Indigenous Peoples in the United States

Observe animals and celebrate wildlife in this seasonal twist and reimagined version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” In Twelve Days of Spring, each day reveals the wonders of wildlife and nature's vibrant transformations as we ease into spring.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

This book is part of the Twelve Days Series.

A rabbit hops through the pages of Twelve Days of Spring.

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

Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors.

When Dante struggles with nightmares, his mother believes learning his family’s history will help him cope. The roots on both sides of his family tree run deep, with stories of survival through events Dante’s mother calls “daymares.”

Taking discovering his heritage into his own hands, Dante finds out hard truths—but also a love that shines through generations and, finally, a strength to sleep through the night.

Features author and illustrator notes, historical references, a glossary, and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover 

In this new and updated edition, award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Navajo peoples.

Did you know that Navajo children were given their own lambs to signal their transition into adulthood? Learn about the Navajo’s creation story, resistance and resilience against Spanish colonizers, forked-stick hogan homes, sand paintings, and more.

Expertly reviewed by a member of the Navajo tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Navajo people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life and contemporary photos

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

Go on an enchanting journey with The Twelve Days of Autumn, where each day reveals the wonders of wildlife and nature's vibrant transformations in this delightful seasonal twist on a classic tale!

This companion to Twelve Days of Winter is another book to read or sing along with children. In Twelve Days of Autumn, each day reveals the wonders of wildlife and nature's vibrant transformations as we ease into fall. Observe how animals prepare for colder months in this seasonal twist and reimagined version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” celebrating wildlife. "On the first day of autumn we looked around to see a wild turkey trotting down the trail."

Look for a curious turtle watching the changes come!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

This book is part of the Twelve Days Series.

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

From the author of Hedge Over Heels comes another irresistible story featuring family, friendship, and an adorable baby fox!

Twelve-year-old Skye has just rescued a baby fox she’s named Kitkat, with the help of her Park Ranger cousin Braeden. Skye would usually release the fox back into the wild as soon as it’s healed, but this baby fox was injured by a trap. No one hurts a baby animal and gets away with it as long as Skye’s around, and now she’s on a mission to find the poacher!

When Skye takes Kitkat to the vet, she meets a quiet girl named Ivy. To Skye’s surprise, Ivy decides to join in on the investigation and a friendship starts to form between the girls. But will these new friends uncover the true identity of the poacher and safely release Kitkat back into the wild?

Reviews
"Skye Hunter, along with little brother Leo, spends every summer in Verdant, Massachusetts, with her aunt Lynne, uncle Pete, and park ranger cousin Braeden. Skye, with help from Braeden, rescues a baby fox from a trap baited with poisoned meat in the state park adjacent to their family diner. She names the injured fox Kitcat. At the veterinary clinic, Skye meets a girl named Ivy, who’s a new arrival to Verdant from Saskatchewan and is a member of the Nakoda First Nation. McMullen-Ciotti (Cherokee) has created two intriguing main characters, both of whom are dealing with loneliness. Skye, who has moved a lot and struggled to make friends, slowly grows close to Ivy, even as the girls search for the identity of the poacher, documenting clues while sharing aspects of their respective Indigenous cultures. Suspenseful (but not too scary) moments involve a spooky oddities shop and a search for leads at the public library. The effective combination of animal rescue and sleuthing with themes of friendship and family life make this a strong and appealing choice. Skye’s passion for natural science, Ivy’s skill in caring for animals, aspiring comedian Leo’s humor, and the storytelling of the girls’ uncles round out the story. A charming and engaging tale with special appeal for nature and animal lovers." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
256 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | 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 

In 1850, 5,000 Ojibwe people were forced to make a dangerous journey across the Midwest to get treaty payments owed to them from the U. S. Government. But the payments never came, and the Ojibwe had to travel back home through treacherous winter conditions and without the money or supplies they had been promised. More than 400 Ojibwe lost their lives in this event that is now known as the Ojibwe Trail of Tears. Compelling narrative and impactful images help to recount the injustices of this forced removal and explain how it happened, what the many consequences were, how the Ojibwe people responded, and why this tragedy is still vitally relevant today. Author Emily Faith Johnson (Sault St. Marie Chippewa member) shares this not-to-be-forgotten story with young readers and educators seeking a closer look at U.S. history.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

A stunning account of the Sacred Stone Camp's first day, where Indigenous activist LaDonna BraveBull Allard gathered water protectors to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline

The land is sacred to the people. The people are sacred to the land.

