Native American culture is something that should be taught and celebrated. I want my children to know the rich heritage of the land that they live in and love. The roots of this land run deep and there is so much to learn and appreciate. Below is a list I curated of over 20 books about Native Americans on the North American continent. There are many tribes featured in this list from the Cree, to Lakota, to Navajo, to Cherokee, to the Anishinaabewaking, and more. Each book is a celebration of the strength and beauty of these people ands a lot to offer.
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We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac- his beautiful book highlights the Cherokee Nation and shares bits of their culture as well as Cherokee words and pronunciations. There is a reason why this incredible book has awards.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal- I adore this book! It tells the story of a family making traditional fry bread together and is a beautiful tribute to how food brings us together and is a part of our heritage.
The Very First Americans by Cara Ashrose and Bryna Waldman- This book gives an introduction to quite a few Native American tribes and how they lived.
The People Shall Continue Simon J. Ortiz and Sharon Graves- This book tells the history of Native American people from how they lived, then how their lands were stolen, to how they still continue on in their culture and traditions.
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving Joseph Bruchac and Greg Shed- This book tells the Story of Squanto and the First Thanksgiving in a more accurate way than I have seen in other Thanksgiving books. It is very well done.
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ying-Hwa Hu, Cornelius Van Wright- The story of a young girls first time joining in festivities as a Jingle Dancer. The text has wonderful rhythm and the story is fantastic.
Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know: Niibing, dgwaagig, bboong, mnookmig dbaadjigaade maanpii mzin’igning by Brittany Luby and Soshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley- This book is bilingual and written in both English and Anishinaabemowin . It tells about an Anishinaabewaking grandmother and grandchild and their appreciation for the many joys and blessings of each season.
We Are Water Protectors by Carol Lindstrom and Michaela Glade- A call from the indigenous people of North America to care for our water and protect it’s cleanliness/purity. The illustrations are fantastic and the text is empowering.
The Circle of Thanks by Bruchac- This beautiful book contains a collection of poems about giving thanks form various groups of Native Americans. It is so well done and we love it.
Birdsong by Julie Flett- A gentle and thought provoking book about a young girl as she adjusts from a move, develops a sweet relationship with a senior neighbor and accepts the changing of the seasons and the changing of her new friends failing health. It is beautifully done and is also a celebration of Cree culture.
I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade- In this book a Native American mother prepares for the birth of her little one. She gathers small items of importance in a bundle for her new babe. Items that will bring them strength, connection to heritage and more throughout their life.
Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story S. D. Nelson-This is the story of a Hidasta woman named Buffalo Bird Girl. The author uses her actual words and stories for the writing of this book and includes actual photographs mixed in with his illustrations. It covers what life was like for the Hidasta people and is very well done and lengthy in text.
When We Were Alone David A. Robertson and Julie Flett- This book tells the story of young child questioning her grandmother about her past and their Cree culture. She explains how her culture was taken away and not respected. It covers a very serious and important topic, but does it in a gentle way for younger readers.
The Star People: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson- This retelling of a traditional Lakota story tells of a brother and sister who venture from their village to watch the cloud people. They are are caught in a wildfire, head to the water for safety then are protected and comforted by the spirit of their beloved grandmother. The traditional style of the illustrations is also really fantastic.
Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale by Gerold McDermott – This book tells a Pueblo story about a boy who was the Sun’s child and his quest to find his origin, prove his heritage and his glorious return. I love the geometric and bright illustrations.
When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messengered Susan Katz and David Kanietakeron Fadden- This is a story about a Lenape family and some of their typical activities together throughout the year from tending to the garden to sledding. My favorite part is that each page spread is split in half with the left showing an illustration dejecting similar scenes, but with their ancestors and the right dejecting their family.
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble- This book is a Navaho story about a young girl who loved horses. She went to live with wild horses and legend says that she became one herself. It is beautifully illustrated and award-winning.
Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way by S. D. Nelson- This book is one that is full of gratitude for the beautiful world we live in. It expresses thankfulness for little, everyday blessings and is also a wonderful tribute to the Lakota culture.
The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac and Anna Vojtech- This book is written by an award-winning Native American storyteller and is the retelling of a Cherokee legend about forgiveness and love. It is also a legend on how the world go the first strawberries.
SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose and Brian Deines- Two Ojibway sisters head to the top of coyote hill to watch the Sky Sisters (northern lights) together. Its beautifully written and makes a magical read aloud.
My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith and Julie Flett- This little book is a joyful celebration of heritage, culture and the things that bring us joy. Simple and sweet.
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