Michigan Native Peoples

Discusses the traditions, clothing, food, tools, and current status of the different tribes of Native Americans who made their home in what became the state of Michigan.

Donna Freedman - Children's Literature

Schonberg begins her book in a most refreshing way: by stating flatly that much of Native American history is inaccurate. "Facts" may be filtered through the interpretations of archeologists and scientists, and the oral histories of the Indians themselves change from telling to telling. "What is written as history can be based on how different people saw an event," Schonberg notes. That said, she does a respectful job of telling the current facts and theories of the state's native people, from earliest times through today's "Three Fires Confederacy," a trio of dominant Michigan tribes. She gives decent coverage to the years both pre- and post-contact with Europeans, and offers up some interesting facts that might not be known outside Michigan, such as "Pontiac's Rebellion," a three-year campaign against Europeans who refused to honor treaties. Part of the "Heinemann State Studies" series, this book is handsomely produced with many color photos, illustrations and maps that help history come alive. 2004, Heinemann Library, Ages 7 to 12.