Chukfi Rabbit’s Big Bad Bellyache: A Trickster Tale
Author: Greg Rodgers
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: It takes place in Choctaw Country. Chukfi is always trying to get out of work.
Resources: Chufki Rabbit lesson plans
The Cloud Artist: A Choctaw Tale
Author: Sherri Maret
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Leela, a Choctaw girl, uses the sky as her canvas and the clouds as her paint. After being invited to join a carnaval, she must decide what kind of artist she wants to be.
Resources: Cloud Artist Worksheets
Herizon
Author: Daniel W. Vandever
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: wordless picture book
Summary: A wordless picture book about a young native girl who is helping her grandmother retrieve a flock of sheep with a magic scarf. The scarf has the ability to transform, which changes the girl’s life. American Indian Library Youth Literature Award
Resources: Herizon Book Resources
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
Author: Robbie Robertson
Grade Level: K-3
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: A beautiful retelling of the story of the Hiawatha, a Mohawk warrior, and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker. Caldecott Honor book.
Resources:
Jingle Dancer
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Jenna loves the tradition of the jingle dance and wants to dance at the next pow-wow. But how will she make this happen when her dress doesn’t have any jingles?
Resources: Jingle Dancer Educator Guide
Look Grandma! Ni, Elisi!
Author: Art Coulson
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction/math story
Summary: Bo is looking for the perfect container to show off his marbles at the Cherokee National Holiday. Grandma helps Bo find a container of just the right size. A playful exploration of volume and capacity. Includes a glossary of Cherokee words.
Resources: Look Grandma! Math Activities
On the Trapline
Author: David A Robertson
Grade Level: K-3
Topic: fiction
Summary: A boy and Moshom, his grandfather, go on a trip to visit his grandpa’s trapline, a place where people hunt and live off the land.
Resources: On the Trapline Activities
Shaped by Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez
Author: Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales
Grade Level: K-3
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: The untold story of Maria Martinez, a Native American potter from New Mexico who changed her field.
Resources: Shaped by Her Hands Educator Guide
Sky Sisters
Author: Jan Bourdeau
Grade Level: K-3
Topic: fiction
Summary: Two Obijiway sisters go on an adventure to see the sky spirits midnight dance (the Northern Lights).
Resources: Sky Sisters Teaching Ideas
The Water Walker
Author: Joanne Robertson
Grade Level: 1-3
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: The story of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin and the Mother Earth Water Walkers, who began walking the Great Lakes to bring attention to water quality issues.
Resources: Water Walker Teacher Guide
We All Play
Author: Julie Flett
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: A beautiful story of children’s play and the connection between children and the natural world. Includes a glossary of Cree terms.
Resources: We All Play Teacher’s Guide
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga/span>
Author: Traci Sorell
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: Follows a full year of Cherokee experiences and gratitude. American Indian Youth Literature Honor Award 2020
Resources: We Are Grateful Teacher’s Guide
We Are Water Protectors
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: A lyrical picture book inspired by the Native led movements across the country to safeguard our Earth’s water. Fabulous science connections. 2021 Caldecott Medal, New York Times best seller.
Resources: We Are Water Protectors Activity Kit
When We Are Kind
Author: Monique Gray Smith, Nicole Neidhardt (Illustrator)
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness..
Resources: When We Are Kind Reacher Resources
The American Indian Rights Movement
Author: Eric Braun
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: Learn about important players in the American Indian rights movement such as Sacheen Littlefeather and Russell Means. Discover how activists are still rightint for better conditions today.
Resources:
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: This collection of short stories from new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.
Resources: Heartdrum Guide (includes Ancestor Approved)
The Birchbark House
Author: Lois Erdrich
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: The first book in a nine-book series that tells the story of 100 years of life of one Ojibwe family. 2006 American Indian Youth Literature Award, National Book Award finalist, New York Times bestseller.
Resources: Birchbark House Teaching Unit
Children of the Longhouse
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: fiction
Summary: Ohkwa’ri heads a group of boys planning a raid on a neighboring village and tells the Mohawk elders. He knows he made the right choice, but there will be consequences at the next game of Tekwaarathan.
Resources:Children of the Longhouse Literature Unit
Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer
Author: Traci Sorell
Grade Level: 2-7
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: Discover the amazing story of Mary Golda Ross, Lockheeds’s first female engineer, as she brazes a trail in a the world of classified airplanes and spacecraft. American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book.
Resources: “Classified” Teaching Materials
Eagle Song
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Grade Level: 2-5
Topic: fiction
Summary: When Danny Bigtree’s family moves to New York, he’s homesick for his Mohawk reservation. will Danny find the courage to stand up for himself while he is being teased at school?
Resources: Eagle Song Guided Reading
The Grizzly Mother
Author: Hetxw’ms Gyetxw
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: fiction
Summary: American Indian Youth Honor Book
Resources: Grizzly Mother lesson plans
I Can Make This Promise
Author: Christine Day
Grade Level: 2-7
Topic: fiction
Summary: Edie has always known her mother was adopted. Then one day she finds a box hidden in the attice and uncovers her family’s secrets and finds her own Native American identity.
Resources:I Can Make This Promise Discussion Guide
Indian Shoes
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Grade Level: 1-5
Topic: fiction
Summary: Enjoy the heartwarming story of about the adventures of a Cherokee-Seminole boy, Ray, and his Grandpa. New York Times bestseller.
Resources: Indian Shoes Educator Guide
Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer
Author: Bill Wise & Bill Farnsworth
Grade Level: 1-6
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: Louis Sockalexis fell in love with baseball when he was just 12 years old. In 1884 when he was still a child,, baseball was considered a “white man’s sport” and not open to Louis as a Penobscot Indian. This is the inspiring true story who make his dream come true and become a baseball player.
