November is a great time of year. Not only does Thanksgiving occur this month, but there are also many other wonderful observances to celebrate. Two such observances are National Native-American Heritage Month and National Picture Book Month.
Both of these observances are important to teach our children about. Our children should know about the history of indigenous peoples in the United States, as they were the first to inhabit our lands. I’ve recently learned a lot about their history myself and am glad that I have. In addition, reading is very important for kids in so many ways, including, sparking their imagination.
I’ve found a way to combine both of these things. Below you will find a list of ten picture books that teach children about and celebrate Native American culture. Each of these are wonderful books, and I hope you will check them out!
1. Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
Fry Bread is the story of a modern day Native American family as told through verse. This beautifully illustrated book not only celebrates fry bread, but it shows how fry bread is a cultural symbol and celebrates Native American heritage and culture.
2. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
This Caldecott Medal winning book instills in children the importance of protecting our water and natural resources. We Are Water Protectors honors indigenous-led movements across the world that teach us how to safeguard our Earth.
3. We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratefulness. We are Grateful takes readers through a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences that show their gratitude for family, friends, the earth, and all that surrounds them. This book even includes a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
4. The Heartbeat Drum by Deidre Havrelock
This beautiful story is based on the life, and true story, of Carol Powder, Cree drummer and activist. Carol grew up listening to the music of her family and feeling a sense of joy as her grandfather, Moshum, taught her to play the drum. One day, Moshum makes Carol a drum of her own. As Carol grew older, she passed down her songs to her children, grandchildren, and many women in her community, just as Moshum taught her—even as women and children became increasingly excluded from sitting at the drum. Despite those who disapproved, she formed her own drumming group called Chubby Cree. In it’s essence, The Heartbeat Drum is a story of resilience, preserving Indigenous traditions, finding your voice, and speaking out.
5. I Am Indigenous by Apolonia Nunez
I Am Indigenous is a celebration of what it means to be an indigenous person. In this book, children will discover how their indigenous ancestors lived; their hunting, storytelling, and becoming one with nature. I am Indigenous will spark a love of family history in all who read it. You’ll be proud of your heritage and will gain a stronger understanding of what makes you so unique.
6. Powwow Day by Traci Sorell
Powwow Day follows the story of River, who so badly wants to dance at the powwow, but is unable to this year because she is dealing with a serious illness. This beautifully illustrated picture book shares River’s story as she journey’s from feelings of isolation due to illness, to learning about the healing power of community. There is also information in the book that explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.
7. Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
Stolen Words is the story of a sweet relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. The little girl asks her grandfather how to say something in Cree – his language – but he tells her that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. This is a beautiful story that recognizes the pain of those whose culture and language were taken from them, how that pain can be passed down through generations, and how healing can be shared.
8. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
This book is a traditional Iroquois celebration of the beauty and spirit of Mother Earth, as told by a contemporary Mohawk chief. Mohawk parents have taught their children to start each day by giving thanks to Mother Earth. This morning greeting is based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift. It’s the belief that the whole universe is one great family. At it’s heart, Giving Thanks is a celebration of the spirit of nature.
9. Mary and the Trail of Tears by Andrea L. Rogers
This book tells the story of twelve-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family who are forced out of their home in Georgia by U.S. soldiers in May 1838. At the start of the forced move, Mary and her family are separated from her father. Through all the horrors Mary’s family faces – internment, violence, disease, and harsh weather – Mary perseveres and helps keep her family and friends together until they can reach the new Cherokee nation in Indian Territory. Featuring nonfiction support material, a glossary, and reader response questions, this Girls Survive story explores the tragedy of forced removals following the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
10. Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud
Finding My Dance is the true story of Ria Thundercloud path’s to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage. When Ria was just four years old, she was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew, Ria danced all over Indian country with her brother. Eventually, Ria learned more styles of dance, like tap, jazz, and ballet, but always remained true to the expressiveness of Indigenous dance.
Each of these ten books tells an important story about Native American history and culture. They are a beautiful way to teach your children the history of indigenous peoples, and celebrate those who first inhabited our lands.
What books would you add to this list?
