A Texas county is facing backlash after deciding to reclassify a nonfiction book about colonization as fiction in seven public libraries. The Montgomery County Commission’s move to shelve Linda Coombs’ book “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story” in the fiction section has drawn criticism from the book’s publisher, Penguin Random House, and advocacy groups.
Linda Coombs, a historian from the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, offers an Indigenous perspective in her book on the impacts of European colonization in New England. According to PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to free expression, the decision to move the book to the fiction section has been called into question, with concerns raised about undermining the legitimacy of Coombs’ perspective and Indigenous history.
In an open letter dated October 16, an anti-censorship coalition urged the Montgomery County committee to reverse its decision, highlighting the importance of recognising and preserving diverse perspectives in literature. Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read Program, emphasised that reclassifying the book limits young readers’ access to an essential Indigenous viewpoint on America’s history.
Dr Debbie Reese, founder of American Indians in Children’s Literature, expressed concerns about the implications of categorising a book on such a critical topic as fiction. Emphasising the importance of representing Native perspectives, Reese stated that dismissing the book as fiction undermines Indigenous history and voices.
Advocacy groups like the American Indians in Children’s Literature and the Texas Freedom to Read Project have raised objections to the reclassification, citing potential implications for freedom of expression in educational material. The National Campaign for Justice has initiated a petition to move the book back to the nonfiction section, calling for the preservation of Native American history in Texas libraries.
The state of Texas has garnered attention for its high number of banned books, with over 1,500 books banned from 2021 to 2023, according to PEN America. The move to reclassify “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story” has sparked concerns about historical accuracy and the representation of Indigenous perspectives in educational settings.
As the controversy unfolds, the Montgomery County committee is set to convene on November 12. The decision to reclassify the book has reignited discussions on how diverse perspectives are presented in educational settings and the importance of upholding the authenticity of historical narratives.