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Book Lists

Book Lists

Indigenous Peoples of North America Picture Books

Picture books, folktales and board books featuring Indigenous People of North America or written by and Indigenous person. Recommended for Preschool through 3rd grade.

Bourdeau Waboose, Jan, author.
JEASY BOU
"Serenity and her brother Big Ed are making their way through the bush to go fishing at Hawk River. Along the path, Big Ed explains that it's called Hawk River because the Hawks, Gekek, are the Keepers of the river and their Protectors. "They see things far off in the distance, things we can't," he tells Serenity. When they arrive at the river and Big Ed finds himself in danger, Serenity must follow the Hawk and listen to her own intuition to come to her brother's rescue."-- Provided by publisher.

Simpson, Tonya, author.
JEASY SIM
"In this gentle picture-book lullaby written in both Plains Cree and English, the sounds of the land soothe an Indigenous child to sleep on a stormy summer night on the Plains."-- Provided by publisher.

Rogers, Andrea L., author.
JEASY ROG
"One Cherokee child celebrates the family tradition of gathering wild onions for a big community meal, a significant tradition among several southeastern tribes"-- Provided by publisher.

Sorell, Traci, author.
JEASY SOR
On a day filled with anticipation, a young Cherokee girl bids farewell to her familiar city life and documents the changing landscape through drawings as her family moves to their ancestral land and embraces their new home.

Poll, Willie, author.
JEASY POL
"My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior. The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness"-- Back cover.

Kemp, Laekan Zea, author.
JEASY SP KEM
Una familia disfruta de la música nocturna del desierto tejano en esta historia de tradición y recuerdo de Laekan Zea Kemp, ganadora de una Mención de Honor Pura Belpré.

Kemp, Laekan Zea, author.
JEASY KEM
"A family sings and plays music on a desert evening, in harmony with the nearby wildlife and the ancestors above."-- Provided by publisher.

Goodluck, Laurel, author.
JEASY GOO
When Russell tries to share exciting news with his large, Native family, he struggles with being heard, but after he ventures out on his own he realizes how much he loves his family.

Bunten, Alexis, author.
JEASY BUN
"Pia rushes over to the Indigenous community center after school. It's where she goes every day to play outside with friends and work on her homework. But today--March 18, 2021--is special: Auntie Autumn gathers all the children around their television to witness Secretary Deb Haaland in her ribbon skirt at the White House as she becomes the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Pia and the other kids behold her Native pride on an international stage. Together with their parents and Elders, the children explore the values woven into their own regalia, land, community, and traditions, making precious memories on this day they won't soon forget." -- Amazon.com.

Rogers, Kim, author.
JEASY ROG
"Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together; Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma. And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma."-- Front jacket flap.

Goodluck, Laurel, author.
JEASY GOO
In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins--and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month, and all year round!

Goade, Michaela, author, illustrator.
JEASY GOA
As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back.

Sorell, Traci, author.
JEASY SOR
Because she has been very ill and weak, River cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, she can only watch from the sidelines as her sisters and cousins dance the celebration--but as the drum beats she finds the faith to believe that she will recover and dance again.

Sammurtok, Nadia, author.
JEASY SAM
"Nadia Sammurtok lovingly invites the reader into the amautik--the pouch in the back of a mother's parka used to carry a child--to experience everything through the eyes of the baby nestled inside, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana's laughter."-- Provided by publisher.

Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988- author.
JEASY SPI
A Native American woman describes how she loved her child before it was born and, throughout her pregnancy, gathered a bundle of gifts to welcome the newborn.

Greenlaw, Suzanne, author.
JEASY GRE
"In this Own Voices Native American picture book story, a modern Wabanaki girl is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making"-- Provided by publisher

Flett, Julie, author, illustrator.
JEASY FLE
"Join celebrated artist Julie Flett on a joyful romp with animals. From chasing, chirping birds, to swimming, squirting whales, this book for young readers reminds them how animals play just like them. This picture book, with gorgeous images and sweet simple text, is a marvelous celebration of the interconnectedness of all creatures, and includes some Cree phrases. It is based on the Cree teaching of wahkohtowin, interconnectedness and play, and includes as well the English and Cree names of the animals in the book, all of whom are from 'Turtle Island' (North America)."-- Provided by publisher.

