Wampanoag Author’s Children’s Book Sparks Controversy at Texas Library

A recent decision in an East Texas library system saw a children’s book about the Wampanoag tribe, penned by Aquinnah author Linda Coombs, moved back to the nonfiction section following a review by a citizens committee. The book, titled “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story,” delves into the history and hardships faced by the Wampanoag people from pre-contact times through European colonization to the present day.

The controversy arose in Montgomery County, north of Houston, when an anonymous library cardholder challenged Coombs’ book for unspecified reasons. The Texas county had established a process earlier this year to evaluate books that some may find contentious. Last week, the committee overseeing the review deemed Coombs’ work as fiction and relocated it to that section.

However, on Tuesday, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court intervened and directed the book to be returned to the nonfiction shelves of the library system. Commissioner James Noack emphasized the importance of distinguishing between truth and fiction, asserting that the committee did not have the authority to determine the veracity of the book’s content.

In response to the decision, Coombs expressed her views on the treatment of Indigenous history, highlighting the tendency to overlook or distort the harsh realities faced by native communities in the country’s past. As a tribal historian residing in the Mashpee Wampanoag community, Coombs brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing from over three decades of experience working in Massachusetts museums.

Coombs’ book sheds light on various aspects of Wampanoag culture, including their agricultural practices, seasonal traditions, and the devastating impact of diseases brought during the “Age of Exploration.” The move to return the book to the nonfiction section comes amidst a broader trend of book challenges and reviews in conservative states, as highlighted by data from the American Library Association showing numerous attempts to restrict access to certain titles.

Following the reversal of the decision, Coombs expressed gratitude for the widespread support received from communities in Massachusetts, Texas, and beyond. Despite the positive outcome, she remains frustrated by the notion that topics such as colonization and the decimation of Indigenous populations are considered controversial. Coombs stresses the importance of acknowledging historical truths and resisting attempts to sanitize or distort past events.

The episode in Montgomery County underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the representation of Indigenous history in educational materials and public discourse, emphasizing the need for a nuanced and accurate portrayal of complex historical narratives.