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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Still This Love Goes on
A love letter to Indigenous communities everywhere, this picture book gorgeously illustrated by Julie Flett celebrates seasons, nature, and community. Based on Academy Award-winning Cree icon Buffy Sainte-Marie's song of the same name, Still This Love Goes On is a stunning celebration of Indigenous experience.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Sweetgrass
It's early July, and for Matthew and his Auntie that means one thing: time to go sweetgrass picking. This year, Matthew's younger cousin Warren is coming along, and it will be his first time visiting the shoreline where the sweetgrass grows. With Auntie's traditional Mi'kmaw knowledge and Matthew's gentle guidance, Warren learns about the many uses for sweetgrass--as traditional medicine, a sacred offering, a smudging ingredient--and the importance of not picking more than he needs.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Tâpwê and the Magic Hat
Tâpwê can't wait to spend a week with his cousins on the other side of the reserve--especially since his Kokum has given him the most amazing gift. His new Magic Hat has bluebirds and grass snakes that come to life!
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Treaty Words
The first treaty that was made was between the earth and the sky. It was an agreement to work together. We build all of our treaties on that original treaty. On the banks of the river that have been Mishomis's home his whole life, he teaches his granddaughter to listen--to hear both the sounds and the silences, and so to learn her place in Creation. Most importantly, he teaches her about treaties--the bonds of reciprocity and renewal that endure for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Unstoppable
In the autumn of 1912, the football team from Carlisle Indian Industrial School took the field at the U.S. Military Academy, home to the bigger, stronger, and better-equipped West Points Cadets. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe became the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Water Walker
The determined story of an Ojibwe grandmother (nokomis), Josephine Mandamin, and her great love for nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect nibi for future generations and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men and youth, has walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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We Are Water Protectors
Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all... When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption. Caldecott medal award recipient.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Whale Child
Shiny, a whale child, is turned into a boy to teach Alex, a young girl, the wisdom of the Native American value of environmental stewardship so that she can share it with others. Includes glossary of environmental terms, facts about Pacific Northwest Native cultures, and other educational resources.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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What your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Where Wonder Grows
A grandmother explores her special garden with her granddaughters. Wonder grows everywhere but Grandmother especially loves to show it in her story garden. She invites her granddaughters to join her there in a sweet meditation on the treasures she's brought to that magical place--the rocks, the shells, the crystals, the meteorites : how they came to be, how they were formed, how they each have a story to tell
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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