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A review by chakgilbert
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
How accurate are American textbooks? This book highlights that they are not very accurate, which could be why many students don't see the importance of history. It's also the reason adults often fail to see how the past connects with the future. The author examines various historical facts and compares how they are presented, as well as what could be taught differently. One thing is clear from this book: history could be the foundation of teaching kids critical thinking.
What do you really know about history? This book made me confront what I actually learned in school. Today, our public school system appears to focus on preparing students for an end-of-year test rather than teaching them how to critically examine a subject. My main takeaway is that American history classes are often used to disseminate propaganda in this country. The watered-down history we receive leaves us bored and unable to envision a better future because we cannot critically examine the past. I believe if we taught kids how to think critically in history, it would also help them think critically in English classes. We cannot complain that kids can't or don't read and then provide no help to develop them into critical thinkers.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy questioning mainstream narratives and are seeking a critical, thought-provoking exploration of American history. It offered a wealth of interesting facts, but it also provided me with insight into how I can continue to improve as a lifelong learner. Some of the questions will be helpful in my historical readings.
What do you really know about history? This book made me confront what I actually learned in school. Today, our public school system appears to focus on preparing students for an end-of-year test rather than teaching them how to critically examine a subject. My main takeaway is that American history classes are often used to disseminate propaganda in this country. The watered-down history we receive leaves us bored and unable to envision a better future because we cannot critically examine the past. I believe if we taught kids how to think critically in history, it would also help them think critically in English classes. We cannot complain that kids can't or don't read and then provide no help to develop them into critical thinkers.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy questioning mainstream narratives and are seeking a critical, thought-provoking exploration of American history. It offered a wealth of interesting facts, but it also provided me with insight into how I can continue to improve as a lifelong learner. Some of the questions will be helpful in my historical readings.