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.

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.

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.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Dark / Bittersweet

Howard Zinn

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Nonfiction

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore A Young People's History of the United States and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Young People's History of the United States Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Columbus to the American Empire”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 5

A Young People's History of the United States Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-9

A Young People's History of the United States Part 1, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-12

A Young People's History of the United States Part 1, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Class Struggle to The War on Terror”

Part 2, Chapters 13-16

A Young People's History of the United States Part 2, Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-20

A Young People's History of the United States Part 2, Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-23

A Young People's History of the United States Part 2, Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 24-26

A Young People's History of the United States Part 2, Chapters 24-26 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

A Young People's History of the United States Key Figures

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Themes

A Young People's History of the United States Themes

Index of Terms

A Young People's History of the United States Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

A Young People's History of the United States Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Young People's History of the United States Essay Topics

A Young People's History of the United States Teaching Unit

Introduction

A Young People's History of the United States Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

A Young People's History of the United States Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

A Young People's History of the United States Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

A Young People's History of the United States Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

A Young People's History of the United States Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activity

A Young People's History of the United States Activity

Essay Questions

A Young People's History of the United States Essay Questions

Exam Questions

A Young People's History of the United States Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

A Young People's History of the United States Exam Answer Key

A Young People's History of the United States

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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

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Book Details