Native American Phase III

Norton’s PHASE III: Autobiographies, Biographies, and Historical Nonfiction

Studying the autobiographies, biographies, and historical nonfiction in Phase III helps in identifying historical happenings that influenced the culture.

    Avery, S. (1992) Extraordinary American Indians. Chicago: Children’s Press. GR: high school-up
Short but thorough biographies of 60 prominent Native Americans, past and present.

    Bennett, K. (1964). Kaibah; recollection of a Navajo girlhood. Los Angeles: Westernlore Press. GR: Young Adult
True story of an average Navajo family during the time in which the Navajo people returned from Fort Sumner.

    Bierhorst, J. (1979). A cry from the earth: Music of the North American Indians. New York: Four Winds Press. GR: 5-up
An overview of Indian music and dance which includes discussion of their instruments, the structure of their music, and the uses of music in Indian life.

    Hirschfelder, A. & DeMontano, M.K. (1993). Native American almanac: Portrait of Native Americans today. New York: Prentice Hall. GR: high school-up
An overall view of Native Americans today.

    Howard, C. (1996). Navajo tribal demography, 1983-1986: A comparative and historical perspective. New York: Garland Publishing. GR: Adult
Examines health conditions of Native Americans, specifically the Navajo.

    Lavitan, S.A. (1975). Indian giving: Federal programs for Native Americans. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. GR: Adult
Study of the Indian population including migration, economic conditions and development, education, health, family status, and social services.

    Locke, R.F. (1979). The book of the Navajo. Los Angeles: Mankind Publishing Company. GR: Adult
Combines in one volume the legends, social culture, and military history of the Navajo Indian. Sections include: The People, Navajo Legends, The Land, The Burning Ground, The Long Walk, and The Way Back.

    McCombs, L. (1951). Navajo means people. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. GR: Young Adult
Although somewhat dated, this book gives the reader an idea of how Native Americans were viewed. It may be a good discussion tool - how Native American have been misrepresented by the press.

    Moquin, W., & VanDoren, C., Eds. (1995). Great documents in American Indian history. New York: DaCapo Press. GR: high school-up
A compendium of speeches and writings presenting a survey of Native American life and history from the perspectives of Native American tribes throughout the United States.

    Osinki, A. (1992). The Navajo. Chicago: Children’s Press. GR: 2-5
A brief history of the Navajo Indians describing customs, interactions with white settlers, and changes in traditional ways of life brought on by modern civilization.

    Ortiz, R. D. (1979). Economic development in American Indian reservations. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico. GR: Adult
In the 1970’s, interest in American Indian lands was stimulated by the possibility that a fair percentage of the total remaining sources of energy national resources available for exploitation within the U.S. may lie inside Indian reservations, mainly in the West. Collection of research articles and essays. Native American authors are featured. Sections include: The Land and The People, Historical Background, the Navajo Nation, and Politics of Indian Development.

    Poatgieter, H. (1981). Indian Legacy: Native American influences on world life and cultures. New York: Julian Messner. GR: 7-up
Presents a wealth of material telling about the many contributions Native Americans have made to the world.

    Reed, J. B., & Zelio, J. A. (1995). States and tribes: Building new traditions. Denver: National Conference of State Legislatures. GR: Adult
A broad examination of the condition of state-tribal relations and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation as the 21st century approaches, from a state legislative policy perspective. Provides insight to the state and tribal roles in interactions between states and Indian tribes across the U.S.