I had a hard time with this one. I ending up switching the original version and had better luck. The story itself is so interesting and I was left completely shocked that I'd never known about any of this part of history! I think the AYR will be good for younger readers - especially with growing interest now with the movie out - but I would recommend 14+ readers to go with the OG version.

I've been planning to read the adult version of this book for a long time. So, I was glad when I could read the young readers edition instead. This version contains all the relevant details, along with background to help reader understand the multiple layers of mystery and racism that were part of the deaths of so many Osage tribal members in the early part of the 20th century. I had never heard about the wealth of the tribe, nor how the oil found on their land led to so much violence. I was also fascinated to learn about the involvement of the FBI and how this played into Hoover's career. While geared for teen readers, this is highly recommended for adults as well.

I read the original version of the Killers of the Flower Moon when it was first published. I also happen to be a historian and live in Oklahoma and was somewhat familiar with this tale. One of the sad parts of Oklahoma history is the absolute greed and graft aimed at its tribes. Originally known as Indian Territory, Oklahoma settlement and statehood bore nothing but bad news and harsh times for the tribes forcibly moved here years before. For much of its history, Oklahoma has tried to cover up the more unsavory aspects of its past and treatment of Natives and people of color. (Just google Tulsa Massacre and see how the story has changed over time.) The story of the Osage and the embezzlement of their lands by dishonorable bankers, lawyers, judges, and law men is more than tragic. It piles more racial injustice on a mountain size heap of historical cruelty. Eventually the truth is exposed due to the hard detective work of honest lawmen but the damage was already done. Too many Native people were already murdered and their wealth stolen forever.

This is a complicated, interwoven story that should be told and taught in Oklahoma schools. How to do that at a level for teenagers proves problematic. This version is almost word for word identical to the adult copy. I had my kindle open and was comparing them as I read. While some changes in wordage and detail occur, it is not much and really doesn't alter the story much for a younger reader. Honestly, I'm not sure how you would simplify this tale. The minor editing does make a shorter read by the number of pages but it is only a few pages shorter than the original. Maybe just hand your teenager the original and let them discover the story in its full well written prose. Help them with the more complicated passages if they get stuck. I read adult books when I was a teen. I might have not understood everything but I comprehended enough to be intrigued by the tale. This story contains all the makings of the best crime novels except it's true. Not only that, it's being made into a movie by Scorcese with Leonardo di Caprio and Robert DeNiro. They have been here in Oklahoma filming the last few months.

Fans of history and thrillers alike will both enjoy Killers of the Flower Moon. The text includes images of those involved in the murders of Osage tribe members over their stake in Oklahoma’s oil industry. The pacing is well-executed, and the historical figures described in enough detail to really help readers see them as people, foibles and flaws included.

Admittedly, I have not read the non-YRE version of the text, but I believe that the YRE stands alone as an interesting read for adults too.

I highly recommend this title for classroom libraries and overall pleasure reading for fans of literary nonfiction.

A riveting true crime account that reads like a thriller. If more history texts were written in this manner, I'd have read way more non-fiction as a young adult. The current version is written in simple language that should be accessible to the average teenage reader. List of persons involved at the end of the book helps keep individuals straight. Built in glossary helps kids better access the story by defining some specialized terms. Detailed sources pages allow for further reading and study for those looking to use this for research themselves.

I really wanted to like this book, but I could not get into it. It was very difficult to get into. I don't think kids would like it either.

This true story about a time in America's history is well-documented and researched. The story brings the focus to the Osage people, and centers their history and victimization in both the loss of the land, then later the loss of their lives. This documentation has served to humanize the people who were at the center of a terrible time when Osage men and women were targeted for their wealth and subsequently murdered.

I know that students and adults will enjoy this young readers' edition because the story has not been watered down or overly simplified. It still gets at the heart of the matter of how our country and government failed its citizens. The birth of the FBI was fascinating, and I was proud to know that there were good men who wanted to see justice served. However, the true heroes of this story are the descendants of the Osage tribe who sought to preserve their heritage and continue to seek justice to this day.

At the end of the young readers edition, readers will find a glossary, a character list, sources, and other useful information. There are so many key people in this case that it is helpful to have a "Who's Who" to reference and review as one reads. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in true crime investigations, history, and the Osage tribe and their lives during the 1800s.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All of the opinions given are my own and have been given nothing for my review.

This is a good young reader adaptation of a tough subject. I recommend it, but sensitive readers may need additional discussion.

If you would have bumped into me in the last week you would have heard me talk about this book. This book exposes the horror that humans are capable of when money and race is involved. This book will linger with you for a long time.