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The People Shall Continue
Traces the progress of the Indians of North America from the time of the Creation to the present
23 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1977
7 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Simon J. Ortiz
36 books57 followersSimon J. Ortiz is a Puebloan writer of the Acoma Pueblo tribe, and one of the key figures in the second wave of what has been called the Native American Renaissance. He is one of the most respected and widely read Native American poets.
After a three-year stint in the U.S. military, Ortiz enrolled at the University of New Mexico. There, he discovered few ethnic voices within the American literature canon and began to pursue writing as a way to express the generally unheard Native American voice that was only beginning to emerge in the midst of political activism.
Two years later, in 1968, he received a fellowship for writing at the University of Iowa in the International Writers Program.
In 1988, he was appointed as tribal interpreter for Acoma Pueblo, and in 1989 he became First Lieutenant Governor for the pueblo. In 1982, he became a consulting editor of the Pueblo of Acoma Press.
Since 1968, Ortiz has taught creative writing and Native American literature at various institutions, including San Diego State, the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, Navajo Community College, the College of Marin, the University of New Mexico, Sinte Gleska University, and the University of Toronto.
Ortiz is a recipient of the New Mexico Humanities Council Humanitarian Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Discovery Award, the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Writer's Award, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and was an Honored Poet recognized at the 1981 White House Salute to Poetry.
In 1981, From Sand Creek: Rising In This Heart Which Is Our America, received the Pushcart Prize in poetry.
Ortiz received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Returning the Gift Festival of Native Writers (the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers) and the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas (1993)
After a three-year stint in the U.S. military, Ortiz enrolled at the University of New Mexico. There, he discovered few ethnic voices within the American literature canon and began to pursue writing as a way to express the generally unheard Native American voice that was only beginning to emerge in the midst of political activism.
Two years later, in 1968, he received a fellowship for writing at the University of Iowa in the International Writers Program.
In 1988, he was appointed as tribal interpreter for Acoma Pueblo, and in 1989 he became First Lieutenant Governor for the pueblo. In 1982, he became a consulting editor of the Pueblo of Acoma Press.
Since 1968, Ortiz has taught creative writing and Native American literature at various institutions, including San Diego State, the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, Navajo Community College, the College of Marin, the University of New Mexico, Sinte Gleska University, and the University of Toronto.
Ortiz is a recipient of the New Mexico Humanities Council Humanitarian Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Discovery Award, the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Writer's Award, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and was an Honored Poet recognized at the 1981 White House Salute to Poetry.
In 1981, From Sand Creek: Rising In This Heart Which Is Our America, received the Pushcart Prize in poetry.
Ortiz received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Returning the Gift Festival of Native Writers (the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers) and the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas (1993)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 31, 2020
An indigenous view of the story of North America, with text by Acoma Pueblo scholar and poet Simon J. Ortiz, and illustrations by Shawnee, Ojibwe and Dakota artist Sharol Graves, The People Shall Continue begins with Creation, as understood by a variety of Native American peoples, introduces the diversity of cultures to be found on the continent, and then chronicles the coming of European conquerors and settlers, and the long and (mostly) unsuccessful struggle of the indigenous peoples to maintain their lands and independence. The book concludes with an examination of (then) contemporary native peoples, spread between reservations and cities, and the continuing importance of their diverse heritages, going forward.
Originally a poem, The People Shall Continue was first published in picture-book form in 1977, and has both strengths and weaknesses. Or, put another way, it is well suited to certain purposes, and not to others. As an encapsulation of Native views of the last five hundred years - the process of encroachment upon and theft of native lands, the brutality of the conquerors and settlers, the importance of tradition, as the People(s) go forward - it is top-notch, and communicates its message clearly and eloquently. If you're an American, or interested in American history, and want the children in your life to have a good understanding of the topic, this book is an important addition to your library. It has a leftward bent, and touches on issues of environmental stewardship and economic oppression, so some readers might find certain passages problematic, even if they don't contest the history. For my part, I appreciated the message, and the fact that Ortiz incorporated other groups (Latinos, African-Americans, poor whites) into his definition of "The People."
