What Are You Reading Wednesday: Native American and American Indian Stories

December 2, 2020

During the month of November, we celebrated Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native Heritage Month. We know many families wanted to discover more ways to celebrate, explore, and learn more about stories from people of Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native Heritages. Here are some reading ideas for families to continue learning more about Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native Heritages beyond just the month of November.

Kent District Library

The Kent District Library shared a list of books for readers to explore Native American history and culture through story. Here are several recommendations from the Kent District Library Staff

Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child
The best days of summer end at the powwow, but Windy Girl takes the revelry of the gathering one step farther, into a dreamworld where the dancers and singers are dogs.

Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk
This beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic.

Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story by Donald Uluadluak and illustrated by Qin Leng
When Jake finally gets a puppy to call his own, all he can think about is the fast, strong sled dog that his puppy will become. But Kamik is far from an obedient sled dog.

All Around Us by Xelena González
This warm, gentle story celebrates family, culture, community, and the connectedness of all things.

First Laugh: Welcome, Baby! by Bo Flood and Rose Ann Tahe
In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story?

Nimoshom and His Bus by Penny M. Thomas
Children riding the school bus learn from their driver, Nimoshom ("my grandfather"), who speaks to them in their own language — Cree. Nimoshom and His Bus is a welcoming, simple story with inviting illustrations.

My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness?

Birdsong by Julie Flett
A young girl misses her urban home by the sea but soon discovers an unlikely friend who helps her to adjust.

A Day with Yayah by Nicola I. Campbell
Set in the Nicola Valley, British Columbia, in Canada's westernmost province, a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. A grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life and the natural world to her young grandchildren. 

Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story by SD Nelson
This fascinating picture book biography tells the childhood story of Buffalo Bird Woman, a Hidatsa Indian born around 1839.

SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance.

Wild Berries (Pakwa Che Menisu) by Julie Flett
The story of a little boy, Clarence, who picks blueberries with his grandmother.

Welcome Song for Baby by Richard Van Camp
From renowned First Nations storyteller, Richard Van Camp comes a lyrical lullaby for newborns.

Kiss by Kiss / Ocêtôwina: A Counting Book for Families by Richard Van Camp
One kiss, two kiss, three kiss, four! So many kisses and so many more.

Little You by Richard Van Camp, Illustrated by Julie Fett
A tender board book for babies and toddlers that celebrates the potential of every child.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Check out this list of books for kids of all ages that feature Native American main from Common Sense Media.

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard 
Age 3+ 
The lyrical tale shows the role of special food in family, culture.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
Age 3+
A warm celebration of Cherokee families' year-round gratitude.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Age 3+ 
Powerful words, vibrant images inspire care for the earth.

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
Age 4+ 
A Native American boy wants his own name in this big-hearted story.

Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson
Age 6+ 
Gorgeous picture book brings timely peace message.

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
Age 8+ 
A Native American girl learns family secrets in this touching tale.

Grand Rapids Public Library

Grand Rapids Public Library curated a list to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with some of the best new literature by Indigenous people: New Indigenous Books, Indigenous Stories for Teens

Minnesota Historical Society Press

Check out the Minnesota Historical Society Press, publisher of outstanding books on the history, art, and culture of the Upper Midwest for reading resources: Native American Studies