Native American Books for Kids
There are many nations that are native to the Americas. The selection here is in no way comprehensive. Most of the titles are written and/or illustrated by Native peoples. You'll find both stories and nonfiction, as well some that are historical and others that are contemporary. The books range in age from 3 on up.
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Ancestor Approved
Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.
Format: Book
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At the Mountain's Base
"At the mountain's base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family -- loving, weaving, cooking, and singing. The strength in their song sustains them through trials on the ground and in the sky, as they wait for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war."--Amazon.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Awâsis and the World-famous Bannock
Awâsis, a Cree child, stumbles on a baking adventure in this lighthearted picture book celebration of family recipes, new friends, and, of course, the world class bannock.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Barren Grounds
"Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Book 1 of Misewa Saga series.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Be A Good Ancestor
Thought-provoking stanzas encourage readers of all ages to consider they ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and encourages them to think deeply about their behaviors. Rooted in Indigenous teachings, the message delivered by the authors is universal, be a good ancestor to the world around you
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Berry Song
As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Birdsong
When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of nature and art. As the seasons change, can the girl navigate the failing health of her new friend? A brief glossary and pronunciation guide to Cree-Métis words that appear in the text is provided on the copyright page
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Bowwow Powwow
Windy Girl is blessed with a vivid imagination. From Uncle she gathers stories of long-ago traditions, about dances and sharing and gratitude. A playful story by Ojibwe author, Brenda Child
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Dancing With Our Ancestors
In this tender picture book, Sara Florence Davidson transports readers to the excitement of a potlatch in Hydaburg, Alaska--her last memory of dancing with her late brother. It feels like my brother and I have always known how to sing the songs and dance the dances of our Haida ancestors. Unlike our father, we were born after the laws that banned our cultural practices were changed. The potlatch ban did not exist during our time, so we grew up dancing and singing side by side.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
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A Day With Yayah
It’s springtime, and Nikki and her grandmother, Yayah in their Indigenous language, are tanning a hide. Along come two kids from next door, eager for their lessons from Yayah.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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