All that said, despite its virtues, I'm troubled by those who have billed this as a "history" of North America for children, as I don't think it's anything of the sort. It's one strand of that history, of course - well, really, one poet's view of that one strand - and a significant one at that, but although I think it works as an expression of feeling - perfectly legitimate feeling, in light of the events in question - it isn't what I would consider a work of history itself. Although I can understand why the pre-Columbian world would be seen in such a rosy light - the Peoples in Ortiz's vision all meet in peace, each bringing their own goods and stories, and when misunderstandings arise amongst them, wise leaders shepherd them away from war - and while there's no question in my mind that "discovery" by Europeans was a catastrophe for the native peoples of North America, I'm not comfortable with the implication that everything was a paradise before 1492, with little or no conflict between the peoples already here, since... well, that simply isn't true.
Ortiz described The People Shall Continue as a "teaching story," and I'm comfortable with that. Sometimes, in such stories - folktales spring to mind, in this respect - complicated realities are "simplified" to make a point. That's perfectly legitimate, as long as one doesn't confuse the simplified tale with an historical account, as some reviewers (quoted on the back of my copy of the book) seem to have done. For the study of history, even for an "overview" (a description also applied to this book), one would need considerably more information.
Originally a poem, The People Shall Continue was first published in picture-book form in 1977, and has both strengths and weaknesses. Or, put another way, it is well suited to certain purposes, and not to others. As an encapsulation of Native views of the last five hundred years - the process of encroachment upon and theft of native lands, the brutality of the conquerors and settlers, the importance of tradition, as the People(s) go forward - it is top-notch, and communicates its message clearly and eloquently. If you're an American, or interested in American history, and want the children in your life to have a good understanding of the topic, this book is an important addition to your library. It has a leftward bent, and touches on issues of environmental stewardship and economic oppression, so some readers might find certain passages problematic, even if they don't contest the history. For my part, I appreciated the message, and the fact that Ortiz incorporated other groups (Latinos, African-Americans, poor whites) into his definition of "The People."
All that said, despite its virtues, I'm troubled by those who have billed this as a "history" of North America for children, as I don't think it's anything of the sort. It's one strand of that history, of course - well, really, one poet's view of that one strand - and a significant one at that, but although I think it works as an expression of feeling - perfectly legitimate feeling, in light of the events in question - it isn't what I would consider a work of history itself. Although I can understand why the pre-Columbian world would be seen in such a rosy light - the Peoples in Ortiz's vision all meet in peace, each bringing their own goods and stories, and when misunderstandings arise amongst them, wise leaders shepherd them away from war - and while there's no question in my mind that "discovery" by Europeans was a catastrophe for the native peoples of North America, I'm not comfortable with the implication that everything was a paradise before 1492, with little or no conflict between the peoples already here, since... well, that simply isn't true.
Ortiz described The People Shall Continue as a "teaching story," and I'm comfortable with that. Sometimes, in such stories - folktales spring to mind, in this respect - complicated realities are "simplified" to make a point. That's perfectly legitimate, as long as one doesn't confuse the simplified tale with an historical account, as some reviewers (quoted on the back of my copy of the book) seem to have done. For the study of history, even for an "overview" (a description also applied to this book), one would need considerably more information.
October 21, 2019
I read the 40th Anniversary edition which includes what I believe to be an added note from the author, Simon J. Ortiz He gives us a summary of the history of the People (or what many think of as Native Americans). This book is the perfect mentor text to introduce young students to the struggles of the People because of the American colonists, settlers or citizens who did not keep their promises or treaties.
What I liked best about this book is that Ortiz ties the People's story to the story of all the American poor; Black, Latino, Asian or White. Many are being kept poor by American wealth and power.
What I liked best about this book is that Ortiz ties the People's story to the story of all the American poor; Black, Latino, Asian or White. Many are being kept poor by American wealth and power.
April 6, 2018
Works well as an introductory history book, but a bit dated and american-focused. Still though, when I think about the history on this subject I learned as a kid, and how radically different this would have been, it's filling an incredibly important niche I wish there were more books in.
March 25, 2021
“We must take great care with each other.
We must share our concern with each other.
Nothing is separate from us.
We are all one body of People.
We must struggle to share our human lives with each other.”
A kind of poetic, historical summary of Native Americans up to the present day. Would be a decent introduction, but clearly can’t (and doesn’t try to) encompass everything. But if you learned traditional U.S. history, from the white perspective, this gives you a flavor for what you might have missed.
Includes a nice author’s note.
We must share our concern with each other.