As Water Protectors gather to defend the water and protect the land against a black snake that threatens the rivers that millions of people depend on, a young girl looks to her Unci LaDonna and Lala Miles who are leading the way to the camp.

Although she’s nervous about what might happen next, she finds strength from her family and the strangers all coming together to stand up for what’s right.

Written with love by Rae Rose, who shares many memories with LaDonna, this is a deeply moving tribute to LaDonna’s work and impact with stunning watercolor illustrations by Aly McKnight.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

"Nohhum, doesn't it look like the moon is following us?"

During her weekly car ride with her grandmother from the city to the reservation, a young Native girl ponders the moon that seems to follow them. Each week, she looks forward to listening to her grandmother's warm, soothing voice as she sings and tells stories. Tonight, her grandmother teaches her about Grandmother Moon, her significance, and why we honor her.

In her debut picture book, Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk) captures a grandmother and grandchild's relationship through their shared wonder and admiration. Along with rich illustrations, Grandmother Moon preserves Indigenous histories and teachings within a modern setting, reminding us that Grandmother Moon is always watching over us, and wherever we are, we are safe and loved.

Backmatter includes an author's note and more, to learn about the different names of the full moons throughout the lunar year.

Reviews
"A beautiful glimpse into Native storytelling traditions and intergenerational family ties.... VERDICT A solid choice for libraries needing books on Indigenous populations or looking for an introduction to Native belief systems." --School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Themes, Subjects & Keywords: Moon, Family, Giving Thanks - Tobacco Offerings, Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back, Lunar Calendar, Importance of Stories - Storytelling.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 8.75" | Hardcover 

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass comes a beautiful and lushly illustrated tale celebrating gratitude, reciprocity, and finding our place in the natural world, ideal for sharing with the youngest readers.

When young Bud sees people bustling around, intent on their chores and their screens, she is certain they must be doing important things—and she wants to be included. But wise Nokomis, her grandmother, shows her that there is a different way to find belonging, one that relies on stillness and observing the natural world. As Bud discovers the freely given gifts of the Earth, she wonders if she has something important to give back: What is her gift?

Infused with warmth, humor, and insight, and beautifully illustrated by Naoko Stoop, the first picture book by renowned author and Indigenous ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer inspires readers to treasure nature’s generosity and the gifts each one of us can share with the Earth.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover

Cuddle up with this celebration of winter and explore the wonders of nature’s light with Moon Song from Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade.

On an island at the edge of a silvery sea, when the moon rises and night falls, a girl spins a story for her worried cousin to help him find comfort in the wintery dark. She invites him to see moonlight glittering in the forest, bioluminescence sparkling by the shore, and northern lights blazing in the sky. In the dark of the night, the whole world sings.

Celebrated Tlingit creator Michaela Goade, who brought us a summer's celebration in the Caldecott Honor Award‑winning Berry Song, invites us to discover the wonder and comfort of a winter's night through a magnificent Moon Song.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.75" | Hardcover 

Last Stop on Market Street meets We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga in this sweet, bighearted picture book about a young boy who learns the Cherokee lesson of gadugi—how working together and helping each other makes the whole community stronger.

When eager Clay asks his elisi (grandmother) for help to be named star of the week at school, he’s surprised by her answer: No one person is more important than his family and his community. But is Clay still important at all?

This contemplative exploration of community, individualism, and responsibility—accentuated with traditional beadwork in the art—is a moving invitation to consider an indigenous perspective of one’s place in the world and how we all light up our sky, together.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

A stunning, poetic debut picture book from Pasha Westbrook about honoring one’s roots and the unbreakable bond of familial love, brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight.

Father braids my hair, just like his,

scented of coconut oil, the familiar tug of fingers on my scalp,

love in every twist...

