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Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26Created in collaboration with Race2Dinner, here's the harrowing true story of America's history with boarding schools, and the forced assimilation of Indigenous kids and families.
Education is a powerful tool, one that allows us to better understand the world around us. But these same tools can also be used to mislead people, and to exert control with ulterior motives.
For nearly 100 years, the U.S. Government used boarding schools to remove Indigenous kids from their families and erase their traditions—to attempt to replace their culture with white, European cultures. Children were often taking by force, and were punished for speaking their native languages. The practice was not discontinued until the 1940s, and survivors of these schools have been speaking out about their experience for decades.
This painful history and the resilience of Indigenous communities who persist despite this widespread attempt at their erasure show us what the U.S. Government was willing to do to gain total power, and only by learning the true history of boarding schools can we truly understand the history of our country.
Education is a powerful tool, one that allows us to better understand the world around us. But these same tools can also be used to mislead people, and to exert control with ulterior motives.
For nearly 100 years, the U.S. Government used boarding schools to remove Indigenous kids from their families and erase their traditions—to attempt to replace their culture with white, European cultures. Children were often taking by force, and were punished for speaking their native languages. The practice was not discontinued until the 1940s, and survivors of these schools have been speaking out about their experience for decades.
This painful history and the resilience of Indigenous communities who persist despite this widespread attempt at their erasure show us what the U.S. Government was willing to do to gain total power, and only by learning the true history of boarding schools can we truly understand the history of our country.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Library Binding
Expected publication August 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2026
What an eye-opening non-fiction book. It provides well-researched facts in an easy to read narrative for middle-grade students or really anyone who wants to learn more about the atrocities forced on the Indigenous tribes and individuals for decades. It details how land, children, rights, religion, etc. were stripped away from these communities over and over again to create the generational trauma still felt today by Native American groups. The author thoughtfully details the history of the US government and its relationship with the Indigenous people from the beginning of the country through the horrific eras until today. The relationship is better but much more work needs to be done to make the reparations to these communities. Within the book, there are pictures to help provide the reader with the people behind the stories as well as thorough explanations and definitions of complex topics and vocabulary in a way to provide context and not talk down to the reader. There are also personal accounts of students' stories and how they felt and thought during and after being taken from their families. These were heartbreaking.
I liked that the author has a personal connection to these boarding schools as her grandmother had lifelong trauma from being forced to attend one. There is a planned section for Resources for Young Readers but that was not available for this early copy.
As a retired teacher, this book would be great for upper elementary and middle school classrooms. It could be connected to curriculum and points in history that need more explanation. This book would be an important read for any history fans and want a quick introduction to this topic. There is a detailed bibliography for further reading.
#BoardingSchoolsandtheIndigenousStory #NetGalley
Thank you @RHCBEducators and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I liked that the author has a personal connection to these boarding schools as her grandmother had lifelong trauma from being forced to attend one. There is a planned section for Resources for Young Readers but that was not available for this early copy.
As a retired teacher, this book would be great for upper elementary and middle school classrooms. It could be connected to curriculum and points in history that need more explanation. This book would be an important read for any history fans and want a quick introduction to this topic. There is a detailed bibliography for further reading.
#BoardingSchoolsandtheIndigenousStory #NetGalley
Thank you @RHCBEducators and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is perfect for American history teachers or parents to provide honest information which is still mostly not discussed. I liked this book's honesty about the various types of abuse the children received, as well as the author's honest appraisal of the often quoted claim that the indigenous children were given skills to help them succeed in life when the reality was they basically were trained for menial servant-type work which the children were often forced to do in schools. Author Ashley FairbanksAshley Fairbanks helps young students to understand that the so-called "schools" were places of cultural genocide and often more like prisons; despite the pleas of many families to have their children back, these requests were usually denied. If and when the children returned home, they often felt like they no longer belonged. Some children were taken at such a young age that they no longer knew the native language. The children had been forbidden to speak their native language in these re-education camps, and schools withheld food and/or physically beat children who disobeyed. This book treats the indigenous culture honestly, and while many cultures rely on the written word, Indigenous people in what is now the Americas rely on oral tradition. However, does this make genocide morally right? This book defines genocide for students, and unfortunately, this is still an important term in today's world. There are good discussion questions to help educators and parents encourage critical thinking among young people. I would say that the quality of the material in this book is five star. Really, the only concern I have is that the colorful cover - while eye catching- might suggest a book with material geared for an early elementary grade level. Depending on the reading level of students, the teacher might need to read the book and have students follow along. Also, students below grade 7 might need more photos to stay interested. Students in grade 7 and up should be able to read this and comprehend it as well as come up with thoughtful answers to the discussion questions. I applaud the author for developing questions that demand some original thought and not just a regurgitation of facts. For example, what do students think of the germ warfare actions of giving Indigenous people blankets from a smallpox hospital, hoping that the deadly disease would spread? What do students think about the U.S. Congress authorizing the withholding of payments for land taken from the indigenous people if they didn't send their children to the authorized schools and also withholding food rations to Indigenous people rounded up and relocated to remote areas.
