History textbooks are less likely to be complete renderings of the truth than a series of stories textbook authors (and the many stakeholders who influence them) consider beneficial. Sam Wineburg describes how the process of writing history textbooks often leads to sanitized and inaccurate versions of history. As an example, he describes how the story of Crispus Attucks and the Boston massacre has evolved over time. The goal of historical study, he explains, is not to cultivate love or hate of the country. Rather, it should provide us with the courage needed to look ourselves unflinching in the face, so that we may understand who we were and who we might aspire to become.

与一系列故事书的作者（以及影响他们的许多利益相关者）认为，历史教科书不太可能完全是事实的再现。山姆·温伯格（Sam Wineburg）介绍了编写历史教科书的过程通常如何导致对历史版本进行清理和不准确。作为一个例子，他描述了Crispus Attucks和波士顿大屠杀的故事是如何随着时间演变的。他解释说，历史研究的目的不是培养国家的爱或恨。相反，它应该给我们提供勇气，使我们面对自己的面孔时不会畏缩，以便我们可以了解自己是谁以及我们渴望成为谁。