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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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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Fancy Pants
Filled with lots of glitter, raised pinkies, and humorous misunderstandings, this second book in the Jo Jo Makoons series--written by Dawn Quigley and illustrated by Tara Audibert--is filled with the joy of a young Ojibwe girl discovering her very own special shine from the inside out. First grader Jo Jo Makoons knows how to do a lot of things, like how to play jump rope, how to hide her peas in her milk, and how to be helpful in her classroom. But there's one thing Jo Jo doesn't know how to do: be fancy. She has a lot to learn before her Aunt Annie's wedding!
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Finding My Dance
In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Forever Cousins
Amanda and Kara are cousins and best friends in an intertribal Native American family; but Kara's family leaves the city and moves back to the Rez, making both girls sad--but the summer reunion reminds them that they will always be cousins.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
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Healer of the Water Monster
Nathan, a young Navajo boy from Phoenix, Arizona, goes on an epic hero's journey at his grandma, Nali's mobile summer home.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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I Hope
This beautifully illustrated picture book, written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, explores all the hopes adults have for the children in their lives
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
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Josie Dances
As she prepares for her first powwow, an Ojibwa girl practices her dance steps, gets help from her family, and is inspired by the soaring flight of Migizi, the eagle. Includes glossary.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Kapaemahu
Four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers. Two-Spirit story: https://kapaemahu.com/
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Keepunumuk
Wampanoag children listen as their grandmother tells them the story about how Weeâchumun (the wise Corn) asked local Native Americans to show the Pilgrims how to grow food to yield a good harvest--Keepunumuk--in 1621.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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