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 13 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.

All of these books have been written or illustrated by Indigenous creators. In many cases, the books also include additional information and notes from the authors and illustrators about how their own background informs their creative work. Read these with your child to expand your understanding of the story and to engage in deeper discussions about Native American Heritage.

First Laugh—Welcome Baby

Written by Rose Ann Tahe,  Nancy Bo Flood, and Jonathan Nelson

The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyone tries to elicit the joyous sound from baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members.

Age level: 0 – 2

Talking Tip: While reading the book, talk with you child about:

• the names for family members in your culture and language, and whether they sound similar or different from the Navajo names
• the practices for welcoming a new baby in your family and community

We Sang You Home

Written by Richard Van Camp
Illustrated by Julie Fett

In this book, new parents describe the wonder they feel as they welcome their baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones at any age and especially during infancy.

Age level: 0 – 2

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.

Sweetest Kulu

Written by Celina Kalluck
Illustrated by Alexandra Neonakis

This bedtime poem describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic. Full of stunning illustrations, this book highlights the Inuit values of love for the land and its animal inhabitants.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: Kulu is the Inuktitut term of love for babies and young children. What are the special names for babies and children in your family and community?

This book names all the animals of the Arctic where Kulu lives. What are the names of the animals that live near your family? What can we learn from them?

I Sang You Down from the Stars

Written by Tasha Spillett Sumner
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!

Thunder Boy Jr.

Written by Sherman Alexis
Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Thunder Boy, Jr. is about a little boy whose father, Thunder Boy, named him Thunder Boy, Jr. at birth. But, as he grows up, Thunder Boy, Jr. wants his own name and identity and over the course of the story, he finds a new name that reflects who he is and becomes his own person.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: The naming ceremony depicted in this book is not culturally specific. It presents a general idea, but each tribal Nation has its own specific customs. What are some culturally specific things you do to celebrate growing older in your family?

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Written by Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

This book tells the story of an intergenerational group of Native American family members and friends as they make fry bread together. Through this book, we learn that fry bread, while common to many Native American homes, is as varied as the people who make it and the places where it is made.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about what fry bread is, what you learned about it, and how it is part of everyday life and special occasions. Is there a special food like fry bread in your family or community? Who makes this food? How did they learn to make it?

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? 

Berry Song

Written by Michaela Goade
Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Berry Song tells the story of a girl and her grandmother who spend a year on a small island, where they learn how to build a sustainable relationship with the land. Every season focuses on a different set of berries, with a unique color scheme that reflects the time of the year.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip:  In this book, the girl marks the seasons by noting the berries that are available at different times of the year and what food she makes with them. What fruits and vegetables are available at different times of the year where you live? What are the different dishes people make with them?  

We Are Water Protectors

Written by Carole Lindstrom
Illustrated by Michaela Goade

Water protectors are activists, organizers, and cultural workers who defend water and water systems. Inspired by many Indigenous-led movements, this story shares information about the role of water protectors and highlights  the importance of protecting Earth’s water from harm.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip:  After reading this book, talk with your child about:

• How water is important in your daily life
• Where water comes from
• A few ways to save water

Check out this activity guide kit for more ideas. 

Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman

Written by Sharice Davids and Nancy K. Mays
Illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley

This picture book autobiography tells the story of Sharice Davids, one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress — and the first openly LGBTQ+ congress member to represent Kansas in Washington.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip:  When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be in Congress. What were some of the things that helped her become a congress member? What were some of the obstacles she had to overcome? Is there something that you dream of being or becoming that seems unlikely? What can you learn from Sharice’s story? 

We Are Grateful: Ostaliheliga

Written by Traci Sorrell
Illustrated by Frane Lessac

The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, this book follows a full Cherokee year of experiences and celebrations, describing the blessings and challenges each season brings.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: After reading this book, talk with your child about:

• what this book teaches us about Cherokee traditions and culture
• some of the things you are grateful for and why
• your family traditions and practices around gratitude

Keepunumuk

Written by Danielle Greendeer, Alexis Bunten, and 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.