Resources: Louis Sockalexis Teacher’s Guide
We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
Author: Traci Sorell
Grade Level: 2-6
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: Twelve Native American kids talk about historical and contemporary Native American life. American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book.
Resources: We Are Still Here Lesson Kit
Apple in the Middle
Author: Dawn Quigley
Grade Level: 7-9
Topic: fiction
Summary: Apple has turned her back on her Native heritage but is having a hard time fitting into the white world too. Apple goes to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation to visit relatives for the first time. Moving between two cultures, she learns what it means to find her place in a world divided by color. American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book.
Resources:Apple in the Middle Comprehension Questions
Danny Blackgoat, Navajo Prisoner
Author: Tim Tingle
Grade Level: 8-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: A story of one boy’s hunger to be free and to be Navajo
Resources:
Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native Voices
Author: Lisa Charleyboy
Grade Level: 5-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: An anthology from some of the most groundbreaking Native artists working in North America today.
Resources:
Healer of the Water Monster
Author: Brian Young
Grade Level: 5-7
Topic: fiction
Summary: American Indian Youth Honor Book.
Resources: Healer of the Water Monster teaching ideas
How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
Author: Tim Tingle
Grade Level: 5-7
Topic: fiction
Summary: Isaac leads four Choctaw comrades: a tough-minded teenage girl, a shape-shifting panther boy, a lovable five-year-old ghost who only wants her mom and dad to be happy, and Isaac’s talking dog, Jumper. 2014 American Indian Youth Literature Award.
Resources: How I Became A Ghost lesson plans
Indian No More
Author: Charlene Willing McMannis
Grade Level: 5-8
Topic: fiction
Summary: When the federal government signs a bill into law saying Regina’s tribe no longer exists, Regina becomes “Indian no more” overnight. American Indian Youth Literature Award
Resources: Indian No More Teacher’s Guide
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
Author: Joseph Marshall
Grade Level: 5-8
Topic: fiction
Summary: A boy learns about his heritage and himself. Youth Literature Award.
Resources: In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse Reading Questions
The People Shall Continue
Author: Simon J Ortiz
Grade Level: 1-8
Topic: non-fiction
Summary: The powerful story of Native and indigeneous poeple of North America, told through the traditional oral narrative, from their story Creation to white settlers to treaties with the settlers.
Resources:The People Shall Continue Teacher’s Guide
Sisters of the Neversea
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Grade Level: 3-9
Topic: fiction
Summary: Lily, who is Native American, and Wendy, who is English, are stepsisters and best friends. Then a mysterious boy takes them on a magical adventure to the fairy-tale island of Neverland.
Resources: Heartdrum Literature Guide (includes Sisters of the Neversea)
Son Who Returns
Author: Gary Robinson
Grade Level: 6-9
Topic: fiction
Summary: A 15 year old is of Chumash, Crow, Mexican, and Filipino ancestry.
Resources: Son Who Returns Discussion Questions
Super Indian
Author: Gary Robinson
Grade Level: 5-8
Topic: graphic novel
Summary: A Native American superhero as a comic book
Resources: Super Indian lesson plan
Tales of the MIghty Code Talkers
Author: Arigon Starr
Grade Level: 5-8
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: American Indian Youth Literature Award winner
Resources: Lesson plan included in book
Apple in the Middle
Author: Dawn Quigley
Grade Level: 7-9
Topic: fiction
Summary: Apple has turned her back on her Native heritage but is having a hard time fitting into the white world too. Apple goes to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation to visit relatives for the first time. Moving between two cultures, she learns what it means to find her place in a world divided by color. American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book.
Resources:Apple in the Middle Comprehension Questions
A Blanket of Butterflies
Author: Richard Van Camp, Scott B. Henderson
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: graphic novel
Summary: A boy and his grandmother help a Japanese man reclaim his grandfather’s lost samurai sword.
Resources:
Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich
Author: Annie Boocheever
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: A book that helped change Alaska and the Nation forever.
Resources:
Give Me Some Truth
Author: Eric Gansworth
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: A high school boy determined to make his mark on the reservation and off.
Resources:
Hearts Unbroken
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: 2020 American Indian Youth Liteature Award winner
Resources: Hearts Unbroken lesson plan
Hidden Roots
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: The loss of identity, history, and culture
Resources: Hidden Roots podcast discussion
House of Purple Cedar
Author: Tim Tingle
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: 2016 American Indian Youth Literature Award winner
Resources: House of Purple Cedar teacher guide
How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America
Author: Sara Sinclair
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Stories in the long and ongoing fight to protect Native land, rights and life.
Resources: How We Go Home Curriculum Guide
An Indigeneous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People
Author: Eric Gansworth
Grade Level: 7-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: American Indian Youth Honor Book
Resources: Indigenous People’s curriculum guide
Killer of Enemies
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: 2014 American Indian Youth Award winner.
Resources:Killer of Enemies Teacher’s Guide
The Marrow Thieves
Author: Cherie Dimaline
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: An 11 year old boy growing up in the Metis Indigenous community in Canada.
Resources:Marrow Thieves Teacher’s Guide
Moccasin Thunder: American Indian Stories for Today
Author: Lori Marie Carlson
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Ten original stories by American Indian authors.
Resources:Moccasin Thunder Discussion Questions
Pipestone: My Life in an Indian Boarding School
Author: Adam Fortunate Eagle
Grade Level: 7-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: An activist recalls his childhood years in an Indian boarding school. 2012 American Indian Youth Award winner.
Resources: Pipestone Lesson Plans
Where the Dead Sit Talking
Author: Brandon Hobson
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Sensitive and searching exploration of a youth forged in turbulance.
Resources: Where the Dead Sit Talking Discussion Questions