As a young girl’s father lovingly yet painstakingly braids her hair, he weaves a story about the strength and resilience of their ancestors, Freedmen who walked the Trail of Tears from Mississippi to Oklahoma.

In this enchanting picture book, past and present come together in a tale about endurance, history, and love. With beautiful, sweeping illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight and debut author Pasha Westbrook's lyrical writing, Braided Roots tenderly explores the unwavering love between a father and daughter.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

A boy says farewell to a loved one as he imagines her walking on into her next journey, a moving and superbly illustrated story about loss and hope by Fry Bread author Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by acclaimed, award-winning artist Rafael López.

When a young boy’s grandmother walks on, he wonders where she’s gone.

Did she go to the market to buy ripe melons? Or maybe she’s in the garden, watering her herbs?

It feels like she’s somewhere far away, so the boy finds new ways to share stories about his day, hoping she can hear him.

Even her house feels like it’s waiting for her return. Then as the boy approaches the kitchen, the scent and memories of her cooking assure him that no matter where she is, her love will always be close by.

Because when someone walks on, they stay with us. They grow in our hearts and guide us as we walk in their footsteps.

Award-winning author of Fry Bread, Kevin Noble Maillard, breathes life and love into this intimate picture book about loss, with illustrations from renowned, best-selling artist, Rafael López.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

When a young boy’s grandmother walks on, he wonders where she’s gone.

Did she go to the market to buy ripe melons? Or maybe she’s in the garden, watering her herbs?

It feels like she’s somewhere far away, so the boy finds new ways to share stories about his day, hoping she can hear him.

Even her house feels like it’s waiting for her return. Then as the boy approaches the kitchen, the scent and memories of her cooking assure him that no matter where she is, her love will always be close by.

Because when someone walks on, they stay with us. They grow in our hearts and guide us as we walk in their footsteps.

Award-winning author of Fry Bread, Kevin Noble Maillard, breathes life and love into this intimate picture book about loss, with illustrations from renowned, best-selling artist, Rafael López.

From award-winning creators Susan Verde and Steph Littlebird comes an empowering celebration of the strength, diversity, worthiness, and beauty of our bodies

Did you know your body is beautiful?

And not only is it beautiful—it is also unique, miraculous, wise, worthy, and 100% your own. New York Times bestselling author Susan Verde and acclaimed illustrator Steph Littlebird team up to celebrate all of the beautiful things our bodies can be and do: from mirroring the wonders in nature and carrying the stories of our ancestors, to speaking up for what they need, growing, dancing and more!

With an empowering, lyrical text and bold, vibrant illustrations, Body Beautiful feels like a hug for every body.

Reviews
"Verde implores readers to listen to their bodies while staying active to the best of their abilities. Her melodious text combines with Littlebird’s vibrant artwork for a joyous read-aloud. Respectful, empathetic, and exuberant."— Kirkus Review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover 

A joyful exploration of a child’s loving relationship with the land that supports and nurtures her as she grows

You Are the Land is a vivid ode to belonging within a family, within a community, and within the natural world.

From the day she’s born, a child feels the love and power that come with being part of something bigger. She’s a new spring leaf, alive and growing, as strong as the ancient cedars and as radiant as the glittering night sky. She is one with the amazing forces of nature that surround and nurture her, and that she nurtures in return.

Through inspiring words and sweeping illustrations, renowned artist Steph Littlebird’s stunning debut celebrates our connection to the land and shows how we perfectly mirror its beauty and resilience.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 10.50" | Hardcover 

A powerful and hopeful ode to Indigenous children.

Indigenous. Native. On this land, you may roam.
Child of the sun, on this land, you are home.

Of the Sun is an uplifting and mighty poem that wraps the Indigenous children of the Americas in reassuring words filled with hope for a brighter future and reminders of their bond and importance to the land. Each page fills them with pride and awe of their cultural heritage and invites them to unite and inspire change in the world.

Paired with powerful art reflecting cultures of various Indigenous Nations and Tribes, the poem offers all readers a sense of the history and majesty of the land we live on and how we can better care for ourselves and the world when we recognize our connection to the land and to each other.

