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What the Eagle Sees: Indigenous Stories of Rebellion and Renewal by Eldon Yellowhorn, Kathy Lowinger
hb_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I think this is a great history book or even textbook for kids about Indigenous cultures in Turtle Island or North America. I was a little disappointed to see little discussion of how Black history is tied to Indigenous history, beyond one paragraph about music styles. There was no mention of two-spirit or other LGBTQ+ Indigenous peoples. overall, however, I do think this is an accessible, informative, and much-needed book, and look forward to reading the other collaboration between the two authors.
brittburkard's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
lattelibrarian's review
4.0
This was an utterly fantastic book, and I'm so glad that I read it. Summarizing historical events across not only countries but nations as well, What the Eagle Sees offers a hard, cold, but hopeful look at an ongoing genocide. I know I'm pretty ignorant in a lot of aspects that were discussed int his book, but I knew at least a few things such as the #NODAPL events and reformation/assimilation schools. But what this book does is not only summarize the events, but gives the actual numbers of those who fought and were assimilated, perished from disease, or were otherwise murdered.
And seeing those numbers made me pale. And made me realize how little I actually knew or understood about their pain.
Filled with photographs, quotations from chiefs and warriors, explanations of eugenics, genocide, and experiments, lifted-with-privilege stories, and references, this title comprises the history of many nations. I was glad to see information about nations now living in Mexico and the south-west United States, as well as nations who live in what is now Canada. Being from the United States, I was only actively taught about nations that were around where our education was, and not necessarily history as a whole or across nations.
This is a hugely important book, and one written by Native American authors--which just goes to show that this book is probably one of the most honest and least biased out there. Overall, I'm glad that I read this, and I hope to use this information wisely in the future as I continue learning more and more about the history and contemporary situations of native peoples.
Review cross-listed here!
And seeing those numbers made me pale. And made me realize how little I actually knew or understood about their pain.
Filled with photographs, quotations from chiefs and warriors, explanations of eugenics, genocide, and experiments, lifted-with-privilege stories, and references, this title comprises the history of many nations. I was glad to see information about nations now living in Mexico and the south-west United States, as well as nations who live in what is now Canada. Being from the United States, I was only actively taught about nations that were around where our education was, and not necessarily history as a whole or across nations.
This is a hugely important book, and one written by Native American authors--which just goes to show that this book is probably one of the most honest and least biased out there. Overall, I'm glad that I read this, and I hope to use this information wisely in the future as I continue learning more and more about the history and contemporary situations of native peoples.
Review cross-listed here!
jennifermreads's review
5.0
What happened to the Indigenous People of North America when the explorers “discovered” their land? We know their side of the story. What the Eagle Sees gives readers a long-needed look at the side of the story that has long been silenced: the story of those who were already here on the American lands.
Part of what I adore about the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge each year is how the challenge forces me to flex my reading-muscles and read something that may instead languish on my TBR for years and years. This is one of those titles.
We often hear “history is written by the victors.” We are reminded more & more that those victors and writers were/are white men. It is long past time to add the perspectives and stories of the Indigenous and women to our history books. Authors like Eldon Yellowhorn and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (author of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States) have started to fill the gap. Specifically, What the Eagle Sees touches on many aspects of the events that occurred after the European explorers arrived from the perspective of those who were already here. Not only do readers get to see “the other side of the story” but Eldon Yellowhorn, an archeologist and professor in addition to an author, shares insights into how these stories are learned and shared: through oral tradition and archaeological digs.
What the Eagle Sees is one of those #ownvoices books that desperately needs to be added to every single middle grade history curriculum.
Part of what I adore about the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge each year is how the challenge forces me to flex my reading-muscles and read something that may instead languish on my TBR for years and years. This is one of those titles.
We often hear “history is written by the victors.” We are reminded more & more that those victors and writers were/are white men. It is long past time to add the perspectives and stories of the Indigenous and women to our history books. Authors like Eldon Yellowhorn and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (author of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States) have started to fill the gap. Specifically, What the Eagle Sees touches on many aspects of the events that occurred after the European explorers arrived from the perspective of those who were already here. Not only do readers get to see “the other side of the story” but Eldon Yellowhorn, an archeologist and professor in addition to an author, shares insights into how these stories are learned and shared: through oral tradition and archaeological digs.
What the Eagle Sees is one of those #ownvoices books that desperately needs to be added to every single middle grade history curriculum.
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
5.0
The way history is taught, at least in the United States, is that there was nothing before the Europeans came to the New World. As though the continents were empty of all human life, but that was not the case.
This book, written by a First Nations member, anthropologist. This is a story told from the other side, not from the invaders point of view, but from the Ingenious people. Very thoughtfully written.
The author explains that White people worked under something called "the doctrine of discovery" the false idea that land was vacant until a white man had seen it. This would explain how Lewis and Clark discovered land that was empty.
This is a separate book from his first one Turtle Island, but it is also a companion piece, going on beyond the invasion of the Europeans, which was where Turtle Island left off.
Thoughtful, well written, and with little stabs of insight throughout. This is a great book to flip the perspective, and show what was happening to the indigenous students with the residency school.s
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This book, written by a First Nations member, anthropologist. This is a story told from the other side, not from the invaders point of view, but from the Ingenious people. Very thoughtfully written.
The author explains that White people worked under something called "the doctrine of discovery" the false idea that land was vacant until a white man had seen it. This would explain how Lewis and Clark discovered land that was empty.
This is a separate book from his first one Turtle Island, but it is also a companion piece, going on beyond the invasion of the Europeans, which was where Turtle Island left off.
Thoughtful, well written, and with little stabs of insight throughout. This is a great book to flip the perspective, and show what was happening to the indigenous students with the residency school.s
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
agudenburr's review against another edition
4.0
So much information is packed into this book! The focus of this book is the story of what Indigenous people did when invaders arrived in their homelands. Throughout the book is information on traditions, art, religion, stories, important people, and much more about Indigenous culture. A must read for upper elementary children to adults!
mrsjhasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I am making an effort to read more BIPOC authors, especially indigenous authors, as there are so few currently available in our library system. This book was everything. It was a historical timeline, it was a photographic history, it was a geography lesson, it was an archeological dig, it was folk lore, it was the story of a diverse ethnic group that was slaughtered by the hands who came to tell their story.
I am so grateful to authors Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger. Their willingness to share stories with a readership that is both indigenous and not is incredibly generous. I learned so much and cannot wait to share this book with students and staff!
I am so grateful to authors Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger. Their willingness to share stories with a readership that is both indigenous and not is incredibly generous. I learned so much and cannot wait to share this book with students and staff!