Young Adult Book Reviews

Genre: Nonfiction

This adaptation of the original Killers of the Flower Moon is so captivating that I struggled to remember what had been changed for the YA version. This story follows the Osage Native American nation in the 1920s as they enjoy an incredibly prosperous life due to oil being discovered on their tribal land. As part of the land agreement, they must be compensated for anything found on their land and as such each Osage member receives a large check each month. However, this leads to several mysterious deaths of Osage members that lead to poor investigations, if any investigation occurs at all. Molly, an Osage member, loses several family members including her mother and a sister and it isn’t until a pattern starts to arise that anyone questions these untimely deaths. It becomes quite clear, though, that law enforcement feels little pity for people who have so much money that some believe was not properly earned. Eventually, a man is selected to investigate these mysterious deaths in order to determine if someone is targeting Osage people and this eventually leads to the birth of the FBI. It is a long and difficult path to the truth in this matter, though, and revelations regarding the Osage Nation continue for many decades after the incidents took place.

This book is powerful, engaging, mysterious, interesting, and something everyone should know about this nation’s history. It is thoughtfully researched and presented in a way that the main people the story actually feel like real people with real motivations, which helps readers truly care about this story from so long ago. There are many interesting aspects in this book that are often overlooked in history lessons such as Native American history, the FBI, racism and social hierarchy, and the overall mystery of these events. Historical books that shine a light on aspects of history that are often not taught are very popular amongst young people and this book is a great example of why. This book will leave readers wanting to discuss and know more about these people and this time period. Highly Recommended.