In the excerpt below, Hanson provides an overview of Allen's literary career through 1983.

In the following essay, Keating analyzes Allen's distinctive use of North American origin myths and the metaphoric representations of the woman in her work.

In the following essay, Prince-Hughes views the concept of two-spirit identity as a central theme in the work of lesbian writers Allen and Beth Brant.

A member of the Abenaki tribe, Bruchac is an American short story writer, poet, editor, novelist, translator, and critic whose works are informed by his experiences as a Native American. In the following interview, originally conducted in 1983, Allen discusses Laguna society and culture, her upbringing, her influences, and thematic and stylistic aspects of her work.

Eysturoy specializes in American Studies. In the following interview which took place in March, 1987, after a poetry reading held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Allen discusses the impact of the American Southwest on her work, her literary beginnings and aims, her cultural identity, the writing process, and feminist issues.

In the essay below, Van Dyke offers a thematic analysis of The Woman Who Owned the Shadows, arguing that Allen employs tribal concerns to discuss alienation, sexual identity, lesbianism, and, more specifically, "a journey to healing—a journey to the female center."

In the following essay, Bredin argues that The Woman Who Owned the Shadows provides an examination of the respective positions of reader, writer, and text.

In the following essay, Holford underscores the role of memory and writing in Ephanie's quest for self-discovery in The Woman Who Owned the Shadows.

In the following interview, Allen discusses her work and the progress of Native American studies.

In the following essay, Ferrell contends that Grandmothers of the Light provides insight into a “personal and empowering transformation” and examines the complexities involved with identity formation and cultures in conflict.

An American educator and critic, Lincoln is the author of several books on Native American literature and culture. In the excerpt below, which appeared in 1982 as the foreword to Shadow Country and which appeared in slightly different form in the Summer 1982 issue of Four Winds: The International Forum for Native American Art, Literature, and History, he offers a thematic and stylistic analysis of Shadow Country.

In the following essay, Jaskoski locates Allen's poem “Grandmother” within traditional Pueblo traditions and mythology.

Author of various critical essays on such Native American writers as John Milton Oskison and Leslie Marmon Silko, Ronnow has served as vice-president of the Association for the Study of Native American Literatures. In the following, she offers a mixed assessment of Grandmothers of the Light.

Le Guin is an American novelist, short story writer, nonfiction writer, critic, editor, poet, playwright, and author of children's books. In the following, she discusses the arrangement and focus of the stories collected in Spider Woman's Granddaughters.

In the following excerpt, Ruppert discusses Allen's use of personal and mythic space in her poetry.

In the following, Milspaw faults the uneven quality of the essays included in The Sacred Hoop, but argues that the collection "is enormously important to our understanding of the growing body of superb Native American Literature."

An educator, editor, and critic, Jahner teaches English and Native American Studies. In the review below, she offers a thematic discussion of The Sacred Hoop, praising Allen's incorporation of personal experiences and beliefs.

In the following mixed review, Hafen notes the narrow literary scope of Allen's literary selections in Voice of the Turtle.

Ruta is an American short story writer. In the following, she praises Allen's storytelling skills, focus on Native American myth, and incorporation of historical fact in Grandmothers of the Light.

An editor and critic, Bruchac helped establish the Greenfield Review Magazine and Press, which frequently promotes and publishes Native American literature. In the review below, she praises Spider Woman's Granddaughters as "unique historically, culturally, and creatively."

Hoffman is an American novelist, scriptwriter, and short story writer. In the following mixed review, she faults The Woman Who Owned the Shadows for its sentimentality, didacticism, and broad focus, but praises it as an "exploration of racism … [and a powerful and moving testament to feminism."]

An American poet, short story writer, and editor, Randall frequently writes on Hispanic themes. In the excerpt below, she offers a positive assessment of Skins and Bones, asserting that these are "poems of identity: moving back in time, conjuring, inventing, reclaiming memory and using it powerfully."

Karvar is known for her English translations of Ponca and Lakota histories and myths. In the review below, she favorably assesses The Sacred Hoop.

In the review below, Goodluck positively assesses Spider Woman's Granddaughters and praises the collection's focus and organization.

In the following negative review of Spider Woman's Granddaughters, Berner claims that the book is at times historically inaccurate and that Allen's editorializing and rhetoric have the potential to mislead readers and reinforce stereotypes.

In the excerpt below, King discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Studies in American Indian Literature.

In the following review, the critic offers a favorable assessment of Pocahontas: Medicine Woman, Spy, Entrepreneur, Diplomat.