Exploring the World of Native American Authors: A Guide for High School Students

As high school students, we often read works of fiction and non-fiction written by authors from various parts of the world. But have you ever thought about reading books by Native American authors? Native American literature carries unique perspectives on history, culture and contemporary society that we can learn from. In this article, we are going to explore the world of Native American authors and recommend some great books to add to your reading list.

Who are Native American Authors?

Native American authors are writers and storytellers who have roots in one of the many indigenous tribes that have inhabited North America for centuries. They come from diverse cultures, tribes, nations and regions, and their writing reflects the unique experiences and challenges of their communities. There are many well-known Native American authors whose works have been studied and celebrated in academic circles, such as Leslie Marmon Silko, Louise Erdrich, Sherman Alexie, and Joy Harjo, to name a few.

Why Should We Read Native American Literature?

Reading Native American literature offers many benefits, including:

– Exposing us to diverse perspectives and experiences
– Challenging our assumptions and stereotypes
– Educating us about important historical and cultural events
– Providing insight into contemporary issues and struggles faced by Native American communities

Recommended Native American Authors and Books to Read

Here are some Native American authors and books that we recommend for high school students:

Louise Erdrich

Louise Erdrich is an acclaimed writer and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Her works often explore themes of family, identity, and the relationship between Native American and non-Native American communities. Some of her most popular books include:

– The Round House: A novel that tells the story of a Native American boy seeking justice for his mother’s assault.
– Love Medicine: A collection of interconnected stories about a Native American family living on a reservation in North Dakota.
– The Birchbark House: A children’s book that follows the life of a young Ojibwe girl in the mid-19th century.

Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie is a Spokane-Coeur d’Alene writer and filmmaker known for his frank and humorous depictions of Native American life. His works often highlight the challenges of growing up on contemporary reservations and the complexity of being a Native American in modern American society. Some of his must-read books are:

– The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: A novel that follows a 14-year-old Native American boy who transfers to an all-white school in order to pursue his dreams.
– War Dances: A collection of short stories and poems that explores themes of identity, community, and family.
– Smoke Signals: A movie screenplay that tells the story of two Native American men traveling to collect the ashes of one of their fathers.

Leslie Marmon Silko

Leslie Marmon Silko is a Laguna Pueblo writer and storyteller whose works often deal with the challenges of growing up Native American in a predominantly white society. Her acclaimed novel, Ceremony, follows a WWII veteran and his struggles to come to terms with his identity, culture, and the trauma of war. Some of her other popular works include:

– Storyteller: A collection of poems, short stories, and traditional stories that celebrate Native American oral storytelling traditions.
– Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit: A collection of essays that examine Silko’s relationships with both her own Laguna Pueblo community and the wider American society.

Conclusion

Native American literature offers unique and important perspectives on historical, cultural and social issues. By reading works by Native American authors, we can learn from their experiences and gain a deeper understanding of their communities. So, let’s pick up one of these amazing works and explore the world of Native American literature!