120 pages • 4 hours read
A Young People's History of the United States
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Book Brief
464
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Various Epochs
2007
YA
10-14 years
1010L
Super Short Summary
A Young People's History of the United States, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff from Howard Zinn’s original work, presents U.S. history from the perspective of the masses, starting with early European contact with Indigenous peoples and extending to the Iraq War, including marginalized groups like enslaved Black individuals, Native nations, poor people, immigrants, political dissenters, and women. It includes sensitive topics such as violence, oppression, and systemic inequities.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
3,423 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Howard Zinn's A Young People's History of the United States offers an accessible, alternative perspective on American history, emphasizing marginalized voices. While praised for its engaging narrative and thought-provoking content, some criticize it for perceived bias and lack of balance. Overall, it successfully encourages critical thinking among young readers.
Who Should Read A Young People's History of the United States?
A reader who would enjoy A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn likely has an interest in alternative historical narratives and a keen sense of social justice. Comparable to readers of Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars and Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, they are curious about different perspectives in history and eager to understand complex social issues.
3,423 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rebecca Stefoff
Rebecca Stefoff
Adapted Howard Zinn's work for younger audiences, bringing complex social and historical concepts to a wider readership through children's and young adult literature.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
A European explorer credited with "discovering" the Americas in 1492, whose arrival marked the beginning of European colonization characterized by exploitation and brutality toward Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
The diverse native populations who occupied the Americas long before European arrival, maintaining rich cultures and resisting colonial expansion despite facing devastating impacts from colonization.
The “Founding Fathers”
The “Founding Fathers”
A group of political and social leaders who established the United States, viewed by Zinn as elite figures whose revolution primarily shifted power among ruling classes while inspiring broader struggles for freedom.
Enslaved Black People
Enslaved Black People
Forced laborers brought from Africa who significantly shaped American history through their resilience, resistance, and contributions, playing crucial roles in events like the Civil War and beyond.
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
A U.S. president who rose to prominence through military action against Indigenous nations, known for his role in "Indian Removal" policies and celebrated in history despite a controversial legacy.
Other U.S. Presidents and Their Administrations
Other U.S. Presidents and Their Administrations
Described as self-interested individuals often prioritizing the establishment over social justice, part of a larger power structure that benefited the white and wealthy elite.
Workers
Workers
A diverse demographic central to the labor movement and resistance against capitalist policies, celebrated for their organizing efforts despite facing internal divisions regarding race and gender.
464
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Various Epochs
2007
YA
10-14 years
1010L
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