Books are a valuable way to understand others and build empathy. When you pick up a book and read through its pages, you’re entering into the world of another human, hearing their innermost thoughts, and experiencing life with them. From simple but beautiful moments and joyous occasions to moments of uncertainty, disappointment, or hurt, going on a literary journey with another allows the reader to see into the life of someone who might be from a different background.
While Native American Heritage Month is typically celebrated each November, it’s important that we celebrate and recognize Native and Indigenous culture and history every day of the year. One way that we can make sure Native and Indigenous voices are heard, and stories are never forgotten, is by reading books. Below are twelve wonderful books for your family to read together now and throughout the year.
For Babies and Toddlers
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My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett
This sweet board book reminds both children and adults that it’s the little things in life that can be big enough to fill our hearts. From baking a delicious treat with your family to feeling the warm touch of someone you love and trust, it’s important to savor the small moments in life and truly cherish them.
2. Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk, illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
In this gorgeously illustrated book, an Inuit mother speaks to her baby and shares the love that she has for her “Kulu.” In addition to the love that she has for her baby, love for animals and nature are also celebrated. Children and adults will adore the warmth of the story, as well as all of the beautiful art on every page.
3. Kiss by Kiss: A Counting Book for Babies by Richard Van Camp
This is a delightful book that I have checked out from my local library multiple times for my own child (I should probably buy a copy to add to our home library!). Each page includes English and Cree translations and allow you to count kisses with your own little one from beginning to end. Each page also features beautiful images of diverse families sharing and counting kisses.
For Preschoolers and School-Age Children
4. We Are Water Protectors by Carol Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Just from looking at the cover, it’s clear as to why this book received the 2021 Caldecott Medal Winner and was a #1 New York Times Bestseller. Its illustrations are bold and breath-taking, and its story is important, urgent, and captivating. Sharing this story with your young one and discussing the inspiration for the story (the many Indigenous-led movements to protect the Earth’s water) is something that you can do now and into the future, until, hopefully, protecting the planet’s water is no longer an urgent matter.
5. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Millard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neill
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is one of my personal favorites, and when I worked as a children’s librarian, I made sure to share it with all of my families. It’s another great book with sweet illustrations of celebration, warmth, and family that will fill your heart and inspire you to make sure you’re also taking time to have special moments with your own family. This award-winning book also concludes with a yummy fry bread recipe that your family can enjoy!
6. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
Another title that has garnered multiple awards is We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, which is a Cherokee word used to show gratitude throughout the year. It also highlights Cherokee traditions and the value of upholding these traditions, in addition to remembering the importance of community, one’s ancestors, and family. I also love that this wonderful book concludes with a glossary of Cherokee words and Cherokee syllabary.
For Middle Schoolers (Middle-Grade)
7. I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
The story’s protagonist has always been curious about her mother’s family and its Native American heritage, but with her mother being adopted, she initially doesn’t have very much information. She eventually comes across a strange clue that begins to open doors and lead to more answers but somehow leads to even more questions. This novel takes the reader on a journey that will remind them that there are so many stories within one’s own family tree that are just waiting to be told.
8. Morning Girl by Michael Dorris
Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award, an award recognizing historical fiction novels, Morning Girl tells the story of two siblings during the arrival of Christopher Columbus. The chapters are alternately told by the two siblings and begin with a portrayal of how the two siblings and their tribe lived life and the joy that their home and land brought them. However, life changes once Columbus arrives and a hurricane impacts their home. Written by Native American and anthropologist Michael Dorris, this book is an honest and eye-opening title that everyone should read.
9. We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorrell
As mentioned above, Native American history and culture should be discussed every month of the year and not just in November. This book dives into the many topics that aren’t always discussed in depth in school or on a regular basis. From topics such as boarding schools for Native American children to tribal self-empowerment, the author aims to keep the discussion about Native history and culture alive, so that their history and culture is not forgotten or ignored, and it is an important read that youth and adults should check out.
For your Teens (Young Adult)
10. Two Roads by Joseph Bruchac
Revered author Joseph Bruchac, who has a career spanning decades, tells the story of a boy who learns from his father that the two of them are Native Americans. His father leaves and sends his son to a boarding school for Native youth, where the conditions are terrible. However, he befriends the other Native youth at the boarding school and learns more about his heritage, language, and culture. While the protagonist’s circumstances are extremely difficult, the story explores the experiences that many Native youth in boarding schools at the time might have experienced and how they might have leaned on each other to persevere.
11. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
At the top of many recent book lists, Firekeeper’s Daughter is another great read that boasts a main character with Native American roots. Firekeeper’s Daughter follows the main character Daunis, a member of the Ojibwe tribe. Daunis meets the new boy in town Jamie and gets to know him better. But when tragedy strikes, Daunis is soon finds herself in the middle of an FBI investigation. To help find clues and assist with solving a mystery involving a murder and a dangerous drug, she uses her knowledge of medicine to get closer to finding more and more answers that lead to the revealing of dark secrets. This is definitely a complex but captivating read!
(Content Warning: While this is a Young Adult book, please note that this book contains/touches on drug use, gun violence and rape.)
12. Surviving the City, Vol. 1 by Tasha Spillet and Natasha Donovan
I am a big believer in promoting graphic novels to children and teens, as they are great way to get hesitant readers to pick up a book and read. The plot of Surviving the City consists of two Native American friends experiencing difficult familial issues while navigating life in the city. What I love about this book is not only that it features marginalized characters and highlights Native culture, but the characters and the internal struggles, hopes, and dreams that they have will be relatable to many young readers.
These are just a few great books that can be added to your family’s home library or checked out from your local library.
Along with reading books about Native American and Indigenous characters and experiences, listed below are valuable online resources that dive deeper into the meaning of race, diversity, inclusion, and equity with children:
- Embrace Race
- We Need Diverse Books
- Richland Library’s Understanding Race, Equity, & Inclusion page
What other titles about Native American culture and life would you recommend?
