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Booklists for Educators

Explore Our Booklists for Youth:

Native American Heritage for Kids

Explore both contemporary Native American culture and the rich history of these unique Nations with one of these books by or about Native Americans.

Bowwow Powwow / Bagosenjige-Niimi'idim

Bowwow Powwow / Bagosenjige-Niimi'idim
by Brenda J. Child; illustrated by Jonathan Thunder; translated by Gordon Jourdain

Uncle and Windy Girl attend a contemporary powwow. When Windy Girls falls asleep, the stories and celebration blend to create a bowwow powwow. Ages 3-7.

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My Heart Fills with Happiness

My Heart Fills with Happiness
by Monique Gray Smith ; illustrated by Julie Flett

This beautiful board book is a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. Ages 0-3

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Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes

Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes
by Wab Kinew

Kinew tells the stories of diverse Indigenous heroes both historical and contemporary from the U.S. and Canada. Ages 5-12

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Thunder Boy Jr.

Thunder Boy Jr.
by Sherman Alexie; illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Dad is known as Big Thunder and Little Thunder doesn't want to share a name, but just when he thinks all hope is lost, his dad helps him find the perfect solution. Ages 4-7

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First Laugh: Welcome, Baby!

First Laugh: Welcome, Baby!
by Rose Tahe; illustrated by Jonathan Nelson

A Navajo family welcomes a new baby into the family with love and ceremony, eagerly waiting for that first special laugh. Ages 2-5

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Little You

Little You
by Richard Van Camp; illustrated by Julie Flett

Celebrating the joy babies bring into the world. Ages 0-3

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Hiawatha and the Peacemaker

Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
by Robbie Robertson; pictures by David Shannon

The Great Peacemaker enlists Hiawatha's help to bring the nations together to share his vision of a new way of life marked by peace, love, and unity. Ages 8 & up

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Dragonfly Kites / Pimithaagansa

Dragonfly Kites / Pimithaagansa
by Tomson Highway; illustrated by Julie Flett

Two Cree brothers in northern Manitoba fly these kites during the day, but at night fly themselves in their dreams. Ages 5-8

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Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker's Story

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker's Story
by Joseph Bruchac; pictures by Liz Amini-Holmes

Chester Nez used his Navajo language to help create an unbreakable military code during World War II. Ages 8-12

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When We Were Alone

When We Were Alone
by David Alexander Robertson & Julie Flett

A young girl asks her First Nations forebear why she wears bright colors and has long hair, so her grandmother tells her about her youth in a residential school where all of these things were taken away. Ages 4-8

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All Around Us

All Around Us
by Xelena Gonzalez

Finding circles everywhere, a grandfather and his granddaughter meditate on the cycles of life and nature. Ages 3-7

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You Hold Me Up

You Hold Me Up
by Monique Gray Smith; illustrated by Danielle Daniel

An evocative picture book intended to foster reconciliation among children and encourage them to show each other love and support. Ages 4-8

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How I Became a Ghost; A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story

How I Became a Ghost; A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
by Tim Tingle

A Choctaw boy tells the story of his tribe's removal from the only land its people had ever known. The devastating journey led him to become a ghost with the ability to help those he left behind. Ages 8-12

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Chukfi Rabbit's Big, Bad Bellyache: A Trickster Tale

Chukfi Rabbit's Big, Bad Bellyache: A Trickster Tale
by Greg Rodgers; illustrated by Leslie Stall Widener

Chukfi Rabbt is lay-zee. Watch your food when he's around. Blink once—it's gone! Will Chufki learn a lesson in this trickster tale?

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Talking Leaves

Talking Leaves
by Joseph Bruchac

The story of Sequoyah and the creation of the Cherokee syllabary, as told by his thirteen year old son. Ages 9-14

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