The Story Behind the Story: Marketed as a memoir of a Cherokee boy's upbringing, the book was later revealed to be a work of fiction by Asa Earl Carter, a former segregationist. The revelation of the author's true identity shifted the context of the book, making it a prime example of manipulated identity.
Book Summary: The Education of Little Tree is framed as a coming-of-age story of a young boy raised by his Cherokee grandparents. It emphasizes themes of connection to nature and cultural heritage, but the true authorship and intent behind the book have overshadowed its narrative.
Classification History: Originally published as a memoir and shelved as nonfiction, the book was reclassified as fiction in 1991 after a New York Times expose revealed the author's true identity and the book's fabricated nature.
