Give Me Some Truth

Set in 1980 on the Tuscarora Indian Nation, Give Me Some Truth follows two Native American teenagers navigating culture, identity, and growing up. Carson Mastick dreams of winning the Battle of the Bands with his Beatles cover band, while Maggi Bokoni creates intricate beadwork art and develops feelings for a much older white man who runs an antique shop. The parallel storylines explore life on and off the reservation, including family dynamics, economic challenges, and the tensions between tradition and modern American culture. Music plays a central role, with John Lennon's activism and assassination providing a backdrop to Carson's musical aspirations and political awakening. The narratives weave through issues of sovereignty, cultural appropriation, and the complexities of being Indigenous in contemporary America. Through art, music, and relationships, both protagonists confront questions about authenticity, belonging, and what it means to honor one's heritage while forging an individual path. This coming-of-age story examines the intersection of personal and cultural identity, addressing both universal teenage experiences and specific challenges faced by Native youth. The novel raises questions about how young people find their voice and place in a world that often misunderstands or misrepresents their culture.

Readers describe the book as an authentic portrayal of Native American teen life on the Tuscarora reservation in 1980. Multiple reviews note the strong character development and how music weaves throughout the narrative. Readers appreciated: - Cultural details and insights into reservation life - Complex relationship dynamics - Integration of art and music references - Parallel storylines between the two main characters Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the length (400+ pages) excessive - Musical references occasionally distract from the plot Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) Several reviewers mentioned the book fills a gap in YA literature by depicting modern Native American teens with depth and nuance. One reader noted: "The characters feel real - they're flawed, they make mistakes, but you root for them anyway." Some readers found the dual perspectives enhanced the story while others felt it made the narrative harder to follow.

If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth A Native American boy navigates friendship, music, and cultural identity on and off the reservation in 1970s New York.

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Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones An Indigenous teen processes grief and identity through relationships on his reservation while planning an escape to attend university.

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🎸 "Give Me Some Truth" takes place on the Tuscarora Indian Nation reservation near Niagara Falls in 1980, during the height of John Lennon's popularity and just before his death. 📚 Author Eric Gansworth is an enrolled member of the Onondaga Nation who grew up on the Tuscarora reservation - the same setting he uses in the novel. 🎨 The book's chapter titles are all Beatles or John Lennon song titles, reflecting the deep influence of music throughout the story. 🏆 The novel received the American Indian Youth Literature Award and was named to YALSA's Best Fiction for Young Adults list in 2019. 🎭 Gansworth is not only an author but also a visual artist - he creates his own cover art and interior illustrations for his books, including "Give Me Some Truth."