I don’t remember much about what I was taught about Native Americans as a child. The memories I do have reflect stereotypes that are sadly still very common among white people. As a child, I don’t think I read a single book written by an American Indian author.
The #ownvoices movement calls for more books that are about marginalized people to be written by authors who share that same identity. Reading #ownvoices children’s books about American Indians and First Nations peoples is critical. Why? For one, too often non-Native voices have perpetuated inaccurate information and racist stereotypes.
Here are 20 #ownvoices children’s books about First Nations and American Indians. You’ll find everything from stories about kids just being kids, to folktale re-tellings, to stories of resistance against injustice.
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Children’s books about Native Americans and First Nations: “everyday” stories
One of the most troubling ideas that many non-indigenous folks have about American Indians and First Nations peoples is that they no longer exist. The following “everyday” stories give you an opportunity to bust this myth.
Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk and Alexandria Neonakis
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I can’t decide whether I love the lyric love song to sweet baby Kulu more, or whether it’s the gorgeous illustrations. Animals from the Arctic gather to give the newborn baby many gifts in a loving tribute. Elements of nature itself, such as the wind’s melodies, arrive with messages to guide Kulu throughout life. (Inuit, recommended for ages 3 – 7)
Related Post: Teaching about Native Americans in Preschool and Kindergarten: Do’s and Don’ts
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Cornelius Van Wright, and Ying-Hwa Hu
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Jenna loves to watch videos of her Grandma Wolfe dancing at a powwow, especially the way the jingles on her dress make a tinking sound. She’s reading to dance in the next powwow, but there isn’t enough time to mail order the rows of jingles she’ll need for her dress.
Jenna’s undeterred, finding a way to borrow each of the four rows of jingles she’ll need. She heads out through her neighborhood to ask for help. From her cousin, who can’t make the powwow because she has a big legal case to work on, to her neighbor who will be busy selling frybread at the event, everyone wants Jenna to dance for them. (Muscogee Creek and Ojibway, recommended for ages 4 – 10)
Related Post: 12 Diverse Children’s Books Written by #ownvoices Authors
The Good Luck Cat by Joy Harjo and Paul Lee
Some cats are good luck; Woogie is one of them. But Woogie is running through his nine lives awfully fast! From hiding near a car’s warm engine to fighting a neighbor cat, Woogie lives a life of danger.
Woogie loses her eighth life when the little girl who owns her decides to take her to the powwow (even though her mother said no.) When she realizes her beloved cat could have died hiding in the trunk with their outfits, she treats Woogie to licks of her snow cone. One day not long after that, Woogie doesn’t come home. When will her good luck cat show up again? (Muscogee Creek, recommended for ages 4 – 10)
Related Post: 8 ways kids can observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day
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Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness Into Light by Tim Tingle and Karen Clarkson
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In 1915, when Tingle’s father was a toddler, his family moved from Oklahoma to Texas. The first morning that Tingle’s future Mawmaw stepped onto her porch, an unknown boy threw a stone that hit her in the eye.
Though he spent lots of time with his grandparents, Tingle was six years old before he realized that his Mawmaw was blind. That’s when he also learned the story of the stone. He wants to know why the boy threw it. His uncle tells him the boy probably threw it just because his grandmother was Indian, and “that was enough back then.”
Years later, Mawmaw finally had the chance to have a surgery to restore her eyesight. The entire family hovers in the hospital waiting room. Once she can see again, she invites all 32 grandchildren into her room, so that she can guess who each one of them is. Parents and educators, be sure to read Tingle’s endnotes about resisting stereotypes about Native Americans. (Choctaw, recommended for ages 7 – 11)
Related Post: 9 tips for teaching children the history of Native American peoples in your community
First Laugh Welcome, Baby! by Rose Ann Tahe, Nancy Bo Flood, and Jonathan Nelson
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In this sweet book, everyone in a baby’s extended family waits for baby’s first laugh. That’s because once a Diné (Navajo) baby laughs, the family can hold the child’s formal welcome ceremony into the family and clans.
As Grandmother visits the family in the big city, she waits for Baby’s laugh. Big sister hopes to hear the laugh while she makes blue cornmeal mush. Perhaps baby will laugh when the family visits Grandma on the Navajo Nation and they ride on horseback?
The pages of this story are filled with love and hopeful expectation. The authors and illustrator skillfully weave together urban and rural images, modern technology and traditional aspects of Diné culture. (Diné, recommended for ages 3 – 7.)
Note: Because I have described this booklist as #ownvoices, I want to link to an article by Debbie Reese about her concerns with the white co-author’s history of cultural appropriation. Reese, who I highly respect, recommends this book based primarily on the illustrations.)