Written by Xelena González, poet and activist in the Native and Latinx communities, and an enrolled member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation. Bold illustrations by prominent Anishinaabe illustrator Emily Kewageshig depict landscapes across the Americas and children from many backgrounds
Endnotes provide more information on Native and Indigenous unity and activism in younger generations

Reviews
"Of The Sun is a loving homage to the Indigenous peoples of this land—both in González’s beautiful, lyrical poem and Kewageshig’s warm, vibrant Anishinaabe-styled artwork. A wonderful read aloud you must add to bookshelves at home, at school, and in community!" - Traci Sorell, award-winning author of We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga and At The Mountain’s Base

"A luminous song, poem, promise
of cultures and connection,
of kinship and caring,
for Indigenous children across the continent." - Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Jingle Dancer

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Subjects / Themes / Topics Included: Indigenous Peoples in the Americas; Poetry; Land Connection; Inuit Clothing; Traditional Hair Bun (tsiiyéél); Concheros Dance; Three Sisters; La Danza de la Flor de Piña; Smoke Dance; Jingle Dress Dance; Manoomin (Wild Rice); English Words from Indigenous Languages; Indigenous Farming Practices; Bison; Land Back Movement.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.75" | Hardcover

In 1921, Inupait seamstress Ada Blackjack joined a a group of four white men who wanted to establish a trading post on Wrangel Island in the freezing Arctic Ocean. The explorers were stranded on the island when their return ship was forced to turn back due to ice. Facing harsh conditions and dwindling food supplies, the men died one by one, but Ada remained. Find out how she alone managed to survive the disastrous expedition.

Reviews
"The lesser-known 1921 Wrangel Island Expedition is chronicled in this graphic novel.... The book begins by introducing its two key players: Ada Blackjack (a young Inuit single mother from Nome, Alaska) and Vilhjalmur Steffansson (an aging white explorer of Icelandic heritage). Steffansson was determined to establish a European colony on Wrangel Island, off the coast of Siberia. He assembled a five-man team of explorers, and Blackjack, desperate for money, joined them. While the writing is a bit stilted, the artwork makes the tale quite lively, especially once the expedition reaches the uninhabited island. Readers will become engrossed in the team’s efforts to survive and be impressed with how Blackjack proves herself the most capable person there; indeed, she’s the sole survivor. A map and additional information conclude."— Julia Smith, Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

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

Written by the award-winning, bestselling author of Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner (Nipmuck), this unforgettable, warmhearted picture book is for family and the friends who become family.

Piper feels grateful for visits with her relatives, especially for the time spent with her cousins in Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation during summer vacations, fishing on misty mornings and playing on firefly-filled evenings. Piper’s family lives a road trip away in Kansas City. So when a neighbor named Sumi moves in next door, Piper is excited to share her stories and seasons with a new friend.

The two are inseparable—until Piper’s family moves to another city. Their bond overcomes distance, and with time, Piper dreams up a plan to reunite with the people she loves most of all.

Reviews
"A familial narrative filled with longing, love, and the blessing of found sisterhood."— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A glowing tribute to family across distance and lineage." — Kirkus Reviews

"Reflections on family, found family, and how bonds are forged and kept are reassuringly wholesome...Quietly sweet and authentic." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover

How a young boy is raised by his grandfather on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. The book denotes various aspects of O'odham himdag (culture) and begins with a simple question that the boy asks his Hu'ul Ke:li (Grandfather) with a culturally relevant answer as to why they do the things they do during the day. Various activities include waking up early in the morning and asking why they do so - to daily chores and activities such as tending horses, working in the garden, hauling water, and gathering food/medicine in the desert.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5 by the publisher, but this book contains a lot of text and may be more suitable for older children.

This book includes many O'odham words, but it is not a dual-language book. A glossary is included.

This book is part of the Tohono O'odham series.

Subjects / Themes: Family, Daily Life, Health, Home, Culture

Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | colour illustrations | Hardcover

Grandmother, Why do we do the things we do?