Nothing is separate from us.
We are all one body of People.
We must struggle to share our human lives with each other.”
A kind of poetic, historical summary of Native Americans up to the present day. Would be a decent introduction, but clearly can’t (and doesn’t try to) encompass everything. But if you learned traditional U.S. history, from the white perspective, this gives you a flavor for what you might have missed.
Includes a nice author’s note.
February 20, 2020
This book centers on Native American people in what is now the U.S. It does not start with the colonizers. It does not start only just before the colonizers. It starts with the Native people. And it keeps the focus on them. I am definitely donating this book to my library because we need more books like this.
November 28, 2017
I'm giving this one four stars, mostly because there aren't many books like it out there. Most children's books sugarcoat how white settlers came to North America and took over. I understand why--good grief, the truth is dismal--but I do want my kids to understand (at least part of) what really happened.
I'm still taking off a star, though, because there are too many words on each page for little kids to read. I also don't like the font used or the way the words are formatted on the page. Paired with the very vibrant pictures, it makes for a difficult reading experience.
I'm still taking off a star, though, because there are too many words on each page for little kids to read. I also don't like the font used or the way the words are formatted on the page. Paired with the very vibrant pictures, it makes for a difficult reading experience.
July 31, 2019
The updated edition of its 40th anniversary captures a cursory look at the Native American experience as the Nations united but then were broken apart and abused by white settlers. It showcases names and tribes as well as the devastation of their tribes when it was thought that they would be "better off" assimilating.
Great stepping stone text.
Great stepping stone text.
Read
June 17, 2021Clear, honest, rhythmic, hard.
September 26, 2017
A story of truth about Indigenous People, maybe more important today than when it was originally published 40 years ago.
November 6, 2017
Ortiz uses the rhythms of traditional oral storytelling to share the history of Indigenous peoples of North America. He begins with Creation: "Many, many years ago, all things came to be." As the People were born, they came to live across the land. The leaders, healers and hunters all had special roles serving and caring for the People.
Throughout, Ortiz recognizes that life has always been hard. This struggle is part of life, essential and yet not romanticized. Elders told the People: "We should not ever take anything for granted. / In order for our life to continue, / we must struggle very hard for it."
But soon, their lands were invaded by strange men seeking treasures, slaves and domination. In the South, the Spanish "caused destruction among the People." In the East, the English, French, and Dutch arrived, teaching about “a God whom all should obey” and taking over fertile land for their own crops. Ortiz powerfully recounts resistance from many tribes, from the Pueblo to the Shawnee. "Warriors who resisted and fought / to keep the American colonial power from taking their lands."
Ortiz shows how the People persisted and continue to keep their culture alive. They told their children, “You are Shawnee. You are Lakota. You are Pima. You Acoma. . . . You are all these Nations of the People.” Beliefs and customs formed the bedrock of the People's culture, as they reached out and found solidarity with other oppressed people.
In a new author's note, Ortiz reflects how this story is still relevant today, specifically connecting it to the Standing Rock tribal community of Sioux peoples in North Dakota and the struggle to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.
This remarkable picture book balances hard truths with hopeful celebration. With his poetic voice, Ortiz recognizes the struggle and oppression, yet assures readers that by standing together and sharing our humanity, we can ensure that the People will continue.
Throughout, Ortiz recognizes that life has always been hard. This struggle is part of life, essential and yet not romanticized. Elders told the People: "We should not ever take anything for granted. / In order for our life to continue, / we must struggle very hard for it."
But soon, their lands were invaded by strange men seeking treasures, slaves and domination. In the South, the Spanish "caused destruction among the People." In the East, the English, French, and Dutch arrived, teaching about “a God whom all should obey” and taking over fertile land for their own crops. Ortiz powerfully recounts resistance from many tribes, from the Pueblo to the Shawnee. "Warriors who resisted and fought / to keep the American colonial power from taking their lands."
Ortiz shows how the People persisted and continue to keep their culture alive. They told their children, “You are Shawnee. You are Lakota. You are Pima. You Acoma. . . . You are all these Nations of the People.” Beliefs and customs formed the bedrock of the People's culture, as they reached out and found solidarity with other oppressed people.
In a new author's note, Ortiz reflects how this story is still relevant today, specifically connecting it to the Standing Rock tribal community of Sioux peoples in North Dakota and the struggle to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.
