Indigenous Books for Native American Heritage Month

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month now – and all year round! – with these wonderful indigenous books. This collection of #OwnVoices indigenous books includes stories for kids and teens. They encompass fantasy, adventure, horror, and coming-of-age stories. They teach language, culture, history, bravery, and self-discovery. In other words, they are all quite different from each other, yet they all celebrate Native cultures and identities, past, present, and future.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received complimentary copies of some of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own.

Indigenous Books for Native American Heritage Month

Dive into these wonderful indigenous books for kids!

Inuit

This heart-wrenching story captures the emotions of an Inuit father and son when the son is taken away to a residential school. It is told in the form of a kind of conversation between the two, but it takes place entirely through thoughts, not spoken words. An author’s note explains that this was done purposely to show how so often those who were taken away suffered silently, not sharing with their families the abuse that they suffered. This novel form of storytelling gives us insight into how father and son longed for each other during their time apart, as well as the disconnect felt when the son finally returns. As a parent, it is a punch to the gut, seeing how the father realized too late that he had been lied to about the school and the supposed good it would do for his son. It is a difficult read in that sense, but it is done with a delicate touch by the author-illustrator team, who create an emotional story that allows caregivers and educators to fill in the details in an age appropriate way. Inspired by the author’s own parents, both of whom were residential school survivors.

Buy Dad, I Miss You: A Residential School Story on Amazon or Bookshop

Cree

This lovely picture book shares the true story of Cree drummer and activist Carol Powder, who travels and performs with her group Chubby Cree at climate action events and anywhere their healing message is needed. Many of us are accustomed to seeing indigenous drum circles made up solely of men, but did you know that this was not always the case? When Carol grew up, many girls learned to drum, but thanks to the influence of colonialism, they were gradually pushed out of drum circles. Carol is credited with helping bring women back to drumming, a move that is still seen as controversial. This book shares the joy of drumming and its healing power, which Carol now shares with younger generations and audiences everywhere. A powerful story about standing up for what is right and using your talents to spread healing to those around you.

Buy The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist on Amazon or Bookshop

Haida

Animal lovers will delight in this magical story of a wolf pup who travels to the moon. Both the illustrations and story draw inspiration from Haida tales as well as the author’s real life puppy. This sweet story will have children looking to the skies and dreaming, at the same time as they learn the Haida language in this bilingual book (also available fully in Haida). Part of a series of indigenous books for children that celebrate Haida language and culture. Be sure to watch my interview with the author/illustrator.

Buy Kúndlaan, The Wolf Pup with Moonlight in Her Eyes from the author

Ojibwe

This colorful book for young readers shares a day in the life of a mixed Ojibwe boy, including learning about dream catchers with his father. Ojibwe words are sprinkled throughout the illustrations and incorporated into the story. QR codes are included, so that readers can hear the words as well as read them. This engaging picture book is an wonderful way to share Ojibwe language and culture with children. It includes 73 Ojibwe words and phrases, plus a brief history of the Ojibwe people, including why there is such a need to preserve the language today. Kids will love the instructions on how to make a dream catcher, which includes its meaning and cultural significance. Perhaps they can even harvest the red willow to make it, like the boy in the story! Be sure to watch my interview with the author.

Buy Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers on Amazon or Bookshop

Ojibwe

This novel in verse is set in an intertribal housing complex, where two urban Native kids learn to tackle the challenges in their community. Overshadowing the book is the disappearance of Ariel’s aunt, whom Tomah also knew well. Both children try to cope in their own ways, while dealing with challenges of their own. Can Ariel find healing for herself and her community through jingle dancing, now that her family can no longer afford ballet dancing? Can Tomah find out how to express himself as a storyteller despite his struggle with reading? A beautiful middle grade book about finding your voice and rhythm, in the context of a supportive yet struggling community. Also a sensitive introduction to the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Buy Red Bird Danced on Amazon or Bookshop

Cherokee

This middle grade novel also addresses MMIW. Ziggy’s mother is one of the missing, which contributes to his anxiety. Ziggy thinks he has found clues to his mother’s disappearance, starting him on adventure that connects him to the lives of the Cherokees of the past. A page turning story about learning from the past in order to control of your destiny. It is also about friendship and learning to stand up for something larger than yourself. This book is a gift to all children who have anxiety and struggle with living through such difficult times, especially those who are dealing with grief.

