Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Adaptation

by James W Loewen

Nate Powell

At last! The long-awaited graphic version of the multi-million copy bestselling corrective to American history myths—adapted by the famed National Book Award–winning artist behind John Lewis’s March trilogy

Since its first publication in the 1990s, Lies My Teacher Told Me has become one of the most important and successful—and beloved—history books of our time. As the late Howard Zinn said, “Every teacher, every student of history, every citizen should read this book.” Having sold well over 2 million copies, the book also won an American Book Award and numerous other commendations and prizes and was even heralded on the front page of the New York Times long after its first publication.

Now, the brilliant and award-winning artist Nate Powell—the first cartoonist ever to win a National Book Award—has adapted Loewen’s classic work into a graphic edition that perfectly captures both Loewen’s text and the irreverent spirit of his work. Eye-popping illustrations bring to life the true history chronicled in Lies My Teacher Told Me, and ample text boxes and callouts ensure nothing is lost in translation. The book is perfect for those making their first foray past the shroud of history textbooks, and it will also be beloved by those who had their worldviews changed by the original.

• ISBN10: 1620977036
• ISBN13: 9781620977033
• Publish Date: 30 May 2024 (first published December 2003)
• Publish Status: Forthcoming
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: The New Press
• Format: Hardcover (US Trade)
• Pages: 256
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Summary:

As adults, many of us have learned that the facts taught to us by our history books aren't always so accurate. Not only is there an inherent bias in the writing (history is told by the winners, and all that), but there's a lack of checking and a focus on heroification.

Lies My Teacher Told Me aims to delve into American history books, examining what they do – and don't cover. Likewise, it's meant to help open our eyes. History should be making us ask questions – not shut down.

Review:

I'm SO excited that Lies My Teacher Told Me is getting a graphic novel adaptation! I hope this makes it even more approachable to a larger audience. That said, I sat down and read the original novel in preparation for the graphic novel. Yes, I wanted to read and compare the book that compares history books. It seemed appropriate.

I was not disappointed. Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Novel Adaptation does a great job of focusing on the central points and concerns. It doesn't feel like it's heavily summarized or cut down. Additionally, the graphics and illustrations help to drive home many of the points.

I was hoping that some of the statistics would be updated for the graphic novel (since we all know things change so quickly), but I also understand why this may not have been feasible. I still hope that this adaptation helps put an informative and interesting book into more hands.

Highlights:
Graphic Novel Adaptation
American History
Analysis of American History Textbooks

Thanks to The New Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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[wyvernfriend]

Probably more interesting if you're from the US, Irish textbooks probably suffer from similar problems.