By Theresa Milk
Mammoth Publications (2007)

Review by Michael W. Simpson

Theresa Milk gives us some additional information concerning the boarding school experience in the late 19^th century. This information is focused on the stories of the students, which have often been excluded. These stories are essential for us to get the deeper understanding of history. Perhaps the most useful part of the book is the 40 pages of tombstone markers and obituaries of students at Haskell. These markers and articles may be the loudest voices of all.

The book seems to get confused at some points about whether Haskell was a K-12 type school or college and to lose its focus on student stories. It opts instead to argue the quality of the school in light of Richard Henry Pratt’s criticisms (Pratt was the founder of Carlisle Indian School). However, the work is worthy of a place upon the book shelf of any library and has opened up possible future inquiries for researchers.

Michael W. Simpson J.D., M.Ed., currently teaches government, history, and American Indian Studies at Baboquivari High School on the Tohono O’odham Nation and attends Tohono O’odham Community College. A native of Oklahoma and a descendant of Cherokee ancestors, he continues to fight for social justice.