favorite children’s books for native american heritage month
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these are the children’s books in our home library that are by indigenous authors and feature native american characters, culture, history and stories. hopefully this list of books gives you ideas for learning with kids about the diverse tribes and traditions of indigenous peoples during native american heritage month and all year round!
go show the world: a celebration of indigenous heroes by wab kinew & illustrated by joe morse - celebrating the stories of Indigenous people throughout time, Wab Kinew has created a powerful rap song, the lyrics of which are the basis for the text in this beautiful picture book, illustrated by the acclaimed Joe Morse. including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut John Herrington and Canadian NHL goalie Carey Price, Go Show the World showcases a diverse group of Indigenous people in the US and Canada, both the more well known and the not- so-widely recognized.
when we were alone by david a. robertson & illustrated by julie fleet - a young girl notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? why does she speak Cree and spend so much time with her family? as she asks questions, her grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school, when all of these things were taken away.
hiawatha and the peacemaker by robbie robertson & illustrated by david shannon - born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, musical icon Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Hiawatha was a strong and articulate Mohawk who was chosen to translate the Peacemaker's message of unity for the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century. this message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves--a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
we are grateful: otsaliheliga by traci sorell & illustrated by frané lessac - the Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. this is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. the word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences.
young water protectors: a story about standing rock by aslan tudor & kelly tudor - at the not-so-tender age of 8, Aslan arrived in North Dakota to help stop a pipeline. a few months later he returned - and saw the whole world watching. read about his inspiring experiences in the Oceti Sakowin Camp at Standing Rock. learn about what exactly happened there, and why. be inspired by Aslan's story of the daily life of Standing Rock's young water protectors.
sky sisters by jan bourdeau waboose & illustrated by brian denies - two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. tt isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. after an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits --- the northern lights --- dancing and shimmering in the night sky. this powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder.
giving thanks: a native american good morning message by chief jake swamp & illustrated by erwin printup, jr. - a traditional Iroquois celebration of the beauty and spirit of Mother Earth, as told by a contemporary Mohawk chief. for as long as anyone can remember, Mohawk parents have taught their children to start each day by giving thanks to Mother Earth. also known as the Thanksgiving Address, this good morning message is based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift. the whole universe - from the highest stars to the tiniest blade of grass - is addressed as one great family.
we are still here: native american truths everyone should know by traci sorrel & illustrated by frané lessac - twelve Native American kids present historical and contemporary laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native life, each with a powerful refrain: We are still here! too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. this companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people's past, present, and future.
squanto’s journey: the story of the first thanksgiving by joseph bruchac & illustrated by greg shed - in 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. when a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together--a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later. (please note violence against tribes occurred as well. this is one account that is important, but it is not the full story.)