120 pages 4 hours read

Howard Zinn

A Young People's History of the United States

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Young People's History of the United States, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff from Howard Zinn’s original work, presents U.S. history from the perspective of the masses, starting with early European contact with Indigenous peoples and extending to the Iraq War, including marginalized groups like enslaved Black individuals, Native nations, poor people, immigrants, political dissenters, and women. It includes sensitive topics such as violence, oppression, and systemic inequities.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Howard Zinn's A Young People's History of the United States offers an accessible, alternative perspective on American history, emphasizing marginalized voices. While praised for its engaging narrative and thought-provoking content, some criticize it for perceived bias and lack of balance. Overall, it successfully encourages critical thinking among young readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Young People's History of the United States?

A reader who would enjoy A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn likely has an interest in alternative historical narratives and a keen sense of social justice. Comparable to readers of Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars and Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, they are curious about different perspectives in history and eager to understand complex social issues.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

1010L

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Social Justice

Politics / Government

Themes

Society: Colonialism

Society: Class

Society: Nation

Genre

Children's Literature

Education