Children's Books by Indigenous Authors to Add to Your Bookshelf Today (+ Video Read Aloud)
Updated: Jan 10
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The books we read should represent the diverse world we live in. Unfortunately, finding quality children's books featuring Indigenous characters (without negative stereotypes and false narratives) can be hard to do. There needs to be more representation in the publishing industry. HarperCollins Children's Books recently announced a new imprint to help bridge the gap. Heartdrum is a new Native focused imprint led by award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek), and Rosemary Brosnan, Vice President, Editorial Director, HarperCollins Children’s Books. Heartdrum launches Winter 2021. It's a step in the right direction.
In the meantime, we've collected a list of wonderful books to help you celebrate the stories and voices of Indigenous authors and illustrators. Check them out below.
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.
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.
FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP
The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
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.
FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP
A family, separated by duty and distance, waits for a loved one to return home in this lyrical picture book celebrating the bonds of a Cherokee family and the bravery of history-making women pilots.
At the mountain's base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family -- loving, weaving, cooking, and singing. The strength in their song sustains them through trials on the ground and in the sky, as they wait for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war.
With an author's note that pays homage to the true history of Native American U.S. service members like WWII pilot Ola Mildred Millie Rexroat, this is a story that reveals the roots that ground us, the dreams that help us soar, and the people and traditions that hold us up.
FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP
Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their everyday actions.
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.
FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious.
Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak nother language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away.
When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength.
FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP
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-Ne