How a young girl is raised by her grandmother on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. The book denotes various aspects of O'odham himdag (culture) and begins with waking up in the morning and then preparing for the day and engaging in several different responsibilities. Various daily chores and activities such as preparation of different food, basket weaving, pottery making, household chores and cultural undertakings are highlighted.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5 by the publisher, but this book contains a lot of text and may be more suitable for older children.

This book includes many O'odham words, but it is not a dual-language book. A glossary is included. O'odham is a Native American language spoken by several tribes in the American Southwest and Northern Sonoran Mexico. 

This book is part of the Tohono O'odham series.

Subjects / Themes: Daily Life, Home, Family, Community, Culture 

Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | colour illustrations | Hardcover

Sur une île au bord d’une mer vaste et agitée, Grand-mère m’enseigne le territoire. Nous recueillons des cadeaux de la terre. Des saumons du ruisseau, des œufs de hareng de l’océan et, dans la forêt, un monde de petits fruits ! Le bleuet, la framboise arctique et la chicoutai. L’airelle rouge, la fraise, la shépherdie et la camarine noire. Tout au long de l’année, nous attendons avec impatience la saison des petits fruits. Puis, nous préparons ensemble des tartes, des scones, de la marmelade, que nous partageons au fil des mois, pour nous rappeler la douce mélodie des petits fruits, qui reviendra bientôt.

Educator Information
Recommended for preschool to Grade 3.

This book is available in English: Berry Song

Additional Information
34 Pages 

Indigenous Peoples' Day is about celebrating! The second Monday in October is a day to honor Native American people, their histories, and cultures. People mark the day with food, dancing, and songs. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

Awards

• 2022 American Indian Library Association winner

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is about Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States.

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

Powwows are about dancing! Indigenous people in America come together at powwows to celebrate their culture and traditions with drumming, singing, and dancing. Together they remember their history and honor their ancestors. Dancers show off their best moves and fancy regalia in dances that tell stories or remember important moments in history. Lively photos and easy-to-read text help readers learn about contemporary powwow dances and traditions and their roots in the past. Readers will discover how Indigenous traditions honor the past and celebrate the present.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

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

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Sioux peoples.

The buffalo was the center of Sioux life. After hunting buffalo on horseback, the Sioux people would use every piece of the animal, making food, beds, clothing, storage boxes, and even sleds from the ribs! Discover how the Sioux people lived on the Great Plains with this accessible introduction. Learn about the Sioux creation story, life in the village as a kid, the importance of their feathered headdresses, and more.

This updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Sioux people of past and present. The back of the book includes a section on Sioux life today, proper names for all of the Sioux tribes, and an excerpt from the Lakota pipe ceremony.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.55" x 9.47" | Paperback

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Nez Perce peoples.

Did you know that the Nez Perce believed that humans had to seek a spirit helper to find their purpose in life through a vision? Learn about the Nez Perce’s creation story, history, belief, daily ways of living, introduction to the horse, and more in this accessible introduction.

Expertly reviewed by a member of the Nez Perce tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Nez Perce people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a letter from a member of the Nez Perce tribe and a section on modern life.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.5" x 9.5" | Paperback

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Hopi people.

Did you know that the Hopi people have always lived on three mesas, big flat-topped hills, in Arizona? This accessible nonfiction picture book introduces the Hopis’ creation story, history, beliefs, daily ways of life, and more. Learn about the Hopi secret societies, underground kivas, kachina masks, the snake dance, and more.

Expertly reviewed by members of the Hopi tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Hopi people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Seminoles people.

The Seminoles are known as “the people who never surrendered.” As White settlers continued to encroach on their land, the Seminoles moved farther and farther into the Florida Everglades and adapted to their new environment with their hard work and ingenuity. And after defending their land in three Seminole wars, they never signed a formal peace treaty with the United States.

This accessible nonfiction picture book introduces the Seminoles’ early history, daily way of life, ceremonies, and more. Learn how they adapted to the Florida Everglades and their unique cultural practices, like their flat roll hairstyle and the role of an ever-burning fire in the annual Green Corn Dance. This updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Seminole people of past and present. The back of the book includes a section on Seminole life today.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.55" x 9.47" | Paperback

I am not a costume.

Ayasha’s school is having a costume party and she is so excited!

