Indigenous Peoples

Written by Gloria Barker, Language Teacher from Hollow Water First Nation, which is located on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, Canada. Hollow Water First Nation is also known as Waanibiigaaw or Wanipigow in Ojibwe. Illustrated by Alice Linski; Alice RL is a member of Ne-biimiskonaan (Skownan) First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. Alice is a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe artist, illustrator, and art teacher based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Alice draws inspiration from life experiences and cultural teachings. Alice blends these inspirations with a signature palette of bright, playful hues to create stunning emotional juxtapositions of trauma and grief with hope and a touch of whimsy.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for all ages.

This book is available in English and Anishinaabemowin: Nookwezigewing anami'aawin / Smudging Prayer 

Additional Information
Paperback

Spirit Rider is an enchanting mystery for young readers, blending friendship, Indigenous storytelling, and the supernatural. In this third book in the Lillian Mystery series, Lillian and her friends once again find themselves at the crossroads of spirits and secrets. When a mysterious boy on a bicycle appears outside Lillian’s window, his mischievous antics hide a deeper, more haunting purpose. With her gift of communicating with spirits, and the support of her friends Chloe and Grace, as well as her wise Kokum and Auntie, Lillian embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. Can they unravel the mystery of the Spirit Rider? Or will this spirit’s secrets lead them somewhere they never expected?

Reviews
"[Lillian stories are] from the spirit and are messages for all of our First Nations relatives that it is now time to rise up and take this responsibility back to being natural helpers, and to nurture our children who are struggling.”— Robin Decontie, MSW, Director, Kitigan Zibi Health and Social Services

"Spirit Rider was captivating. I was excited to read the more adventures of Lillian. The caregivers were very kind understanding and patient with Lillian. The book is a perfect example of the seven grandfather teachings; love honesty respect bravery humility wisdom and truth. My emotions as the reader was crying and laughing. Thinking of how the spirit rider was feeling through his young life and Lillians jokes she loved sharing even if they didn’t really want to hear. As a retired Aboriginal Indigenous social service worker it was heart warming and I embraced the book whole heartedly of our First Nation children who perhaps have the same story, With Kindness to the Author Miigwech for allowing me to read this it was an honour."- Stephanie Sandy, Nimki Beneshiinh Kwe . Nookmis of Chippewas of Rama First Nation

"Lynda Partridge books have a way of drawing you in. I couldn't put it down. Her latest book Spirit Rider has you from the first page. Her characters and character development are amazing and so relateable to both young and old, indigenous and non indigenous. Her ability to reach the reader both spiritually and culturally is so strong it's almost tangible. Her best to date." —Sandra Herkimer, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Elder

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 13.

This book is part of the Indigenous Spirit of Nature series.

This book is also the third book in the Lillian Mystery series. 

Additional Information
194 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | 6 Black and White Illustrations | Paperback 

A vibrantly illustrated children's book about an Indigenous girl who discovers the miracles that blossom each spring and learns how Creator's gift of courage can transform the way we see the world and ourselves.

It’s time to welcome a new season, and this spring is going to be extra special. Dani, a Potawatomi girl, and her family prepare to celebrate the new year, which the Potawatomi and other Anishinaabe people observe at the beginning of spring with a camping and climbing trip. Dani is excited for the adventure, but also nervous. The rocks are so big. Will she make it to the top of her climb? As Dani explores the awakening woods and makes memories with her family, she learns to draw on the courage Creator gives while finding inspiration in the miraculous new life Mother Earth brings forth each spring.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is part of the An Indigenous Celebration of Nature series.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.5" | Hardcover

Ruined oatmeal, an unexpected rainstorm, forgotten lunch . . . Tana's day is going terribly. As she faces one disappointment after another, she feels sad and angry, uncertain how to turn her mood around. Can finding the good in even bad days lead Tana back to her happy self?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Tana Cooks! series.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback 

When Tana hears that there is a big dog running loose in her school, she freezes. She remembers a day a few years earlier when a strange dog jumped up on her while she was on a hike. Since then, she’s been afraid of dogs. But she doesn’t want to be afraid anymore. Is there a way for Tana to cure her fear of dogs?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Tana Cooks! series.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback 

When English thirteen-year-old Rosemary is evacuated to her grandmother in America at the start of World War II, she uncovers the family secret—they are Anishinaabe and passing as white.

Life in England is all Rosemary has ever known. . . but as WWII changes the world, no one’s life is left unscathed. Suddenly, she’s sent away to escape the devastation of London. Her grandmother’s house on Lake Superior is safe, but unfamiliar, especially as she discovers her parents have kept a tremendous secret.

Rosemary and her family are Anishinaabe—and no one is supposed to know.

Far from home but newly connected to a once-hidden part of her family, Rosemary develops a warm, close relationship with her grandmother… and a local boy whose love of gardening helps her to see the beauty in her unexpected circumstances. As Rosemary grows into her new life like a flower in bloom, she realizes that maybe she’s not as far from home as she thought.

Tender, sophisticated, and sweet, this is a beautiful story about memory, family, and identity. Rising Ojibwe author Anna Rose Johnson addresses the trauma of World War II and the legacies of hidden indigeneity alongside coming-of-age milestones like first crushes, new schools, and beginning to imagine the life you want. Hand The Blossoming Summer to fans of Christine Day, L.M. Montgomery, and Kimberly Brubaker Bradley!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
288 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Hardcover

Vibrant traditions, rich histories, and strong voices—that’s the Cherokee Nation. In this inspiring nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and culture of one of the United States’ largest Indigenous groups. Explore how the Cherokee people still survive—and thrive—by safeguarding their language, reviving customs, and upholding celebrations, like the annual Cherokee National Holiday that honors their heritage. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Cherokee author Twila M. Barnes provides young learners with important insights into the past, present, and future of the Cherokee people.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

A thought-provoking picture book about the ways we create our own realities through the words and actions that we put out into the world.

