Books by Juanita

Juanita Brooks, a prominent historian known for her work on Mormon* history, particularly the Mountain Meadows Massacre, published 11 books during her lifetime. Brooks' work was instrumental in shedding light on complex and often controversial aspects of 19th-century Mormon history." (* The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Books by Juanita Brooks

  • The Mountain Meadows Massacre (1950)

    Brooks’ most famous work, a detailed and groundbreaking account of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre, which challenged the narrative of the LDS Church. 

  • A Mormon Chronicle: The Diaries of John D. Lee (1955)

    Originally published in the 1950s, this book brought together five colorful diaries of John Doyle Lee, a controversial figure in early Mormon history.

  • John Doyle Lee: Zealot, Pioneer Builder, Scapegoat (1961)

    A biography of John D. Lee, a prominent Mormon leader and the only person executed for his role in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. 

  • On the Mormon Frontier: The Diary of Hosea Stout (1964)

    Diaries of Hosea Stout who kept a daily historical record of the Mormon Church and Joseph Smith and Brigham Young during the early years.

  • The Life of George Brooks (1965)

    In this biography, Juanita documents George’s role in the local community as a farmer, rancher, and civic leader. The book focuses on his resilience, work ethic, and commitment to family and faith, qualities that were characteristic of early Mormon settlers

  • Quicksand and Cactus: A Memoir of the Southern Mormon Frontier (1969)

    Juanita's personal memoirs that combine personal reminiscences with historical accounts of life in southern Utah and the Mormon frontier.

  • Uncle Will Tells His Story (1969)

    The biography of Juanita's husband, written as though he was telling her stories of his life.

  • On the Ragged Edge: The Life and Times of Dudley Leavitt (1973)

    A biography of Dudley Leavitt, a prominent early Mormon pioneer and Brooks’ paternal grandfather, exploring his life and contributions to the Mormon settlement of the West. 

  • The History of the Jews in Utah and Idaho (1973) (with C. Mark Hamilton)

    This book provides a historical account of Jewish communities in Utah and Idaho, exploring their contributions and challenges in a predominantly Mormon region. 

  • Lore of Faith & Folly (1971)

    Compiled by the Folklore Society of Utah. Cheney, Thomas Edward, Austin E. Fife, and Juanita Brooks, eds. Bay Country Publishing Corp, 1971. 

  • Frontier Tales: True Stories of Real People (1972)

    Eight fun and lighthearted stories based on true accounts of real people from the local frontier.

  • The Christmas Tree (1972)

    The Christmas Tree by Juanita Brooks is a touching story about a family's struggle during the Great Depression, focusing on the children's wish for a Christmas tree despite hardships.

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  • Emma Lee (1975)

    The biography of Emma Batchelor Lee, one of the plural wives of John D. Lee, who lived through the tumultuous events surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre and its aftermath

  • Jacob Hamblin, Mormon Apostle to the Indians (1980)

    Jacob Hamblin, Mormon Apostle to the Indians (1980) / "This biography covers the life of Jacob Hamblin, an early Mormon pioneer known for his missionary work with Native American tribes in the Southwest. The book focuses on Hamblin’s efforts to create peaceful relations between settlers and indigenous peoples, shedding light on a lesser discussed figure in Mormon history.