But when Ayasha arrives at school and sees other students wearing fake regalia, she is confused and upset. She doesn’t understand why they think her culture is a costume. Ayasha turns to her family and together they come up with a way to teach her classmates about her culture and how to honor her people respectfully.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover 

Strong kinship, rich stories, and lasting traditions—that’s the Seneca Nation. In this engaging nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and practices that connect Seneca communities across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn how the Seneca people thrive today by safeguarding their language, maintaining customs, and honoring their heritage through ceremonies and council gatherings. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and stories—Seneca author Dr. Faye Lone offers young readers a window into the past, present, and future of this enduring culture.

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 

Time-honored values, majestic landscapes, and a resilient spirit—that's the Lakota Nation. In this insightful nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and heritage of Lakota communities across the Northern Plains. Explore how the Lakota people continue to thrive by preserving their language, practicing timeless traditions, and celebrating respected ceremonies, like the annual Sun Dance, which brings relatives together in community and prayer. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Lakota author Tracy Hauff introduces young learners to the past, present, and future of this vibrant culture.

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 

Spiritual ceremonies, powerful storytelling, and timeless wisdom—that’s the Navajo Nation. In this captivating nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and traditions that unify the Navajo Nation. Learn how the Navajo people continue to thrive in the Southwest by preserving their language, celebrating cultural practices, and participating in meaningful ceremonies, such as the Kinaaldá, a coming-of-age ritual for young women. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Navajo author Jennifer R. Denetdale shares valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this resilient culture.

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 

Spirited powwows, close family ties, and a deep connection to the land—that’s the Ojibwe Nation. In this captivating nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and customs that shape Ojibwe life across the Great Lakes region. Uncover how the Ojibwe people continue to thrive by preserving their language, celebrating traditions, and gathering at powwows, where drumming, dancing, and storytelling keep their culture alive. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Ojibwe author Kim Sigafus provides young learners with meaningful insights into the past, present, and future of this enduring culture.

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 

Colorful celebrations, ancient histories, and enduring customs—that’s the Inuit people. In this insightful nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and customs that connect Inuit communities across the vast Arctic landscape. Explore how the Inuit people thrive in Earth’s northernmost regions by honoring their language, preserving traditional ways of life, and gathering for celebrations, such as Kivgiq, a joyful festival of music, drumming, and dance. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and stories—Iñupiaq author Tia Tidwell offers young learners valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this remarkable culture.

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 

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 tender picture book about loss, intergenerational love and the power of family keepsakes, from acclaimed author Thomas King and for fans of Memory Jars.

After Nana passes away, Xavier, his mother and Comet the kitten all head up to Nana's attic to help clean it up.

At first, Xavier is a little nervous. Though there are no dragons up there, it looks like a dragon's cave — it's gloomy, dusty and full of cobwebs. But as Xavier explores the attic, he discovers all kinds of interesting things:

An old tricycle
Two monkeys made out of coconuts
A scrapbook full of photographs
A rocking horse with gold and red stars stuck to its neck

At the bottom of one box, Xavier finds a strange piece of fabric. It's thick, soft and green, and it makes his mother's eyes wet with memories.

As Xavier learns more about this keepsake, he discovers more about his family and himself in this gorgeous picture book about intergenerational love and the power of memory.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.81" x 11.25" | Hardcover 

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

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 

In Wôpanâak Seasons a young Wampanoag child takes readers on a seasonal journey through Aquinnah, on Neope, known as Martha’s Vineyard. Spring brings the return of wildlife; summer brings beach adventures and clambakes; fall is for harvesting cranberries and making jams; and winter features cozy gatherings and heartfelt traditions. Each season showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Wampanoag people. With striking illustrations and lyrical prose, this book is about an appreciation of the land and the joy the joy of coming together with our community all year round.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Additional Information
40 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Learn about the life and legacy of the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation! Wilma Mankiller's struggle for political change throughout her life will be sure to inspire readers in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Wilma Mankiller grew up immersed in the Cherokee community and culture of Oklahoma. When her family moved to San Francisco as part of the Indian Relocation Program, she had to quickly adjust to city life. Along the way, Wilma never lost her dedication to her people and their centuries-old traditions. She grew up to become a major political activist. From aiding the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969 to making history as the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985, Wilma never wavered in her support for her community. She spent her life fighting for the rights of Native Americans and inspires political activism to this day.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
112 pages | 5.31" x 7.62" | Paperback 

