In celebrating Native American Heritage Month, I of course turn to literature. Native stories are not just tales of sorrow and the past, but also encompass stories of joy, cultural pride, overcoming obstacles, fun, and celebrations of family and friendship. Nowhere is this more apparent than in children’s books. Contemporary Native writers have been actively publishing stories for children of all ages. There is a growing number of emerging Native authors in the children’s literature genre, and even writers who usually write for adults, like Louise Erdrich, have contributed to the wide range of books available for young readers. Below I have included two books from three categories: picture books, middle grade books, and young adult literature in the hopes of finding something for many ages. 

Picture Books

Berry Song by Michaela Goade

With beautiful illustrations, this book is the story of grandparents and grandchildren connecting over simple pleasures. It depicts a Tlingit grandmother and granddaughter duo singing a harvest song as they pick berries and honor the land around them.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

A lovely book that is about more than just food and focuses on communion and culture. A member of the Mekusukey Seminole Tribe, Kevin centers people and traditions as he provides mouthwatering descriptions of food.  

Middle Grade

Tiger Lily and the Secret Treasure of Neverland by Cherie Dimaline

Released as a companion to Disney’s live-action film, Peter Pan & Wendy, this book centers the teenaged Tiger Lily. Cherie portrays Tiger Lily as a member of the Indigenous peoples of Neverland who is good friends with the Lost Boys and may be necessary to fend off the pirates. 

The Barren Grounds (The Misewa Saga, Book One) by David A. Robertson

Reminding me of The Chronicles of Narnia, Morgan and Eli are two Indigenous children who are forced away from their families and brought together in a foster home in Manitoba. They feel disconnected until they find a secret place that leads to a different reality, Askí, of frozen grounds. As they learn about traditional ways to survive, they must embark on a dangerous mission. 

Young Adult

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

A Newbery Honor book, this story is about a girl named Nina and a cottonmouth snake person named Oli who should exist in separate worlds. As something isn’t right and alternating between their perspectives, Nina and Oli find themselves helping each other as they learn to be friends and fight off the dangers facing their loved ones. 

This Indian Kid: A Native American Memoir by Eddie Chuculate

A work of nonfiction, this book is delivered in short memories that form a picture of Eddie’s life growing up in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Focusing on family and community, there are wonderful photos included to put pictures with his stories. 

Happy Reading!

Featured in the November 16, 2024 issue of The Independent