Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask
by Anton Treuer
“Indians. We are so often imagined and so infrequently well understood.”
📘 Over 100,000 copies sold
📘 Available in two editions: Adult & Young Readers
A Clear, Honest Guide to Understanding Native America—Then and Now
From acclaimed Ojibwe author, scholar, and cultural advocate Anton Treuer comes an essential, bestselling book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native readers alike.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask does exactly what its title promises—addressing the questions people are often afraid to ask, with clarity, compassion, humor, and deep cultural knowledge.
Ranging from:
Why is there such a fuss about non-Native people wearing “Indian” costumes?
What is “traditional” fry bread, really?
What’s it like to be Native and not “look” Native?
Why are Native people so often imagined rather than understood?
Treuer combines personal reflection, historical context, and contemporary analysis to cut through guilt, anger, and misinformation—building a foundation for understanding, respect, and positive action.
Two Editions, One Mission
📕 Adult Edition
Written for general readers, educators, and community members seeking a deeper understanding of Native histories, identities, and contemporary realities.
📗 Young Readers Edition
Adapted for middle and high school audiences and widely adopted in classrooms and One-Read programs nationwide.
Over 50,000 copies sold
Extensively awarded and reviewed
Designed for accessibility without sacrificing honesty or depth
Both editions share the same core purpose: to replace myth with understanding and curiosity with connection.
Updated & Expanded Content
Recent editions include:
Dozens of new questions and sections
A dedicated social activism section, addressing:
Dakota Access Pipeline
Racism and representation
Identity, politics, and sovereignty
Over 50 new photographs
Adapted language for broad classroom and community appeal
Critical Acclaim & Major Honors
The Young Readers Edition in particular has received extraordinary recognition, including:
🏆 Golden Kite Award Winner
🏆 Kirkus Best of the Year
🏆 Chicago Public Library – Best of the Best
🏆 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
🏆 CYBILS Awards Finalist
🏆 Texas Topaz Reading List
🏆 Minnesota Department of Education One-Read
🏆 Understand Native Minnesota One-Read
🏆 Louise Erdrich, Today Show Recommended Read (2024)
…and many more national, state, and library honors.
What Critics and Readers Say
“Wise, well-researched, and not to be missed.” ★
— Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“An essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native readers.”
— IllumiNative
“Nothing quite like this book has been available previously. Summing up: Essential.”
— CHOICE
“Straightforward, fascinating, funny, and often wise… a rare informational and entertaining read.”
— Louise Erdrich
“Treuer imbues his research and cultural commentary with both humanity and style.”
— Cowboys and Indians
“An excellent resource that should be in every middle and high school.”
— School Library Connection
Why This Book Matters
White–Indian relations are often framed through guilt, anger, or silence. This book offers something better:
Honest answers
Respectful dialogue
Cultural clarity
A path toward understanding and shared humanity
It has become a go-to resource for classrooms, libraries, book clubs, and community conversations across the country.
Connect with Anton Treuer
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Available Editions
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Adult Edition)
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition
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