Twelve-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family are forced out of their home in Georgia by U.S. soldiers in May 1838. From the beginning of the forced move, Mary and her family are separated from her father. Facing horrors such as internment, violence, disease, and harsh weather, Mary perseveres and helps keep her family and friends together until they can reach the new Cherokee nation in Indian Territory. Featuring nonfiction support material, a glossary, and reader response questions, this  story explores the tragedy of forced removals following the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Reviews
"Highly Recommended. Andrea L. Rogers is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Her book, Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story came out on February 1, 2020. I've read it and I've followed conversations about it amongst citizens of the Cherokee Nation and am hoping for a review from a professor, soon. In the meantime, I want to make sure people order it for their children, or their classroom, or their library." — Dr. Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature

"When kids need reassurance in tough times (like now, for instance), we often point them to examples from the past, to moments of resilience and courage. Mary and the Trail of Tears is ideal for that. The book was lovingly crafted by Cherokee author, mama and educator Andrea L. Rogers. It’s a window to the forced relocation of Cherokee people from what’s currently called Georgia to Indian Territory. But more than that, the story offers an opportunity for kids to really get to know and care about Mary and her family, to relate to the Cherokees of their era as human beings. (For ages 8 to 12)"— NPR's Book Concierge Best Books of 2020, Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Hearts Unbroken

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
112 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | 10 Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

A Lakota child spends a summer with grandparents at their home on the Rosebud Reservation in this young chapter book, illustrated in full-color.

This charming chapter book follows a present-day Lakota child connecting with extended family, embracing new experiences, and growing up along the way.

When Eddie’s parents drive from the Black Hills to the Dakota plains to drop him off with Grandpa and Grandma High Elk, Eddie aches all over at the thought of being away from Mom and Dad for the first time.

But quickly, Eddie’s stay on the Rosebud Reservation becomes a summer that he’ll never forget as he spends his days riding horses, fishing, helping Grandma in her garden, and playing with the toy bone horses that his grandfather gave him. When his grandfather is hurt and needs medical attention, Eddie steps up and helps him get the care he needs.

Reviews
"Sneve (Rosebud Sioux) crafts a gentle chapter book tale of an Indigenous youth immersing himself in his heritage and learning from his elders. Seamlessly layered plotting builds to a captivating climax, and vivid colored pencil and digitally enhanced drawings with block print textures by Littlebird (Oregon Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) inject warmth throughout." — Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Additional Information
64 pages | 6.00" x 8.25" | full-color and two-color illustrations throughout | Hardcover 

Elevate your spirit and let your soul sing with I Am the Sun, a sweeping picture book portraying modern Native American values, history, traditions, and struggles.

In this moving tale about present-day life for many Native Americans, breathtaking art and poignant prose tell of the hardships, the triumphs, and the resilience of a mighty people: the Diné (the Navajo).

They raise sheep. They craft stunning jewelry. They weave vibrant rugs. Still many are without running water or electricity, and their stories and past remain forgotten to nearly all but themselves. I Am the Sun is that story, capturing in picture and word the joy and endurance of a people who love their history, family, language, art, food, dance, and land—and who hope patiently for a day when the sun will rise even brighter.

Written by Janessa Parker, whose Navajo father grew up on the reservation, and illustrated by Navajo illustrator Beverly Blacksheep, I Am the Sun is a groundbreaking book to bring about understanding and harmony between all people.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Includes some Navajo words and phrases. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover 

An affirming, heartfelt picture book about a Native American boy proudly growing out his hair and basking in the knowledge that braids are beautiful.

Each morning, Dad brushes the knots from his son’s long hair to braid it. The boy winces at the tugging, and at school he's teased for his braid. But he remembers the stories of how his father and grandpa were forced to cut their hair and forbidden from practicing their traditions when they were young, and how they fought to make it possible for him to wear his hair long. Although it can hurt, having long hair ultimately makes him feel brave and strong.