Buy The Storyteller on Amazon or Bookshop

Muscogee/Jewish

Ever since Mia’s parents divorced, her mother has limited her contact with her father. Not only does this cut her off from that side of her family, it also cuts her off from her Native American roots. While Mia’s mother and new stepfather are Jewish, Mia’s father is Muscogee. Mia struggles to fit into her new Jewish school, where she is often seen as not “really” Jewish. At the same time, any information she is able to dig up about Native Americans is steeped in stereotypes. Frustrated with her mother’s avoidance of the topic, Mia becomes desperate to learn more about her father and her Muscogee heritage. Can she find a solution that will connect her with her father’s roots without alienating her mother? A thoughtful graphic novel that dives into the challenges but also the richness that can result from having mixed background, and the effort that the adults must make to ensure that children have a healthy relationship with both sides of their heritage. Be sure to watch my interview with the author.

Buy Two Tribes on Amazon or Bookshop

Anishinaabe

This graphic novel is the story of a two-spirit, non-binary 10 year old finding the courage to show their true self at a powwow for the first time, by making and wearing a ribbon skirt in addition to their traditional regalia. Anang is nervous but find support and guidance from the water spirits and animal friends, as well as from their loving grandparents. But their journey of self-affirmation is not an easy one, especially when a close friend turns against them. Yet this is a joyous book, as Anang finds confidence and even demonstrates compassion and forgiveness towards their former (and future?) friend. It is about learning to help yourself and to lean on sources of support around you. I love the dedication from the author, who is two-spirit: “Dedicated to two-spirit kids of all shapes and sizes. Your ancestors believe in you!” The love and compassion pour out through every panel, making this a delightful read for anyone searching for inclusion and acceptance.

Buy The Ribbon Skirt on Amazon or Bookshop

Upper Skagit

Ever have a day that is supposed to be great somehow go wrong at every turn? Wesley is excited to have her poem for Indigenous Peoples’ Day published in the school newspaper, plus she is planning to ask her crush to go with her to the school dance. But from the start, nothing goes as she had hoped. It isn’t until she is at the intertribal powwow, surrounded by her family and her community, that the world comes back into balance for her. Winner of the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award, this middle grade novel is a reminder to all young people that they belong and that they matter. The book doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics like blood quantum laws or dealing with insensitive teachers and helps readers realize that they are strong enough and brave enough to face these challenges.

Buy We Still Belong on Amazon or Bookshop

Tłı̨chǫ Dene

Fans of The Walking Dead will love this new graphic novel, which draws on Dene mythology to create a post-apocalyptic world of terror, greed, and yet, also, humanity. Corporations ignored warnings to stay away from the grounds where the monsters were long ago destroyed and buried. They unwittingly unleash the monsters from where they have been kept in check, loosing them onto the world, where they also call upon cannibalistic giants who had been banished by the Dene gods. In the devastation left in their wake, the survivors must overcome their mistrust to work together, including a monstruous half-Wheetago, once a hero known as the Child Finder. A fantastic story with incredible art to read with the lights off (or not!) Be sure to watch my interview with the author.

Buy Roth (Wheetago War, 1) on Amazon or Bookshop

Tłı̨chǫ Dene

From the same author comes a novel that blends horror with a search for identity, both within one’s family and the wider world. Lawson and his family try to keep the peace between two neighboring peoples, bound by a peace treaty that ended the bloody war between them. But when a bully from the other side summons ancient, evil spirits to gain power, Lawson and a group of other indigenous teens must find the courage to face the demons and restore balance. A wonderful spine-tingling novel that imagines ancient evil come back in the 1980s, against a background of pop culture and the harsh wilderness of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Pre-order Beast on Amazon

Native American Heritage Month Books by Native Authors

Own Voices Native American Books

Books by Native Authors and Illustrators