Lies My Teacher Told Me Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
7.94 / 10 77K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2018
- Publisher
- The New Press
- Pages
- 446
- ISBN
- 9781620973929
Subjects
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Europe
- United States
- History
- Teaching
- Education & Teaching
- Schools & Teaching
- Education
- Humor
- World
- Historical Study & Educational Resources
- Study & Teaching
- Politics & Social Sciences
- Expeditions & Discoveries
- Sociology
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Social Science
- Curricula
- People & Places
- Juvenile Nonfiction
- Ethnic Studies
- American
- Sources
- State & Local
- Young Adult Nonfiction
- Arts & Humanities
- Medieval
- Americas (North, Central, South, West Indies)
- Social History
- Maritime History & Piracy
- Native American
- Native American Studies
- Historiography
- United States - General
- Thanksgiving
- Indigenous Peoples in the Americas
- United states, history
- Holidays (non-religious)
- Renaissance
Original edition
Lies My Teacher Told MeOriginally published in 1995 English The New Press
Other editions (22)
What other readers say
Liked
Reviewers largely commend this graphic novel adaptation for making an important and dense original work highly accessible to a broader audience, including younger readers and those typically daunted by traditional non-fiction. Many who were familiar with the original praised its success in staying true to the core message and ideas, effectively conveying complex information with fewer words. The engaging graphic format, with its well-done and evocative illustrations, is highlighted for adding a new dimension to the text, making the historical content more visceral, thought-provoking, and less "boring" than conventional textbooks. Readers consistently found the book educational and revelatory, correcting long-held misconceptions and encouraging critical thinking about the narratives presented in standard history education. Some also appreciated the inclusion of modern events in the artwork, connecting historical analysis to contemporary issues.
Disliked
Despite its many strengths, some reviewers pointed out areas for improvement. A recurring concern was the presence of outdated statistics and data, which largely reflect the original book's publication date rather than a fully updated 21st-century perspective, leading to calls for a completely revised edition. Several readers also found the book quite dense and text-heavy for a graphic novel, suggesting it sometimes read more like an illustrated textbook and could be challenging to absorb in a single sitting. One reviewer specifically noted difficulties with the font's readability. Additionally, a few comments suggested that the book occasionally assumed a certain level of prior historical knowledge, potentially making some concepts less clear for the average reader, and that some points regarding the motivations behind historical misrepresentation felt repetitive.
In short
Overall, the book receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, frequently described as an "essential," "vital," and "must-read" work that inspires critical thinking about how history is presented and understood. It is highly recommended for a wide range of readers: students in late middle school, high school, and college who seek a more engaging and nuanced understanding of history beyond standard curricula; adults interested in American history, including teachers and history enthusiasts; and anyone wishing to delve into the study of historiography – the examination of how history is written and by whom. The adaptation is seen as crucial for those wanting to confront the complexities and "ugly truths" of the past, fostering a deeper connection between historical events and the present day.
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