Recommended Reading

When selecting a book to use in a classroom setting, particularly a traditional story or legend, there are many factors of which to be aware, chief among them being historical and cultural accuracy. Inaccuracies manifest themselves in text, illustrations and even simple design elements. While incorrect information is undesirable on its own merits, these inaccuracies can sometimes even cross the line into becoming offensive. Here is a list of general tips to keep in mind when selecting books...

Know something about the author. If the book is a story or legend, try to select Native authors, such as Joseph Bruchac. There are many story books by non-Native authors that are wonderful and accurate, however, one thing to always look for is if the book specifies which tribe the original story is from. If a specific tribe is given, this is a good sign. If the book just describes itself as "A Native American Legend," be careful!
Similarly, always read any About the Author blurb if one is available. Many books are written by scholarly authors who have studied their subject. If, however, an author is described as having "always been interested in Native Americans" or having "collected Native American art and jewelry and becoming fascinated with the people who created it" or of having "always been moved by the plight and struggles of the Native Americans," then there is less of a chance of the book being entirely accurate, as that is not where the author's primary focus lies.
Be aware of lifestyle differences from region to region. This is something that comes up often in illustrated and children's books. If the book purports to describe life in the Eastern Woodlands, but depicts Native Americans living in teepees, then the historical accuracy is non-existent. Native Americans in the Eastern Woodlands lived primarily in wigwams and longhouses, while people on the Great Plains used teepees. Other common inaccuracies along these lines can be seen in clothing and decorative elements.
Similarly, be aware of the progression of historical events. If a book tells of a time long before the white man came to America, but shows people riding horses, then the history is off. Horses did not exist in this country until they were introduced by Spanish explorers and settlers, beginning in the mid-17th century.
Try to select books that refer to and explain life for specific tribes, rather than generic "Native Americans."
Try to select books that make it clear that Native Americans still exist today and are not relegated to the past. This will not be relevant in every book obviously, but definitely avoid books that suggest the opposite.
When dealing with historical figures, try to avoid books that present only those Native Americans that helped white people as heroes.
While we have come a long way since the days of Native Americans inherently being the villain in literature and film, the pendulum is now swinging the other way. Be cautious of any books that present every Native American character as noble by default and every white character as a villain by default. This creates a fractured view of history and, as Joseph Bruchac says: "any children's book that builds up one culture at the expense of another ultimately keeps racial tension alive."

While some of these points may seem relatively minor or can be explained to a class easily, they all contribute to a wider misunderstanding of Native American culture and history in general. This misunderstanding, once taken root, is very difficult to rectify. What follows is a list of books that we recommend, across a wide range of categories. Some of these would be suitable for use in a classroom, while others are more directed at adults, but would be excellent resources for background information. We have tried to select only books that are easily available.

The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac & Anna Vojtech
How Chipmunk Got His Stripes by Joseph Bruchac & James Bruchac and Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey
Iroquois Stories: Heroes & Heroines, Monsters & Magic by Joseph Bruchac
The Wind Eagle by Joseph Bruchac
Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun by Geri Keams & James Bernadin
Fire Race by Jonathan London & Sylvia Long
Shingebiss by Nancy Van Laan & Betsy Bowen

Native People Of Southern New England, 1500-1650 by Kathleen Joan Bragdon
Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford
A History Of Connecticut's Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe by Charles Brilvitch
Children Of The Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac
Changes In The Land: Indians, Colonists & The Ecology Of New England by William Cronon
Gideon's People translated & edited by Corinna Dally-Starna & William A. Starna
The Mohican World, 1680-1750 by Shirley W. Dunn
The Mohicans & Their Land, 1609-1730 by Shirley W. Dunn
1621: A New Look At Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace & Margaret M. Bruchac
The Pequots In Southern New England: The Fall & Rise Of An American Indian Nation edited by Laurence M. Hauptman & James D. Wherry
The Lenape Or Delaware Indians by Herbert C. Kraft
Native Women's History In Eastern North America Before 1900 edited by Rebecca Kugel & Lucy Eldersveld Murphy
A Concise Dictionary Of Indian Tribes Of North America by Barbara Leitch
The Quinnipiac: Cultural Conflict In Southern New England by John Menta
Dispossession By Degrees: Indian Land & Identity In Natick, Massachusetts, 1650-1790 by Jean M. O'Brien
A Nation of Statesmen: The Political Culture Of The Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans, 1815-1972 by James W. Oberly
Welcome to Kaya's World by Dottie Raymer
Indian New England Before The Mayflower by Howard S. Russell
Manitou & Providence: Indians, Europeans & The Making Of New England, 1500-1643 by Neal Salisbury
Spirit Of The New England Tribes: Indian History & Folklore, 1620-1984 by William S. Simmons
The New England Indians by C. Keith Wilbur
The Woodland Indians by C. Keith Wilbur

New Native American Cooking by Dale Carson
Bows & Arrows Of The Native Americans by Jim Hamm
Native Harvests: American Indian Wild Foods & Recipes by E. Barrie Kavasch
Memories Of Sweet Grass by Adelphena Logan
Crafts & Skills Of The Native Americans by David R. Montgomery
Folk Medicine Of The Delaware & Related Algonkian Indians by Gladys Tantaquidgeon
Flintknapping: Making & Understanding Stone Tools by John C. Whittaker

Archaeologists Dig For Clues by Kate Duke
The Archaeology Of Connecticut by William Keegan & William F. Keegan
Making Pictures In Stone: American Indian Rock Art Of The Northeast by Edward J. Lenik
Picture Rocks: American Indian Rock Art In The Northeast Woodlands by Edward J. Lenik
Motel Of The Mysteries by David Macauly
6LF21: A Paleo-Indian Site In Western Connecticut by Roger W. Moeller

Medicine Trail: The Life & Lessons Of Gladys Tantaquidgeon by Melissa Jayne Fawcett
Aunt Sarah: Woman of The Dawnland by Trudy Ann Parker
Quarter-Acre Of Heartache by Claude Clayton Smith