This powerful picture book by author-illustrator Weshoyot Alvitre examines the traumatic history of colonization and reclaims Native pride in long hair, delivering a tender father-son story that's perfect for fans of Hair Love and Love in the Library.

Reviews
“A young boy has been growing out his hair in order to wear it in brave braids…Alvitre's (Tongva) illustrations feature bold lines and soft colors, showing how bravery can take on many forms…An excellent title for classrooms, libraries, and at-home reading.” — Booklist

"A tender tale woven with themes of resilience, courage, and love for Indigenous men." — Kirkus

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.42" x 11.31" | Hardcover 

There’s no “brave” without “afraid”! Jo Jo is back to face her fears, in her own special way, in the fifth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series.

Spunky Ojibwe first-grader Jo Jo Makoons knows a lot about bravery and boldness. Her cat, Mimi, is very brave when she tries new foods, and Teacher is very bold when he wears his ugly ties to school.

When Jo Jo is invited to her very first friend sleepover, it’s her turn to be courageous! Only she’s not quite sure how. Especially when scary puppets and dolls hide around every corner…

Full of spooky fun and after-school mischief, Jo Jo Makoons celebrates an Ojibwe girl with a big heart who finds her courage through the people she loves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

This is the fifth book in the Jo Jo Makoons series.

The first book in this acclaimed chapter book series was an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; a best book of the year from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, American Indians in Children's Literature, and the Chicago Public Library; a Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book; and a Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices selection.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.12" x 7.62" | Paperback

Perfect for fans of The Marrow Thieves, Hatchet and The City of Ember, H.E. Edgmon's middle grade debut offers a bittersweet tale of hope and survival, a modern classic for the climate change generation.

One year ago, a solar flare scorched the Earth and destroyed life as we know it.

With their parents gone and supplies running dangerously low, step-sisters Millie and Rose only have one chance at survival: leave home with their infant half-brother and loyal dog Corncob in search of Millie’s grandma, a Seminole elder. As they navigate the burning land with a group of fellow survivors, dodging The Hive, a villainous group that has spent the last year hoarding supplies and living in luxury, the siblings have to learn to rely on each other more than ever, and discover how to build a new life from the ashes.

Expertly balancing heartbreak and hope, The Flicker is both a thrilling survival story and a tender exploration of Indigenous ideas of identity and found family.

Reviews
"Edgmon’s middle grade debut is a dystopian, anti-capitalist, Indigenous, gender nonconforming love letter to tweens . . . The writing is engaging, the plot is lively, and the social dynamics are believable, even when presenting lessons. Edgmon doesn’t pull any punches with this book . . . Through a story with some genuinely frightening moments, Edgmon helps readers explore identity. After all, who are we after all the systems we’ve used to define ourselves crumble?" —School Library Journal, starred review

"Incisive worldbuilding surrounding the climate collapse makes this middle grade debut a simultaneously cautionary tale and dystopian adventure in which Edgmon showcases the unflagging power of community in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
288 pages | 5.13" x 7.62" | Paperback 

In The Raven Calls, we meet Raven, a young girl deeply connected to her roots and the natural beauty of Vashon Island. Raven's journey is intertwined with the ancient wisdom of a cedar tree, which becomes her guide, sharing stories and teachings that connect her—and young readers—to the land, its creatures, and her people's history.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 14.

Additional Information
110 pages | 5.00" x 8.00" | Paperback 

A graphic novel for children ages 7 to 10. Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Additional Information
42 Pages | 6.5o" x 8.10 | Library Binding 
 

A baby girl is welcomed to the breathing world by generations of her family and set on the magnificent journey of becoming. As she grows, she is reminded of her connections to the natural world; to her family, her ancestors, her neighbors; to the source of all magic and sorrow—and of her responsibility to uphold and honor those connections.

With US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s transcendent verse and Pura Belpré Award winner Adriana Garcia’s monumental illustrations, For a Girl Becoming acts as a blessing and a harbinger for a young girl’s life—and reminds those of us who still stand at the door of becoming that it is our relationships with nature and with each other that carry us through it.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 12.00" | Hardcover