8 Beautiful Native American Books For Kids
In recent, there’s been a hunger for more diverse voices across all mediums but especially in kid’s books that lay an important foundation for our youth. Native American and Indigenous voices have finally been receiving the recognition they deserve and we’re so happy to see it.
Here is a list of gorgeous books that teach readers (parents too!) about history, joy, strength, and pride in these books for kids by Native American authors and illustrators:
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom: Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell: The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Native Americans in History: A History Book for Kids by Jimmy Beason: From every background and tribal nation, native people are a vital part of history. This collection of biographies for kids explores 15 Native Americans and some of the incredible things they achieved. Kids will explore the ways each of these people used their talents and beliefs to stand up for what’s right and stay true to themselves and their community.
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia Leitich Smith: Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog). They are the heroes of their own stories.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal: Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse: In this universal story, a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. The lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different culture, while at the same time showing that the special love that exists between parent and child transcends all boundaries of time and place. The story is beautifully complemented by graphically stunning illustrations that are filled with such exciting animals as whales, wolves, puffins, and sled dogs. This tender and reassuring book is one that both parents and children will turn to again and again.
You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith: Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell: Too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. This companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people's past, present, and future.
xoxo,
Christianne AKA MiLOWE MOM
*Note - If you buy something through the Amazon links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. As always, we only recommend products that we know and love (or would buy ourselves). Thank you for your support!