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We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac
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There are countless reasons for gratitude in every season of the year. That’s the message of this lovely picture book, which features Cherokee words and the Cherokee alphabet. From celebrating “the ancestors’ sacrifices to preserve our way of life” to a Grandmother revealing what the Cherokee name of a newborn baby will be, the people give thanks. (Cherokee, recommended for ages 3 – 8)
Related Post: Unpacking myths and stereotypes with kids about the “first Thanksgiving”
Nimoshom and His Bus by Penny M. Thomas and Karen Hibbard
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Talking about language is a good way to let children know that there are hundreds of different languages and cultures among Native Americans and indigenous Canadians. Too often we talk in broad strokes as if there is a single Native culture.
This simple story about the author’s Nimoshom (grandfather) teaches children many different Cree words and phrases. Nimoshom is friendly with the children he drives to school, but stern when necessary. He loves teasing the kids with silly stories that he promises are true. (Cree-Ojibway, recommended for ages 3 – 7)
Related Post: 15 Indigenous children’s books set in the present day
Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story by Donald Uluadluak and Qin Leng
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Jake has a new puppy named Kamik, who will grow up to be a sled dog. The problem, Jake tells his Ataatasiaq (grandfather), is that the dog never listens to him! Ataatasiaq passes down some of the lessons that Jake’s grandmother, an expert sled dog trainer, learned over the years. Jake soon understands that training a dog is similar to building a friendship or even raising a child. This playful story will delight dog lovers, as they gain insight into Inuit culture. (Inuit, recommended for ages 4 – 10)
Mission to Space by John Herrington
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My six year old’s imagination was captured by astronaut John Herrington’s account of his mission to the International Space Station. Herrington is a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and is the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space.
The photographs in the book give kids a realistic sense of what’s involved in training for space flight, and what happens on a mission. Herrington also highlights how the Chickasaw Nation celebrated his accomplishment. (Chickasaw, recommended for ages 4 – 8)
Related Post: Learning Native American History with 5 #ownvoices books from Chickasaw Press
Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child, Gordon Jourdain, and Jonathan Thunder
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Windy Girl’s favorite part of the summer is attending the powwow with her uncle and her noisy dog, Itchy Boy. On the way to the powwow, her uncle tells her many stories about when he was a boy.
Her uncle tells her a story he heard, that long ago, before the powwow, dancers would go from house the house. They sang a song that said “we are like dogs.” Perhaps that’s why, that when Windy Girl drifts off to sleep last that night at the celebrations, she has a most unusual dream. In a very special powwow, she sees veterans in the Grand Entry, jingle dancers, grass dancers, and fancy dancers. She sees the food stands serving fry bread and sno cones. But everyone participating in the powwow is a dog! (Ojibwe, recommended for ages 3 – 8)
Related Post: 18 Powerful Books about Race and Racism for Children and Teens
Rock and Roll Highway: The Robbie Robertson Story by Sebastian Robertson and Adam Gustavson
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Rock musician Robbie Robertson’s journey to playing music began at the Six Nations Indian Reservation where his mother was raised. The rhythm, melodies, and storytelling he heard there as a child ignited his passion for music.
He told his mother then that he wanted to be a storyteller, perhaps not realizing he would tell stories through the songs he wrote for The Band, such as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” This story, written by Robertson’s son, details the twists and turns on his road to fame. (Recommended for ages 7 – 12)
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Traditional Tales by Native Americans and First Nations Authors
Related Post: 18 Picture Books Featuring Strong, Feisty Girls
Raccoon’s Last Race: A Traditional Abenaki Story by Joseph Bruchac, James Bruchac, Jose Aruego, and Ariane Dewey
Did you know that raccoon was once the fastest animal? His limbs were long and he loved to taunt and trick the other animals into racing. One day, cocky Azban the raccoon decides he will even challenge a boulder to a race. He pushs the great rock off the mountain, and things quickly get out of hand.
When Azban is flattened by the boulder, none of the other animals stop to help (remembering how he treated them.) But the ant does ask what it can do. While the ant community successfully pushes Azban into a new shape, their work has some unexpected results! (Abenaki, recommended for ages 3 – 7)
Little Loksi by Trey Hays and Eli Corbin
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As author Trey Hays says in his introduction to this Chickasaw folktale, “everything on this planet has a purpose, even the stink of a skunk.” When the Loksi (turtle) family goes for a walk, a big wave knocks Little Loksi over onto his back. Many different animals come along and try to help. Chukfi (rabbit) tries to motivate Loksi with a tale of his grandfather beat Chukfi’s grandfather in a race long ago. (Recognize that story?)
Nashoba (wolf) goes on a journey to find other animals who can help. Koni (skunk) promises to guard Loksi through the night, keeping scoundrels away with his powerful smell. Haknip hishi haloppa (porcupine) will also keep watch, ready to use his sharp quills if necessary. When Nashoba recruits Cholhkun (spider), all the animals finally have a way to work together. Soon, their their young friend is back on his feet.
