Yellowhorn, of the Piikani Nation, and Lowinger collect 16 tales from Indigenous individuals who relay personal histories, recount historical events, and describe Native traditions in this compact anthology. . “We want our version to be known,” the creators write in an introduction that references the first Thanksgiving between English colonists and Wampanoag peoples in 1621. But the story that those outside the Wampanoag community know as “a happy time of feasting and family” hides a darker truth: two years later, during a similar feast, 200 Wampanoag leaders were poisoned by the colonists. Across five sections that cover Native images, symbols, poems, songs, written stories, and more, selections highlight myriad communities. An entry about Gaspar Antonio Chi (1531–1610) tells of the Maya nobleman scribe’s part in creating the Maya/Spanish alphabet. Another, about novelist Tommy Orange (b. 1982), who is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, describes the impact of Orange’s Pulitzer Prize finalist There it is a book that “made urban Indigenous people visible.” Interior artwork mimics a scrapbook and includes samples of Native-made works and photos of featured figures. It’s a compelling and illuminating volume corrects colonist tellings to and highlight Native peoples’ experiences and perspectives.

This was a fascinating book for me to read as I’ve always wanted to know more about the Native traditions. It’s an excellent book to read but I must admit I wanted more. I must admit that I would like another book on this subject to tell us more about traditions and lives. This book was written for those who are in the 11-14 years . I recommend this book to be read by anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Eldon Yellowhorn, Kathy Lowinger, and Annick Press for a review copy of this book.

Content Warnings: Colonization, Mentions of Death, Mentions of Child Abuse, and Racism

"Ours to Tell" by Eldon Yellowhorn is a book that collects stories from Indigenous people from the United States and Canada, weaving a historical and emotion triumph of story telling through different mediums. Accompanied by photographs and art, this book offers a much needed and often overlooked peek into the history of Indigenous people through their own stories.

For a historical text aimed at children and young teens, "Ours to Tell" does a nice job of showcasing stories from both the past and present, all with the connecting thread of giving those stories a modern voice. I had assumed, judging from the provided synopses, that "Ours to Tell" would have more stories from the individuals featured in the book. However, it reads very much like a historical textbook that one might find in an elementary or early middle school grade. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, it simply was not what I was expecting.

Overall, I would suggest "Ours to Tell" to anyone interested in the history of storytelling in Indigenous Americans and Canadians.

4. This is an easy to read and pleasing to the eyes format. Students will love the maps, art, photos, and different samples of indigenous creativity! There’s nothing wrong with statesmen and athletes, but I love seeing storytellers and art makers. Will definitely have wide appeal to other types of students than previous similar books. A slim volume, but stuffed full with ideas and images. Very cool!