November is Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we celebrate Indigenous peoples and rededicate ourselves to honoring the sovereignty and self-determination of Tribal Nations. 

The 8 titles listed below offer opportunities for children and families to learn more about Native American history, culture, and practices. For each book, we have provided a brief summary, the age range for which it is ideal (although reading picture books well into adulthood is a time-honored tradition at Tandem), and some ‘talking tips’ to spark book-sharing conversations with your family or in your classroom. 

May We Have Enough to Share

Written by Richard Van Camp

May We Have Enough to Share is a gratitude-filled book that celebrates love, connection, and care. This board book showcases beautiful photographs of Indigenous children and families provided from Tea & Bannock, a blog collective by Indigenous women photographers.

Age level: 0 – 3

Talking Tip: Talk about love and gratitude, and share what you are thankful for.

• What makes you feel happy and loved?
• Who do you love spending time with?
• What are some things you are thankful for?

Daughter of the Light-footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez

Written by Belen Medina
Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro

This is a biography of Lorena Ramírez, an Indigenous Rarámuri ultramarathoner from Chihuahua, Mexico, known for running in huaraches and traditional dress. Rooted in her heritage, this story offers glimpses into Lorena’s daily life, showing how her strength is nurtured by her family, community, and her deep connection to the earth. 

The back matter of this title includes sources, additional information on Lorena’s achievements, a deeper look at Rarámuri daily life, and how marathon running supports the Rarámuri community.

Age level: 3 – 5

Talking Tip: While reading the book, name the different everyday objects in the book (blanket, moon, birds, bed, and so on). Point to them (or ask your child to point to them) first in the book and then in real life. After sharing the book, talk with your child about all the ways your family shows love for one another.

My Powerful Hair

Written and illustrated by Carole Lindstrom

A girl takes pride in growing her hair, honoring her ancestors, and reclaiming a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and connection to the Earth. This story highlights the deep cultural significance of hair in Indigenous communities, celebrating it as a source of strength and heritage.

Age level: 3 – 5

Talking Tip: In My Powerful Hair the young girl’s hair growth serves as a living timeline of important moments in her life. After reading the book, show your child pictures of when they had shorter or longer hair and share stories about the picture.  Talk about how old they are, who else is in the picture, what was happening that day.

I Sang You Down from the Stars

Written by Tasha Spillett Summer
Illustrated by Michaela Goade

As she waits for the arrival of her new baby, a mother-to-be gathers special items that will be placed in a medicine bundle and  given to the baby at birth. The lyrical prose and luminous illustrations come together to celebrate the bond between mother and child. 

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: In this story, the mother is making a bundle of things that connect the child to their identity. Talk with your child about the things that they would like in their bundle to help them feel a strong sense of connection to their family and community. If possible, work with your child to collect these objects. You can keep adding to them as your child grows!

When We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): a Cherokee Tribal Feast

Written by Andrea L. Rogers
Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

A young girl and her family gather Spring’s first wild onions for a community feast. The book highlights the importance of gathering together to share food, stories, and culture, emphasizing the deep connections that form during these communal events.  The author’s note shares recipes, reflects on the history of the Cherokee Nation, and the significance of wild onion dinners.

Age level: 3 – 7

Talking Tip: While sharing When We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): a Cherokee Tribal Feast with your child, talk about the gatherings you have with your family and friends. Who do we gather with and why?  How do we prepare? What kinds of foods do we like to share with our friends and family?

Forever Cousins

Written by Laurel Goodluck
Illustrated by Jonathan Nelson

Two cousins, Kara and Amanda, are separated when Kara’s family leaves the city to return to the reservation. They keep in touch through the phone and letters until they see each other at the reunion at the reservation and realize that, no matter what, they are “forever cousins.”

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: In the author’s note, Laurel Goodluck explains that in the past, many Native families have faced separations, but shared family and tribal values have helped people maintain close relationships. Are there people in your close or extended family that you are far away from? What are some of the things that help you stay connected to them?

Powwow Day

Written by Traci Sorell 
Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Powwow day, a traditional Native American ceremony arrives, but River is recovering from an illness and feels too weak to dance even though she really wants to. This book follows River’s journey and tells the story of how her community comes together to support her healing.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: River is feeling sad about missing the powwow and her part of the activities. Talk with your child about a time when they (or you, the adult) had to miss out on something. What feelings came up for you? What helped you manage those feelings? 

Read the informational text at the end of the book with your child to learn more about powwows together. What other questions do you have about powwows?

Keepunumuk

Written by Danielle Greendeer,  Alexis Bunten, Anthony Perry
Illustrated by Garry Meeches, Sr.

In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, Maple and Quill learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and what really happened at the first “Thanksgiving” from their grandmother.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Before reading, review the Wampanoag language words listed in the front pages of the text. After reading the book, visit a library (or use the Internet) to look at pictures of different kinds of harvest festivals from around the world — and discuss what these festivals have in common. 

For more downloadable resources, visit the Keepunumuk website and Penguin Random House.

Today, there are more than 500 federally recognized tribal Nations in the United States. The terms Native American, American Indian, and Indigenous Americans encapsulate many diverse cultures. There is no single story that represents what it means to be Native American. 

This book list is just one starting point where your family can learn more about Native American heritage. To deepen your family’s learning: 

• Explore this interactive map to identify whose land you dwell on and visit your local library to learn more about the tribal Nations in your region. 
• Review this action guide from Embrace Race on choosing excellent children’s books by and about American Indians.
• Visit Dr. Debbie Reese’s blog, American Indians in Children’s Literature and the book list that she has compiled on Social Justice Books.
• Check out these book lists from a few our partners: Children’s Fairyland and Oakland Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, Conscious Kid, and PBS Kids. 

When you purchase a children’s book using the Bookshop.org links on this list, Tandem will receive 10% of each sale as a donation. Each Bookshop.org purchase financially supports local, independent booksellers. Visit our website for more early learning resources and downloadable content.