This book analyzes American Indian characters and themes in young adult literature, outlining plots and evaluating content from a native perspective. Teachers, librarians, parents, and young adult readers will find essential analytical information about a cross-section of literature with American Indian protagonists, narratives, and settings. Reviews of young adult publications with American Indian themes are also examined, demonstrating how too many reviewers reinforce, and even honor, stereotypical works. Divided into three sections centering on a range of fiction and nonfiction featuring richly diverse tribal groups across a variety of settings and time periods, the book begins with contemporary selections, examining young adult fiction by non-Indian authors as well as a growing number of native authors. The next section is devoted to historical fiction, the most popular American Indian-themed novels for young adults. The last section examines nonfiction work, including memoirs, biographies, autobiographies, and poetry. A rich bibliography leads readers to other resources.

"...as adult selectors of books for youth, librarians cannot take lightly their responsibility to identify and expose demeaning stereotypes, distorted history, or socially ignorant context, regardless of the famous name in the author line or even the excellence of the writing itself. Scholarship is essential, and this book will certainly assist teachers, librarians, and others who want worthwhile, appropriate, and historically accurate Native American-themed literature for young adults....Prepare to be shocked at the 'classic' titles that are sources of false information, but pointing out these books is nicely counterbalanced with recommendations for good reading and an excellent bibliography. This book is a must for those who need some assistance in a culturally sensitive area." - VOYA

"...this long-awaited book will be a prize for those studying and teaching children's literature. Highly recommended. All collections; all levels." - CHOICE

"...an important and eminently readable book, a treasure that has a place in every library, and in every school where history and literature are taught." - Multicultural Review, Vol. 15, No. 4 (Winter 2006)

"...any professional who works with young adult literature will...want to read Molin's detailed survey." - School Library Journal, 10/1/2005

"Molin, a member of the Minnesota Chippewa tribe, analyzes the depiction of Native Americans in contemporary young adult fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction written by both non-Indian and Native authors. Novels about life on the frontier, captivity narratives, memoirs, biographies, poetry, and book reviews are discussed. An entire chapter is devoted to the controversy over My heart is on the ground: the diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux girl." - Reference and Research Book News

"...highly recommended." - American Reference Books Annual, vol. 38 (2007)