Native American Heritage Month reads

As we gather with friends and family on Thanksgiving, it’s a good time to reflect on the first harvest celebration 400 years ago, when the Pilgrims enjoyed a banquet with the Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth Rock. November is Native American Heritage Month, and a great opportunity to learn more about Native American history and culture. Here are some books to help you do just that.

Rainbow Crow by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal

When the crow gave fire to its forest friends, the once-beautiful bird lost its lovely singing voice and colorful feathers as a result. This moving story teaches readers that sometimes you must sacrifice to help others. (Ages 3 – 7) )

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac

This picture book introduces readers to otsaliheliga, the word that members of the Cherokee Nation say to express gratitude and appreciation for family and loved ones and the beauty of the natural world. (Ages 3 – 7)

The Water Lady by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Shonto Begay

Access to clean, running water is something that most people in our country take for granted. This heartfelt and eye-opening story is about a woman who gives back to her community in a necessary and meaningful way. (Ages 4 – 8)

Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Cornelius Van Wright, and Ying-Hwa Hu

Jenna loves to watch videos of her Grandma Wolfe dancing at a powwow, especially the way the jingles on her dress make a tinking sound. She wants to dance in the next powwow, but there isn’t enough time to mail order the rows of jingles she’ll need for her dress. (Ages 4 – 10)

Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story by Donald Uluadluak and Qin Leng

Jake has a new puppy named Kamik, who will grow up to be a sled dog. The problem, Jake tells his Ataatasiaq (grandfather), is that the dog never listens to him! Ataatasiaq passes down some of the lessons that Jake’s grandmother, an expert sled dog trainer, learned over the years. (Ages 4 -10)

Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief with Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Gary Kelley

This inspiring story of Maria Tallchief, who grew up on an Osage Indian reservation and went on to become a world-renowned prima ballerina. (Ages 5 - 8)

Go Show the World by Wab Kinew, illustrated by Joe Morse

A tribute to historic and modern-day Indigenous heroes in the U.S. and Canada, including Tecumseh and Sacagawea. (Ages 5 - 9)