Lindstrom, Carole, 1964- author.
JEASY LIN
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. Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption.

Minnema, Cheryl, 1973- author.
JEASY MIN
"Pull over, Grandma! Hurry!" Johnny says. Grandma does, and Johnny runs to show her what he spotted near the ditch: a sleeping pheasant. What Grandma sees is a small feathery hump. When Johnny wants to take it home, Grandma tries to tell him that the pheasant might have been hit by a car. But maybe she could use the feathers for her craftwork? So home with Grandma, Johnny, or the pheasant. Readers will delight at this lesson about patience, kindness, and respect for nature imparted by Grandma's gentl humor, Johnny's happy hooting, and all the quiet wisdom found in Cheryl Minnema's words and Julie Flett's evocative and beautiful illustrations. -- From dust jacket.

Sorell, Traci, author.
JEASY SOR
"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."--Amazon.

Maillard, Kevin Noble, author.
JEASY MAI
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.

Flett, Julie, author, illustrator.
JEASY FLE
When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of nature and art. As the seasons change, can the girl navigate the failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett's textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions. A brief glossary and pronunciation guide to Cree-Métis words that appear in the text is provided on the copyright page.

Van Camp, Richard, author.
JEASY VAN
"A beautiful board book about gratitude by celebrated Indigenous author Richard Van Camp, complemented by photos from tea&bannock, a collective blog by Indigenous women photographers."-- Provided by publisher.

Child, Brenda J., 1959- author.
JEASY CHI
"When Uncle and Windy Girl attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Uncle's stories inspire visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs. In these magical scenes, Windy sees veterans in a Grand Entry, and a visiting drum group, and traditional dancers, grass dancers, and jingle-dress dancers -- all with telltale ears and paws and tails. All celebrating in song and dance. All attesting to the wonder of the powwow."--Provided by publisher.

Tahe, Rose Ann, author.
JEASY TAH
"A Navajo family welcomes a new baby into the family with love and ceremony, eagerly waiting for that first special laugh. Includes brief description of birth customs in different cultures."-- (Source of summary not specified)

Sorell, Traci, author.
J 975.0049 SOR

Gonzalez, Xelena, author.
JEASY GON
Finding circles everywhere, a grandfather and his granddaughter meditate on the cycles of life and nature.

Gray Smith, Monique, 1968- author.
JEASY GRA
A board book that celebrates happiness and invites children to reflect on the little things in life that bring them joy.

Robertson, David, 1977- author.
JEASY ROB
"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 colored clothing? Why does she speak another 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."-- Provided by publisher.

Minnema, Cheryl, 1973-
JEASY MIN
"I like to eat, eat, eat," choruses young Johnny as he watches Grandma at work in the kitchen. Wild rice, fried potatoes, fruit salad, frosted sweet rolls -- what a feast! Johnny can hardly contain his excitement. In no time, he'll be digging in with everyone else, filling his belly with all this good food. But wait. First there is the long drive to the community center. And then an even longer Ojibwe prayer. And then -- well, young boys know to follow the rules: elders eat first, no matter how hungry the youngsters are. Johnny lingers with Grandma, worried that the tasty treats won't last. Seats at the tables fill and refill; platters are emptied and then replaced. Will it ever be their turn? And will there be enough?

Kalluk, Celina, author.
JEASY KAL
"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. Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little "Kulu," an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants."-- Provided by publisher.

Highway, Tomson, 1951- author.
JEASY HIG
When Joe and Cody sing and dance for the caribou, something unexpected happens.

Flett, Julie.
JEASY FLE
Clarence and his grandmother pick wild blueberries and meet ant, spider, and fox in a beautiful woodland landscape.

Savageau, Cheryl, 1950-
JEASY SAV
A Native American girl's feelings are hurt when schoolmates make fun of the children who live at the lake, but then her grampa tells her a Seneca folktale that reminds her how much she appreciates her home and her place in the world.