This remarkable picture book balances hard truths with hopeful celebration. With his poetic voice, Ortiz recognizes the struggle and oppression, yet assures readers that by standing together and sharing our humanity, we can ensure that the People will continue.
March 18, 2022
I really liked the illustrations, but for a picture book the story was too involved and school textbook-like for picture book age children. There are long boring blocks of text, which would even be difficult and boring for beginner readers. Maybe it could be used as an introduction to Native American history for elementary school children, as a textbook for 3-5 grade readers, but still there is the dry, boring writing to contend with. If a book with a message isn't palatable for younger children, they won't read it and that defeats the purpose of the book.
I am a big supporter of updated history books telling the truthful stories of colonization, but when they do the same sugarcoating of facts, this book says that the different Native American nations never fought with each other, or make women ruled/dominated by their husbands under a Patriarchal society, and their children, also responsible for colonial destruction, the updated books are no better than the biased, onesided White authored history books.
I am a big supporter of updated history books telling the truthful stories of colonization, but when they do the same sugarcoating of facts, this book says that the different Native American nations never fought with each other, or make women ruled/dominated by their husbands under a Patriarchal society, and their children, also responsible for colonial destruction, the updated books are no better than the biased, onesided White authored history books.
September 25, 2019
I really liked this book. I have Native American ancestry and while I don't claim it often because I am mostly a white woman (and it really makes me angry when white people say "oh I'm Native American too!"), I definitely do feel like some of the Native ways of thinking and ways of life have been passed down through me because it just is who I am as a person (believing that the Earth, plants and animals should be treated with respect, believing we should not fight over differences but try to find ways to help each other out, etc) But it really makes me angry how so many Native tribes were destroyed by greedy Europeans, all the way down to even South American indigenous tribes. I often think about how vastly different the US would be today if the Native Americans had been successful in their battles against the European settlers and conquerors and drove them out. I most likely wouldn't be alive but I bet it would be a much more beautiful, kind, and clean place.
February 26, 2010
_The People Shall Continue_ tells the story of American Indians from the beginning to the present day from the Native point of view, including the traumatic events when white men began to arrive and take Indian lands and took their children to schools that tried to eradicate their Indian identity. It is a "teaching story," powerfully and simply told in a measured, poetic voice, as it might come from an Indian storyteller , adjuring today's Indian children to maintain their identity. Poet Simon Ortiz is a member of the Acoma Pueblo. The illustrations by Sharol Graves, herself a Native American, are simple, colorful, and culturally sensitive. One point worth noting: the Indians are all painted with brown skin, while white people are white (not pink or peach or light tan.)
October 5, 2012
This is a great story to tell students around Thanksgiving. So many teachers tell the Christopher Columbus version of European settlement of the Americas, which is a very skewed version of the truth. This book gives the Native American perspective of the settlement and how they felt about being pushed off their land. It does have a negative attitude towards the white settlers, which is something that you should discuss as a class. I think it would be great to read a common Christopher Columbus based Thanksgiving story where the white settlers and Indians are portrayed as friends and then read this book. It would open up a great dialogue about both groups of people and allow the students to form their own opinions on the history.
February 26, 2020
An important book, and the updated version is great. It is a little too wordy for the youngest readers, but an excellent addition to the typical narratives. I'm glad it exists.
December 3, 2024
Synthesis:
The People Shall Continue, written by Simon J. Ortiz, is the compelling story of the history of Indigenous people in America. The book is written in a way that is reflective of Indigenous culture, as the author is of Native American descent. The book is compelling, as it depicts the harsh realities faced by the Indigenous people during the colonialism that began America. Ortiz points out the courage and resilience of the Native Americans throughout the oppression, persecution, and the attempted erasure of their culture. The powerful cadence of Indigenous storytelling is depicted in this book.
This book should be shown to children in elementary school and middle school, as I feel like oftentimes we undercut the dark history associated with imperialism and colonialism in America. To truly understand the struggles that occurred, we need to give an outlet to Native Americans to tell the story of their ancestors; rather than depicting the horrible acts as “America or Manifest Destiny.”This book was a WOW book for me because it portrays Indigenous history in such a compelling and genuine way. I felt as though I was listening to an oral story because of the rhythm and repetition, which helped me understand the culture.
Analysis:
Two of the main literary devices were repetition and syntax/rhythm.