In addition, this book touches upon key terminology in USA history: colonization, Manifest Destiny, Trail of Tears, Reservations, Treaties. This book published in mid August 2026. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for my e-ARC.
In addition, this book touches upon key terminology in USA history: colonization, Manifest Destiny, Trail of Tears, Reservations, Treaties. This book published in mid August 2026. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for my e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers for the ARC!
Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story is a middle grade nonfiction about the mistreatment of Indigenous people in North America. Despite the title, this book covers a broad timeline of Indigenous history, from 1494 up to present day, with boarding schools only taking up a few chapters.
This was a really stunning nonfiction, and I will gladly be reading more from this series. The content is both comprehensive and easy to understand. I learned a lot about Indigenous history, especially pre-American Revolution.
Since the timeline is so vast, the topics are covered very briefly and are sometimes lacking in nuance. Since the content is so heavy and the audience is (late) middle grade, there was a focus on positive aspects of life, which sometimes reduced the emotional impact.
The book includes short fictional between sections, which I didn’t gel with. They felt a little flat, especially since the nonfiction sections were written so well. But I imagine that younger readers might be able to relate to the characters better.
Overall, this was an excellent read, and I highly recommend for anyone who feels comfortable with the content matter (because there are some incredibly heavy subjects that are discussed).
CW: boarding/residential schools (child abuse, religious bigotry); xenophobia & racism; colonization; genocide; death (children & adults)
Thank you NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers for the ARC!
Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story is a middle grade nonfiction about the mistreatment of Indigenous people in North America. Despite the title, this book covers a broad timeline of Indigenous history, from 1494 up to present day, with boarding schools only taking up a few chapters.
This was a really stunning nonfiction, and I will gladly be reading more from this series. The content is both comprehensive and easy to understand. I learned a lot about Indigenous history, especially pre-American Revolution.
Since the timeline is so vast, the topics are covered very briefly and are sometimes lacking in nuance. Since the content is so heavy and the audience is (late) middle grade, there was a focus on positive aspects of life, which sometimes reduced the emotional impact.
The book includes short fictional between sections, which I didn’t gel with. They felt a little flat, especially since the nonfiction sections were written so well. But I imagine that younger readers might be able to relate to the characters better.
Overall, this was an excellent read, and I highly recommend for anyone who feels comfortable with the content matter (because there are some incredibly heavy subjects that are discussed).
CW: boarding/residential schools (child abuse, religious bigotry); xenophobia & racism; colonization; genocide; death (children & adults)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story provides a very comprehensive overview of the history of what happened to indigenous people in the United States. I was expecting this book to be mostly about the boarding schools, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that the book covered much more history in a simple and understandable way. This book is perfect for middle grade students in that it presents history in a truthful way without adding too many gruesome details. The book presents facts in a clear way and doesn't shy away from letting the reader know that there was a lot of strife in the lives of indigenous people throughout the years, but is appropriate for the age group.
I loved getting a few stories of real people and would have loved to see some more of these glimpses into lived experiences. I appreciated the explanation of intergenerational trauma. Another thing I really appreciated in this book was the reflection questions included at the end of each chapter. These would be great discussion questions if reading this text in a classroom. This book is informative and is one that I will definitely be purchasing for my school library.
I loved getting a few stories of real people and would have loved to see some more of these glimpses into lived experiences. I appreciated the explanation of intergenerational trauma. Another thing I really appreciated in this book was the reflection questions included at the end of each chapter. These would be great discussion questions if reading this text in a classroom. This book is informative and is one that I will definitely be purchasing for my school library.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated the opportunity to read Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story. While this is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking topic, I found it to be an informative and accessible introduction to a part of American history that deserves to be better understood.
I especially enjoyed learning more about the history of Indigenous boarding schools and the lasting impact they had on Indigenous children, families, and communities. The book does an excellent job of explaining how these schools were used as a tool of forced assimilation while also highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples.
This is an important read that encourages reflection and discussion. I believe it would be a valuable addition to classrooms, libraries, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this often-overlooked chapter of U.S. history.
I really appreciated the opportunity to read Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story. While this is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking topic, I found it to be an informative and accessible introduction to a part of American history that deserves to be better understood.
