It may not be absolutely everything teens want to know, but this look at Native identity, history, culture, and experience through a series of questions and responses is incredibly comprehensive and engaging. Author Anton Treuer, a professor of Ojibwe, begins by making clear Native experience, identity, and opinion is varied, not monolithic, even as there are also some commonalities both before and as a result of colonization. He also notes he cannot speak for all Native people, and is clear when he is moving beyond fact and sharing his own opinion, as he does when talking about his belief in the importance of preserving and revitalizing Native languages. The many questions contained in this volume of interest to both Native and non-Native readers are divided into sections titled “Terminology”; “History”; “Religion, Culture, & Identity”; “Powwow”; “Tribal Languages”; “Politics”; “Economics”; “Education”; “Social Activism”; and “Perspectives.” Treuer’s dynamic responses are peppered with specific examples rooted in individuals’ experiences. He is sometimes wry, sometimes blunt, but always invites thoughtful consideration as he addresses the complexities embedded within almost every question. The Table of Contents helpfully lists each individual question under its section heading. An index is also part of this welcome adaptation of a book originally published for adults, and updated here to reflect recent events, such as the Standing Rock protests, and social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter. (Age 12 and older)

From the acclaimed Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer comes an essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from "Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?" to "Why is it called a 'traditional Indian fry bread taco'?" to "What's it like for natives who don’t look native?" to "Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?", and beyond, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) does exactly what its title says for young readers, in a style consistently thoughtful, personal, and engaging.

Updated and expanded to include:

• Dozens of New Questions and New Sections—including a social activism section that explores the Dakota Access Pipeline, racism, identity, politics, and more!
• Over 50 new Photos
• Adapted text for broad appeal