Throughout the story, there are several phrases that are repeated. This serves as emphasis for different themes in the book. For example, “We walk in Circles, in circles, in circles” is repeated several times throughout the book. Although it is not clearly stated, this may serve as a reflection of the repeated occurrences of oppression faced by the Indigenous people over U.S. history. For example, when England first began to colonize America, then the trail of Tears, and even today the bias/oppression Natives face. The repetition also plays into the rhythm of the story, which reflects the Native American cadence of storytelling. I found this to be particularly compelling, as it tells the story in a way that reflects the rich culture and history.
Another literary device is syntax, presented through rhythm. Something very unique about this story was the cadence of the story. I think the lyrical nature of the book gave it a lasting impact, as the reader gets to truly appreciate Native American culture and history. I have not been exposed to their culture much throughout my lifetime, so I found this to be a beautiful experience. The syntax is a reflection of the oral storytelling tradition of Indigenous people, and I think that this literary device, syntax, was used in such a striking manner.
This book addresses bias in history. We often hear the phrase that “history is written by the winners”; however, there is nothing “winner-esq” about the oppression faced by the Indigenous people. I think in learning history we need to leave space for those who were impacted by certain policies (economic, political, military, etc.); this allows us to truly understand all aspects of what occurred, without solely getting a biased perspective.
The People Shall Continue, written by Simon J. Ortiz, is the compelling story of the history of Indigenous people in America. The book is written in a way that is reflective of Indigenous culture, as the author is of Native American descent. The book is compelling, as it depicts the harsh realities faced by the Indigenous people during the colonialism that began America. Ortiz points out the courage and resilience of the Native Americans throughout the oppression, persecution, and the attempted erasure of their culture. The powerful cadence of Indigenous storytelling is depicted in this book.
This book should be shown to children in elementary school and middle school, as I feel like oftentimes we undercut the dark history associated with imperialism and colonialism in America. To truly understand the struggles that occurred, we need to give an outlet to Native Americans to tell the story of their ancestors; rather than depicting the horrible acts as “America or Manifest Destiny.”This book was a WOW book for me because it portrays Indigenous history in such a compelling and genuine way. I felt as though I was listening to an oral story because of the rhythm and repetition, which helped me understand the culture.
Analysis:
Two of the main literary devices were repetition and syntax/rhythm.
Throughout the story, there are several phrases that are repeated. This serves as emphasis for different themes in the book. For example, “We walk in Circles, in circles, in circles” is repeated several times throughout the book. Although it is not clearly stated, this may serve as a reflection of the repeated occurrences of oppression faced by the Indigenous people over U.S. history. For example, when England first began to colonize America, then the trail of Tears, and even today the bias/oppression Natives face. The repetition also plays into the rhythm of the story, which reflects the Native American cadence of storytelling. I found this to be particularly compelling, as it tells the story in a way that reflects the rich culture and history.
Another literary device is syntax, presented through rhythm. Something very unique about this story was the cadence of the story. I think the lyrical nature of the book gave it a lasting impact, as the reader gets to truly appreciate Native American culture and history. I have not been exposed to their culture much throughout my lifetime, so I found this to be a beautiful experience. The syntax is a reflection of the oral storytelling tradition of Indigenous people, and I think that this literary device, syntax, was used in such a striking manner.
This book addresses bias in history. We often hear the phrase that “history is written by the winners”; however, there is nothing “winner-esq” about the oppression faced by the Indigenous people. I think in learning history we need to leave space for those who were impacted by certain policies (economic, political, military, etc.); this allows us to truly understand all aspects of what occurred, without solely getting a biased perspective.
April 2, 2022
First of all, I read the 40th Anniversary Special Edition and I have to say that I wish I knew about this 40 years ago! This is a beautifully written poem about the indigenous people in the United States. It begins with their creation stories and how they all interacted prior to large groups of Europeans finding this land. Then it begins with the arrivals of the Spaniards and the English and how their perspectives about the earth, laws, and land were so different that even at times when they thought there were compromises, there weren't. It chronicles the broken promises, humiliation, massacres, and horrible treatment that the "people" were subjected to over the years. But, it also shares that the traditions still exist, the nations still exist, and the people still exist despite everything because they are strong and proud and have held to their beliefs. This is a wonderful book to use in a poetry unit because of the wonderful writing or a unit on perspectives and seeing things from many sides before evaluating the truth.