I especially enjoyed learning more about the history of Indigenous boarding schools and the lasting impact they had on Indigenous children, families, and communities. The book does an excellent job of explaining how these schools were used as a tool of forced assimilation while also highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples.
This is an important read that encourages reflection and discussion. I believe it would be a valuable addition to classrooms, libraries, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this often-overlooked chapter of U.S. history.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a great non-fiction history of Indigenous people in North America after colonizers arrived. Although the title suggests that it's about Boarding Schools the book actually covers a lot more history and should be a helpful resource in most classrooms. Aimed at middle-grade readers and educators, the book is a little dense at 240 pages (especially with the bleak subject matter), and while motivated young readers could finish it, I could otherwise see it being used for class readings or as a teaching tool. The history is presented very well for the age group, not shying away from atrocities, but without getting too in depth to the gory details or the boring historical facts. It includes end of chapter discussion questions that both check for comprehension and invite deeper thought into the topic presented in each chapter.
I learned a lot and enjoyed that the text included women's history and Indigenous history through the late 20th century and a bit of today! A great resource for school libraries.
*Review of a much appreciated advance copy received from Netgalley*
I learned a lot and enjoyed that the text included women's history and Indigenous history through the late 20th century and a bit of today! A great resource for school libraries.
*Review of a much appreciated advance copy received from Netgalley*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story tells the history of the US Government forcing Native children from their homes to assimilate in boarding schools across the country. The way the author addresses this terrible, tragic, and sensitive topic is gentle enough for young readers to understand in an age appropriate way. I will be purchasing this title for my elementary school library as a librarian on the Cherokee Reservation. However, I strongly urge librarians across the country to share this book with their readers. It is imperative that students know it wasn't so long ago that Native Peoples were treated so horrendously. There are still survivors from some of these boarding schools alive today.
Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story tells the history of the US Government forcing Native children from their homes to assimilate in boarding schools across the country. The way the author addresses this terrible, tragic, and sensitive topic is gentle enough for young readers to understand in an age appropriate way. I will be purchasing this title for my elementary school library as a librarian on the Cherokee Reservation. However, I strongly urge librarians across the country to share this book with their readers. It is imperative that students know it wasn't so long ago that Native Peoples were treated so horrendously. There are still survivors from some of these boarding schools alive today.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E-ARC provided by NetGalley. This volume of Race to the Truth is best for grades 5-8 and will challenge young readers to stay engaged with large blocks of text. The photos and personal stories will help students to connect and empathize with the Indigenous people's history, but the book does not make use of graphic content for students with reading or attention difficulties. The content is comprehensive and does not shy away from the brutal reality of colonization and genocide inflicted on the Indigenous people of North America. I hope this text will be used to begin conversations for students about how to create a more just society for all.
5/5 content, 3.5/5 for text features for improved reader experience.
5/5 content, 3.5/5 for text features for improved reader experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an e-ARC of the book! “Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story” by Ashley Fairbanks is a great introduction to indigenous history in the United States. Fairbanks starts from the beginning and outlines various acts and pieces of legislation and how they affected Native Americans. Since this is a book targeted at children, Fairbanks also included easy-to-understand definitions of unfamiliar terms, and explained topics well. I found myself learning about historical events I had never heard of, such as the Red River War, which goes to show truly how little the US education system teaches about indigenous history. Overall, it was an enjoyable and informative read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Boarding Schools and the Indigenous Story (Race to the Truth)
by Ashley Fairbanks
A personal and broad look at Indigenous schools. The story of the many children taken from their families to be educated by corrupt and brutal schools for over 60 years of generational abuse. The children were abruptly taken from their homes, their family, their culture. Their language was banded. Their traditions deemed savage, and they were punished for any slight. These institutions created to give the children an "education", were dehumanizing, and brutal. Generations of families were destroyed by these process. And those children who survived were alienated from their families, culture and identity.
by Ashley Fairbanks
A personal and broad look at Indigenous schools. The story of the many children taken from their families to be educated by corrupt and brutal schools for over 60 years of generational abuse. The children were abruptly taken from their homes, their family, their culture. Their language was banded. Their traditions deemed savage, and they were punished for any slight. These institutions created to give the children an "education", were dehumanizing, and brutal. Generations of families were destroyed by these process. And those children who survived were alienated from their families, culture and identity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this was great!! It provides a good overview of how Indigenous communities in the US & Canada have been affected by colonialism and imperialism. Sometimes I think the language it used might be a little complicated for middle grade readers, but most of the time there were good explanations that broke concepts down. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I learned so much from reading this book. I plan to buy it for my grandson, who is in middle school. I hope to be able to have conversation with him, using the excellent questions that Fairbanks purifies in each chapter. This is a book that teens & adults would benefit from reading.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews