Every November, we celebrate American Indian / Native American Heritage Month. It is also called Indigenous People Month. Whichever name you prefer, it is a month meant to share the stories of the American Indians, the people who were living in this country long before the white man ever set foot on this land. These are the same people who later were forced to leave their land by the white man. This month is an opportunity to share their truths and the American Indian culture.
Here are twenty-five picture books you can use to introduce your children to the incredible American Indians.
1. In My Anaana's Amautik
This sweet story takes us into the amautik - the pouch in the back of a mother's parka. We get to experience the world through the eyes of a baby nestled in his mother's pouch. This wonderful book will introduce your children to new perspectives and imagery.
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2. Thunder Boy Jr.
Thunder Boy Jr. wants his own name. His dad is Big Thunder and he is Little Thunder but he doesn't want to share names. He wants to be different. What can he do to earn a name for himself?
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3. A River Ran Wild
Follow the history of the Nashua River in Massachusetts. Native Americans were the first to settle on the Nashua River, but over time, the river became polluted. Today, descendants of Native Americans and European settlers are teaming up to fight the pollution and bring life and beauty back to the Nashua River.
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4. Brother Eagle, Sister Sky
The great North American Indian Chief Seattle once said that the Earth does not belong to us, but rather, we belong to the Earth. This book is filled with incredible illustrations that bring to life the beauty of nature and the land while honoring the people who once protected the land.
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5. The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
This story follows a young Native American girl who was responsible for the care of her tribe's horses. The beautiful illustrations tell a sweet story of the friendship between girls and horses.
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6. The Gift of the Sacred DogThe Gift of the Sacred Dog
After a young boy prays for help, he is approached by a man riding an unknown creature. He is told the creature is a sacred dog and will help the boy and his tribe.
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7. The Boy and His Mud Horses
Paul Goble shares another beautifully illustrated book full of twenty-seven stories from Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Blackfoot, and Lakota. Many of the stories in this book were first recorded in the 19th century.
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8. When We Are Kind
Celebrate acts of kindness and explore the feelings behind giving and receiving kindness with this bilingual English/Navaho book. With incredible illustrations, this beautiful story is a great opportunity to encourage and challenge your children.
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9. Sacred Song of the Hermit Thrush
This Native American legend from the Mohawks tells the story of how the hermit thrush got his song. Long ago, the Great Spirit promised a song to the highest flying bird so the Hermit Thrush jumped on the back of the eagle, and together they soared high above the rest. The Hermit Thrush was awarded the song and now hides away in the woods.
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10. Dance of the Sacred Circle
A young boy goes on a journey to find the Great Chief in the Sky in this Blackfoot legend. The Great Chief is impressed by the boy's bravery and creates a creature to help the Blackfoot tribe.
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11. Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun
In this Cherokee tale, the animals live in constant darkness. The animals devise a plan to steal a piece of the sun from the other side of the world. When the animals get stuck and can't figure out the solution, grandmother spider is the one to save the day.
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12. Powwow Day
Cherokee author Traci Sorell shows the excitement and history of powwows in North America. When River is too sick to dance in the powwow, she feels sad and alone until her community comes together to cheer her up.
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13. Josie Dances
Josie Dances is a beautiful coming-of-age story of a young Ojibwe girl who shares the process of preparing for a powwow. Josie is excited to dance in the powwow next summer but first must learn the dances and prepare her costume.
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14. Sootface
This Cinderella retelling comes from the Ojibwe tribe. Two older sisters force their youngest sister to do all of their work. When she accidentally burns her skin and hair in a fire, they begin calling her Sootface. She dreams of a warrior whisking her away from her family, but when one finally shows up, she must compete with her sisters for his hand in marriage.
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15. When the Shadbush Blooms
In this story, a young Lenape girl is learning about the traditions of honoring the seasons. The story is told from both Traditional Sister and Contemporary Sister in their own time period.
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16. Encounter
This imaginative story depicts the first encounter of French explorer Jacques Cartier and a Stadaconan fisher. While they are focused on their differences, the animals around them are seeing all of their similarities. The story and illustrations were crafted by two Indigenous women.
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17. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
This good morning message is the children's version of the Thanksgiving Address. This Address is given still today at gatherings of the Iroquois people.
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18. Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way
Learn how the Lakotas start each morning with gratitude and celebration. The Lakota people appreciate every aspect of their surroundings and this book teaches its readers to do the same.
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19. Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People
Take a look into the life of Lakota/Sioux chief, Sitting Bull. For over twenty-five years, Sitting Bull was able to resist the U.S. government and keep his people's land. This biographical picture book spans from his childhood to his surrender and everything in between.
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20. Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present
In this remarkably illustrated book, celebrate the true stories of fifty Native American men and women who made an impact on American culture. From sculptors, scientists, and athletes to linguists who revived the language of the Wampanoag people, this book shares the legacy of many.
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21. The People Shall Continue
Recount the history of the Native and Indigenous peoples from North America. Learn the true story of invasion in their lands depicted in this beautiful narrative. This book is an excellent tool for raising antiracist children and showing them the true history of Native America.
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22. We Are Still Here
We Are Still Here is a 2022 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Book and a 2022 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. This book recognizing the Native American history will prepare you in a new way for Native American Heritage Month. Twelve children address topics such as assimilation, termination, and relocation.
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23. Treaty Words: For As Long As the River Flows
This book takes a look at the indigenous culture and their views on treaties. Treaties have existed and been honored long before humans roamed the earth. Mishomis and his granddaughter discuss these treaties and the value of honoring them.
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24. Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People
Travel back even further in time than just 1492. In this Native American myth, North and Central America were formed on a turtle's back. This book explores some of the ancient stories and legends dating back to the Ice Age.
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25. What the Eagle Sees: Indigenous Stories of Rebellion and Renewal
In this follow-up from Turtle Island, What the Eagle Sees is full of stories from the Indigenous peoples and tales of how they survived the invasion of their homelands.
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