November 11, 2017
With illustrations created in pencil and ink and then digitally enhanced, this picture book describes the resilience of Native Americans or "The People" as they have endured for centuries. Despite the trauma and tragedies they have endured, Native Peoples still remain hopeful and concerned about the world around them. Although the book was originally published 40 years ago, the events described here and the urgent need to care for the good green earth and its natural resources is undeniable. The lines are poetic, and the message is perhaps more urgent now than it was four decades ago. Oh, what terrible things Whites have done to their Native brothers and sisters! Oh, how much needs to be redressed! This book might be an ideal choice for teachers or parents who want the youngsters in their lives to understand the controversy over Thanksgiving and over Columbus Day.
July 23, 2024
Отже, я зараз в США. Перш за все вирішила піти до бібліотеки, бо ж я ніколи не цікавилася історією Америки, а тут ніби ситуація змушує. Бібліотека шикарна - і безкоштовна.
Звісно ж, спочатку треба ушанувати тих, хто жив на цій землі задовго до того, як з'явилися Сполучені Штати. Почала з дитячої літератури, бо джет лаг поки що не дає сприймати щось більш ґрунтовне.
Книжка розповідає дітям корінних племен про їхню історію до та після колонізації, та наголошує на здібності переживати скрутні часи і, не зважаючи ні на що, вірити в справедливість, любити та єднатися з іншими. Цей наратив написаний в ритмі пісень корінних народів, які мені тепер кортить почути.
Автор з племені пуебло, написав багацько книжок (але тільки одну дитячу) та є представником другої хвилі т.з. Відродження корінних народів.
Звісно ж, спочатку треба ушанувати тих, хто жив на цій землі задовго до того, як з'явилися Сполучені Штати. Почала з дитячої літератури, бо джет лаг поки що не дає сприймати щось більш ґрунтовне.
Книжка розповідає дітям корінних племен про їхню історію до та після колонізації, та наголошує на здібності переживати скрутні часи і, не зважаючи ні на що, вірити в справедливість, любити та єднатися з іншими. Цей наратив написаний в ритмі пісень корінних народів, які мені тепер кортить почути.
Автор з племені пуебло, написав багацько книжок (але тільки одну дитячу) та є представником другої хвилі т.з. Відродження корінних народів.
October 31, 2021
The people shall continue is a story based on what the native Americans have been through and it does an amazing job showing us all of it in such a short book. The story starts with the peace they had before they were taken over by what American is today, it also shows us their struggles with having Americans trying to integrate them within society today. This book's strong point is the fact that it shows the major events in native history from the peace to the reservation. It also has very good ministrations that show a lot of detail on every page. Teachers can use this book as a way to show what the Indians had to go through just to get a little reservation with little to nothing to hunt or scavenge for.
October 17, 2017
I am BEYOND blessed to have received a review copy of this title from Lee and Low ~ it is such an important narration of the "epic story of Native American People" as described on the back. If you add any children's book to your home library, classroom or actual library this fall, it needs to be this one. It's a re-issue but just as impeccably told and relevant as it was 40 years ago. And in my personal opinion, if Thanksgiving, Columbus or Westward Expansion are mentioned or taught in any way in schools, this book *must* be included as an antidote. Required purchase. I am adding this copy to my school library collection and purchasing an additional copy as well.
October 3, 2020
WOW. How have I been a teacher for two decades and have never read this book until this year? I feel like I need to apologize for all the years I taught anything adjacent to history before reading this book.
I was weeping halfway through. My 7-year old son had tears rolling down his cheeks as we read it. It is beautiful, and heartbreaking, and infuriating, and unapologetically political, and inspiring, and SO important.
If your school library doesn't have it, please get them to order it. Read this for Indigenous People's Day or Columbus Day or maybe instead of teaching that silly myth about the first Thanksgiving.
I was weeping halfway through. My 7-year old son had tears rolling down his cheeks as we read it. It is beautiful, and heartbreaking, and infuriating, and unapologetically political, and inspiring, and SO important.
If your school library doesn't have it, please get them to order it. Read this for Indigenous People's Day or Columbus Day or maybe instead of teaching that silly myth about the first Thanksgiving.