In the early morning hours, two young children go on a journey of discovery with their grandfather, a great chief. After offering prayers to Creator, Grandfather leads Aiyanna and Little Wolf separately to the river gorge to meet the Echo People. There, surrounded by the beauty of Mother Earth, the children connect with the Echo People in a way that reveals something about themselves and learn a valuable lesson that will guide them throughout their lives.

The Echo People gently teaches young readers that if we meet the world with love and kindness then that kindness is echoed back to us.

Reviews
"True to traditional Indigenous teachings, Grandfather shares his wisdom about life ("Your actions, your words, even your thoughts all come back to you") but lets his grandchildren make meaning from their experiences. . . . A visually appealing and carefully told tale that will linger."- Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.75" x 8.75" | Hardcover 

Edwin loves his sister Patsy's closet. He adores dresses and earrings and boots with high heels. And when he's finished getting dressed, Edwin is transformed...into the fabulous Edweena!

Today is the figure skating competition at school and Edwin has decided to compete as Edweena. What will people say when they meet her for the first time? Can a boy in drag win the competition? Edweena will have to give her best performance ever to find out!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This books available in English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe): Omaamakaadendaagozi Edwiina / The Fabulous Edweena

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover

In a surprising and heart-warming story, Etua Snowball shares his childhood experience of meeting and befriending a baby caribou.

After a chance encounter with a herd of caribou, a fawn follows a young boy back to his cabin. The boy and fawn spend the summer together exploring the northern landscape, picking berries, and swimming in the lake. Then one day the boy and fawn get an unexpected visitor, and the boy must learn how to say goodbye to his furry friend.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the My Wild Arctic Friends series.

Additional Information
28 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

It is very cold in the Far North.

The Great Manitou knows that winter is the harshest season for the Innu, and he decides to find a way to make their winters a little brighter. He searches through the trees in the forest to find one who will bring joy, beauty and warmth to all. Could it be the larch, the tree that the Innu use to make sleds, bows or ointments? The birch, malleable and robust? Or the magnificent black spruce? “Do you want to become the Christmas tree?” he asks each one. But one after the other, the trees decline his offer. All except one, the little fir tree, whom the Great Manitou had initially overlooked.

Reviews
“The Great Manitou appears in vibrant fuchsia as various woodland creatures, standing out against the cool winter palette. A Christmas-themed look into Indigenous culture tradition that encourages further exploration.”— School Library Journal (SLJ)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in French: Le premier arbre de Noël.

Additional Information
56 pages | 8.50" x 10.75" | Hardcover 

Based on an ancient Inuit traditional story, this beautifully illustrated picture book tells of the appearance of the first humans on earth, and how from them all the peoples of the earth emerged. From a mound of simple dirt, through magic and intention, the world we know today slowly takes shape across the page.

Retold with loving care by Inuit author and actress Maika Harper, The First Peoples is both mythical and magical, an ancient tale brought to life for new generations.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

A modern story of traditional Indigenous knowledge from the author of The Sharing Circle that teaches young readers about the importance of the Friendship Centre for urban Indigenous peoples.

Matthew is visiting his uncle in the big city! He can't wait to tour the Friendship Centre, where Uncle Hunter works, and enjoy all the food, activities, and resources it has to offer.

With language classes, drumming circles, feasts, and more, Matthew learns that the Friendship Centre provides a home away from home for urban Indigenous people. It's a space created for Indigenous people by Indigenous people, and Matthew feels welcomed right away. Matthew drums, smudges, and tastes freshly baked bannock, but his favourite parts of his visit are the people he meets.

From the author of Sweetgrass, The Gathering, and The Sharing Circle, and the illustrator of Muinji'j Asks Why, this story welcomes all into a safe and inviting community space.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Indigenous Knowledge Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | Paperback 

A beautifully illustrated reimagining of the origins of hockey from an Indigenous lens.

Killer Whale and Brown Bear are arguing: Brown Bear says he can beat Killer Whale at any challenge, yet Killer Whale disagrees. When Powerful Mena overhears their bickering, he comes up with a solution: a game on the ice, played with sticks, nets, and a star for a puck. But who will win and earn the trophy?

For kids aged 4-8, The Game features:

• An introduction to Musqueam language and culture
• Beautiful watercolor artwork from a celebrated Haida artist
• Detailed backmatter and a pronunciation guide

With poetic text by gifted Indigenous storyteller Henry Charles (Ten Bears), an elder of the Musqueam First Nation, and breathtaking illustrations by Haida artist, Shoshannah Greene, The Game offers a vibrant introduction to Musqueam language and culture and inspires readers to rediscover a sport we know and love.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

In this beautiful and dramatic story, bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Aly McKnight show readers how life was lived by Indigenous communities, offering the true history of life on the prairie.

Before there was a little house on the prairie, there was a tipi on the prairie.

Rose is a young Métis-Ojibwe girl who has traveled far with her family for the biannual buffalo hunt made up of hundreds of other Métis families. The ritual of the hunt has been practiced for generations, and each hunt must see the community through the next six months. But in recent years, the buffalo population has dwindled, and after days on the hunt, there are no buffalo to be found. Can Rose help her family find the herd that will enable them to survive the long winter?

Reviews
“This vital and authentic picture book offers an exciting adventure on the prairies not often heard.” —Booklist, starred review

“[Sparks] discussion about environmental conservation and the role that Indigenous people have played (historically and currently) in the care and regrowth of natural lands . . . Skillfully captures the wild beauty of the plains.” —BCCB

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.46" x 11.02" | Hardcover