My son and I both loved this charming tale, and he asked to read it several nights in a row. (Chickasaw, Recommended for ages 3 – 7)
History and Current Events: Children’s Books about Native Americans and First Nations Peoples
Young Water Protectors: A Story about Standing Rock by Aslan Tudor and Kelly Tudor
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I was delighted to find this story of activism, written by 10 year old Aslan Tudor. Aslan’s family were among the tens of thousands of Native Americans and other supporters who travelled to Standing Rock. They declared that “Mni wiconi (water is life),” in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Aslan and his mother share their photos and experiences at the camp, including the traditional Lakota school that Aslan and his siblings attended while they were there. This is an excellent introduction to resistance to injustice from a child’s perspective. (Aslan is Lipan Apache, story takes place in Standing Rock Sioux tribe. Recommended for ages 5 – 10)
Related Post: 5 Young Activists Who Will Inspire Kids
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson and David Shannon
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When rock musician Robbie Robertson was nine years old, he heard an elder at the Six Nations of the Grand Reserve in Ontario tell the story of Hiawatha and the peacemaker. They are thought to have lived in the 1300s and were instrumental in crafting the Great Law of Peace. The law allowed the five nations of the Iroquois, who had once been at war, to live peacefully and make decisions together.
I don’t think I can do the stunning illustrations and moving words of the story justice. It’s an essential book for so many reasons. The story is captivating. How can a warrior who saw his enemy kill his own family find the forgiveness needed to make peace? The peacemaker must continually remind Hiawatha and others that peace is powerful, if all will join in.
I also recommend that any class where Longfellow’s offensive “The Song of Hiawatha” poem is still taught use this book instead. (Iroquois Confederacy, make up of the Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, Mohawk, and Onodaga nations. Recommended for ages 8+)
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Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom by Tim Tingle and Jeanne Rorex Bridges
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While this story is fictional, it’s inspired by true tales of Native Americans in the Southeastern United States aiding African Americans who were escaping slavery. In what is Mississippi today, the Bok Chitto river was the border between the Choctaw nation and a plantation. Before the Trail of Tears, if an enslaved person escaped into Choctaw land, the slave owner could not follow to catch him.
One day, Choctaw girl Martha Tom crosses over to the plantation side, even though she knows she’s not supposed to. A boy her age named Little Mo helps her find her way back to the river, and a friendship is born. Martha shows Mo that there is a stone path under the river, only known to the Choctaw, that connects the two lands.
Later, when Little Mo finds out his mother is being sold away, he knows that crossing the Bok Chitto is their only chance for freedom. (Choctaw, recommended for ages 5 – 10)
Related Post: 15 Picture Books about Social Justice and Human Rights
The People Shall Continue by Simon Ortiz and Sharol Graves
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This groundbreaking tale of American Indian history, oppression, and resistance was first written in 1977 and was recently re-released for today’s children. In just 24 pages, this picture book powerfully shares history that spans from first contact with the Europeans to modern struggles against poverty and suffering.
While it doesn’t shy away from oppression committed by Europeans and the U.S. government, the book also focuses on the resistance of American Indians leaders and peoples. The book closes with the realization that the People must share their struggles and history with others, including non-Native people who face injustice. (Pueblo, recommended for ages 7 – 12)
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I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer, and Gillian Newland
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In this painful and courageous story, Dupuis tells the true story her grandmother’s suffering at a residential boarding school. As she’s taken away from her family, her mother cries out that Irene should never forget her family, or who she is.
Irene soon discovers the meaning of her mother’s cries. Sister Mary tells Irene that she no longer has a name, and will be known as student 759. She cuts off Irene’s long hair, a great source of pride in her culture. Irene is abused when she speaks her native language to another child. Insider herself, Irene continues to resist how she is being treated, remembering her name, family, and culture. When she and her brothers come home for the summer, her parents are determined to keep the children from going back to boarding school, no matter what.
Although this is a picture book, I recommend it for older elementary children only because of the abuse that is described in the book. (Ojibway/Anishinaabe, recommended for ages 9+)
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When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett
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As a young girl spends the day with her Nókom (grandmother), she has many questions about why Nókom does the things she does. Why does she dress so colorfully? Nókom tells her that when she was a girl and was sent to a school far away from home, they had to wear dark clothes. But sometimes, when the children were alone, they would roll around in the fall leaves, so they could be colorful again.
Each question reveals another aspect of the tragic history of boarding schools, but in a way that is age appropriate for young children. I love that Nókom always shares a way that the children resisted their oppression and remembered who they were, when they were alone. (Cree, recommended for ages 4 – 9)
Not My Girl by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and Gabrielle Grimard
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What was life like for First Nations children who spent years in boarding schools, once they returned home? This picture book is an adaptation of the longer chapter book A Stranger at Home. Both books detail the difficulty that Margaret Pokiak-Fenton had being accepted back into her community after residential school.
With her hair cut short and thin from poor nutrition, Margaret’s mother doesn’t even recognize her when her boat arrives. Margaret used to love whale blubber muktuk, but the first time she tries eating it again, she can’t swallow it. Even the family dogs bark at her, because she’s lost her family’s scent.
Over time, Margaret finds ways to reconnect with her family, her people, and her culture. She becomes skilled at commanding the sled dogs, finding a special purpose within her family. (Inuvialuit, recommended for ages 6 – 10)