September 9, 2020
I feel this book could have been stronger with an afterward of resources that inspire action. Reading the story, one can understand the injustices that have occurred. And even the 40 year edition holds up with the information included such as about the pipeline protests. But I wanted more as a call to action rather than just a history. The tile implies that despite that hard times, they will survive. It just doesn’t capture how and it does not feel like in current times or will be possible to continue without action to fight oppression.
November 14, 2022
So happy I found this book
At last a book for young readers that tells the truth about the People, and how we never give up. Our ways still live on, and are earnestly practiced despite all forces to stop them. Our Native languages are still spoken and legends are repeated. We KNOW that all of us are connected. What humans do to Mother Earth and other life, they do to themselves. Respect, love, honor, and protect the Universe and all it contains. Help each other. Do not look at skin color! Ask yourselves this...What color is a Soul?
At last a book for young readers that tells the truth about the People, and how we never give up. Our ways still live on, and are earnestly practiced despite all forces to stop them. Our Native languages are still spoken and legends are repeated. We KNOW that all of us are connected. What humans do to Mother Earth and other life, they do to themselves. Respect, love, honor, and protect the Universe and all it contains. Help each other. Do not look at skin color! Ask yourselves this...What color is a Soul?
April 13, 2023
*Rating the 40th Anniversary Edition. Unsure whether any information presented was updated in the new edition.
I wish I had this picture book as a kid. It was there, in print, when I was "picture book" age. But somehow I didn't find it until today. I WAS a little skeptical, since it was written in the 70's, but I'm glad I picked it up anyway.
This is First Nations history for children, written in a voice that sounds like how you would tell a story passed down orally from generation to generation over the centuries and decades.
10/10 want a personal copy.
I wish I had this picture book as a kid. It was there, in print, when I was "picture book" age. But somehow I didn't find it until today. I WAS a little skeptical, since it was written in the 70's, but I'm glad I picked it up anyway.
This is First Nations history for children, written in a voice that sounds like how you would tell a story passed down orally from generation to generation over the centuries and decades.
10/10 want a personal copy.
April 15, 2018
"The People Shall Continue" tells the history of the Native Americans. I thought this was a very educational look at the Native Americans throughout the history and what their lives truly were like. I rarely see books that reflect the Native American accurately, but this book is one of the few that I think represents their culture very well. I think children should read this story to get an accurate depiction of the Native Americans.
November 6, 2018
The back cover of this picture book originally published in 1977 states that this is “The only existing overview of American Indian history for children written by an American Indian.”
This is still a superb overview of Native American Tribal history told in the beautiful rhythms of the oral storyteller. Sadly some of the repressive themes of this history remain relevant today as we witness all those Peoples who continue to be victims of inhumanity.
This is still a superb overview of Native American Tribal history told in the beautiful rhythms of the oral storyteller. Sadly some of the repressive themes of this history remain relevant today as we witness all those Peoples who continue to be victims of inhumanity.
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September 13, 2019Este texto nos expone a la lucha que El Pueblo ha encarado por cientos de años en el suelo Americano. Nos enseña como se adaptaron a las circunstancias y cómo El Pueblo ha podido mantener su identidad, su cultura y su historia. Aunque la historia de los Estados Unidos casi siempre ha sido escrita desde la lente etnocéntrica Europea, es enriquecedor leerla desde otro punto de vista: el de los Nativos Americanos. Al final nos muestra un lindo mensaje: Todos somos Pueblo.
July 28, 2020
This is a book about the struggle of Native Americans to survive in a changing and sometimes hostile world. The main theme is that the people (the Native American) even through all the hardships that they go through, survive, continue on, and remember in stories their history. The book is well illustrated but the text is dense and the subject matter is grim. I would give this to probably an older student maybe 5th or 6th grade solely because of the length of some of the text.
November 18, 2020
The book was important in 1977 and stayed just as relevant 40 years later. The Indigenous came from the Earth and they took care of the Earth. Invasion and colonization brought disease, murder, and segregation. The Earth was no longer valued.
We must know the history of those to whom our land belongs. In a different life, I would have loved to see a 2020 where the invasion and colonization never happened. Would we all have appreciation for what gives us life?
Recommended for every age
We must know the history of those to whom our land belongs. In a different life, I would have loved to see a 2020 where the invasion and colonization never happened. Would we all have appreciation for what gives us life?
Recommended for every age
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