story of Edward Curtis, a charismatic and passionate mountaineer turned renowned portrait photographer. Described as the Annie Leibovitz of his time, Curtis abandoned his glamorous life to pursue a groundbreaking mission: capturing on film the vanishing traditions of North America's original inhabitants. Egan's vivid exploration of Curtis's lifelong obsession reveals a spirited biography that may finally bring the recognition Curtis eluded in life. The book delves into Curtis's monumental three-decade-long project, documenting the stories and rituals of over eighty North American tribes, showcasing his immense perseverance, including a ten-year effort to observe the Hopi Snake Dance ceremony. In the process, Curtis transformed from a detached observer to an outraged advocate, leaving behind a legacy of over 40,000 photographs, 10,000 audio recordings, and the first narrative documentary film, solidifying his place as the creator of the most definitive archive of Native American culture.

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Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Paul G