Our 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.

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

1. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dubar-Ortiz
An Indigenous People's History of The United States is a worth-reading book having historical events of 400 years. Due to the amazing narrative style and events reframing, this book won an award in 2015. Because of this book, your vision of the indigenous people of the United States may change.
2. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
Another perspective-altering book on Native American history is Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Dee Brown tells the thundering clashes and twisted treatises of government and Americans. The book includes in-depth details of the reconstruction era and experiences.

3. Custer Died For Your Sins By Vine Deloria JR.
Vine has written various academic books on Native American Culture, but this book is his lifetime achievement.

The Indian world has changed so substantially since the first publication of this book that some things contained in it seem new again.” Indeed, it seems that each generation of whites and Indians will have to read and reread Vine Deloria’s Manifesto for some time to come, before we absorb his special, ironic Indian point of view and what he tells us, with a great deal of humor, about U.S. race relations, federal bureaucracies, Christian churches, and social scientists. This book continues to be required reading for all Americans, whatever their special interest.
4. The Heart of Everything That Is By Bob Drury and Tom Calvin
In this book, Journalist Bob Dury narrates the historical events of Red Cloud’s life with the collaboration of co-writer Tom Calvin. Red Cloud was the leader who served his nation to defeat the US army in a vicious battle.
5. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present by David Treuer
David Treur's writing is about the Americans’ history from the 1980s to the present. This book shares insights into how American Indians succeeded in saving their culture and sovereignty after passing tiring trials and troubles.

6. Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
Empire of the Summer Moonspans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.
7. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present by David Treuer
David Treur's writing is about the Americans’ history from the 1980s to the present. This book shares insights into how American Indians succeeded in saving their culture and sovereignty after passing tiring trials and troubles.
8. The Earth Is Weeping By Peter Cozzens
Like his other writings, The Earth Is Weeping has gained immense popularity among audiences. In this book, Peter Cozzens shares his insights on the hardships of Native Americans. After reading this book, you will understand why states’ borders are still a topic of discussion.
By Paul G