Apache History and Culture

Gr 5–8—Following an introduction that provides a general overview of Native Americans' arrival in the Americas, the impact of European settlers on their cultures, life on the reservations, and the changes brought about by the Civil Rights Movement, each well-organized title goes on to describe the history and culture of a specific tribe and the conflicts that arose when Europeans moved into its territory. Comparatively little space is devoted to its history before the arrival of the settlers, but some information is included in the chapter on the peoples' traditional way of life, which discusses topics such as political organization, beliefs and values, crafts, childhood, and the significance of horses and buffalo. Each book includes a two-page illustrated spread of a traditional story before it shifts focus to tribal life today and current issues. The authors discuss persecution and bigotry in clear and carefully worded passages. Sidebars give more detail about significant people, events, and rituals. Primary sources found within them might cause readers to feel a greater sense of the prejudice and injustice visited upon Native Americans. For example, a military colonel is quoted as saying, "I have come to kill Indians, and believe it is right and honorable to use any means under God's heaven to kill Indians" (Cheyenne). All three books feature plentiful full-color maps and illustrations and black-and-white reproductions, and extensive and thorough back matter. This series seems most appropriate in the context of U.S. history curriculum. Younger researchers looking for information about tribal culture and lifestyle may be overwhelmed by the historical detail and disturbed by some of the primary sources used; one photo in Sioux shows U.S. soldiers picking up bodies of the Lakotas killed at Wounded Knee.—Kate Hewitt, Far Brook School, Short Hills, NJ