Indigenous Peoples in the United States

A middle-grade novel by James Bird about homelessness and hope.

When home is a car, life is unpredictable. School, friends, and three meals a day aren't guaranteed. Not every town has a shelter where a family can sleep for a night or two, and places with parking lots don't welcome overnight stays.

Opin, his brother Emjay, and their mother are trying to get to Los Angeles, where they hope an uncle and a new life are waiting. Emjay has taken to disappearing for days, slowing down the family's progress and adding to their worry.

Then Opin finds a stray dog who needs him as much as he needs her, and his longing for a stable home intensifies, as his brother's reckless ways hit a new high. Opin makes a new friend in the shelter, but shelters don’t allow dogs…

Will anything other than a real home ever be enough?

Reviews
"Author Bird crafts this deeply felt ode to familial love with authoritative prose.... Opin's palpable fears, joys, and unrelenting hope buoy this tale of resilience." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"James Bird, who has been homeless and is of Ojibwe descent, writes with rare authority, insight, and compassion that invites deep empathy from readers. He has done a beautiful job of creating an unforgettable family, who, as Inde says, “may be broke, but we’re not broken.” -- Booklist, starred review

"Bird seamlessly weaves in historical events, like the government’s distribution of smallpox-infested blankets to kill Native people, while telling a story of admirable resilience. A thought-provoking story of one boy playing his own game of life. (song list, Ojibwe glossary, author’s note)." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

Subjects / Themes: Poverty, Homelessness, Pets, Pet Adoption, Ojibwe.

Includes some Ojibwe words and a glossary.

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

A living legend roosting in the backyard. An unmissable game. A hair-raising mystery. A road trip full of adventure and danger. And all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation.

Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since the Robertses moved in with the Halfmoons. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree.

A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out.

Together, they all set off on a road trip—facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery—on the way to the historic game.

With loving care and boisterous humor, acclaimed author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) tells a modern folklore story about friendship, embracing the unexpected, and all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation.

Reviews
"A unique and noteworthy tale that weaves together past and present with humor through stellar, multilayered writing." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Cynthia Leitich Smith incorporates the traditional Muscogee story of the ball game between the Animals and the Birds, and legendary Great-Grandfather Bat, into her novel about modern-day Indigenous characters. Though it nods to the traditional tale, this is an all-new story set in a world that young readers will recognize.

Some of the characters in this work are introduced in other books by the author. Ray and Grampa Halfmoon were first depicted in Indian Shoes. Mel was introduced in a short story in Ancestor Approved. And, the story of Bat is mentioned in the picture book Jingle Dancer. Though this new story stands alone, readers may recognize the characters they already have relationships with that will make the story feel even richer. 

Keywords/Themes/Subjects: Family and Community; Blended Family; Mystery; Animals.

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

In this board book by best-selling Native author Traci Sorell, discover colors, sounds, and counting from one to ten on powwow day!

This eye-catching, interactive board book is sure to keep toddlers engaged. Count one through ten as you make your way through the day of the powwow, looking for colors, family members, jingle dresses, musical instruments, and tribal citizens in this introduction to a traditional Native event.

An award-winning children's picture book adapted to be ready for little listeners in a warm and vibrant board book edition.

Reviews
"A colorful counting book engages children to identify the different visual elements that occur on powwow day. From the car that vrooms to the shaking shiny jingle cones, the exciting expressions catch more beyond the eye. The rainbow palette is shown off in organic and youthful design work. Every number from one to ten has a corresponding color, attached to a powwow day element. Readers can identify and count these elements, from the gray feathers on regalia to the bright moccasins. VERDICT This delightful picture book allows Indigenous children to connect with and feel pride in the abundance of powwow participation, and gives all readers a great counting book full of cultural imagery."—School Library Journal, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

Additional Information
20 pages | 5.88" x 5.88" | Board Book 

With lyrical verse and powerful emotion, Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) tells the story of urban Native kids who find strength in connection with those who came before and in the hope that lets them take flight.

Ariel and Tomah have lived in the city’s intertribal housing complex all their lives. But for both of them, this Dagwaagin (Autumn) season is different than any before.

From his bench outside the front door of his building, Tomah watches his community move around him. He is better at making people laugh than he is at schoolwork, but often it feels like his neighbor Ariel is the only one who really sees him, even in her sadness.

Ariel has always danced ballet because of her Auntie Bineshiinh and loves the way dance makes her feet hover above the ground like a bird. But ever since Auntie went missing, Ariel’s dancing doesn’t feel like flying.

As the seasons change and the cold of winter gives way to spring’s promise, Ariel and Tomah begin to change too as they learn to share the rhythms and stories they carry within themselves.

This first middle-grade novel by Dawn Quigley is a tour de force. She is known for her American Indian Youth Literature Award–winning Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series and young adult novel Apple in the Middle.

Give Red Bird Danced to readers who love Jasmine Warga and Christine Day!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

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

Orginating from Florida, the Seminole nation has a deep history in North America. Discover more about the Seminole nation, their traditions and story.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Indigenous Nations in North America series.

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

Shane works with her mother and their ghost dogs, tracking down missing persons even when their families can’t afford to pay. Their own family was displaced from their traditional home years ago following a devastating flood – and the loss of Shane’s father and her grandparents. They don’t think they’ll ever get their home back.

Then Shane’s mother and a local boy go missing, after a strange interaction with a fairy ring. Shane, her brother, her friends, and her lone, surviving grandparent – who isn’t to be trusted – set off on the road to find them. But they may not be anywhere in this world – or this place in time.

Nevertheless, Shane is going to find them.

Darcie Little Badger’s Elatsoe launched her career and in the years since has become a beloved favorite. This prequel to Elatsoe, centered on Ellie’s grandmother, deepens and expands Darcie’s one-of-a-kind world and introduces us to another cast of characters that will wend their way around readers’ hearts.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

This book is part of the Elatsoe series.

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

"Stealing Little Moon is both a moving family saga and an expertly told true story that all Americans should know." —Steve Sheinkin, New York Times bestselling author of Bomb and Undefeated

Little Moon There Are No Stars Tonight was four years old when armed federal agents showed up at her home and took her from her family. Under the authority of the government, she was sent away to a boarding school specifically created to strip her of her Ponca culture and teach her the ways of white society. Little Moon was one of thousands of Indigenous children forced to attend these schools across America and give up everything they'd ever known: family, friends, toys, clothing, food, customs, even their language. She would be the first of four generations of her family who would go to the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School.

Dan SaSuWeh Jones chronicles his family's time at Chilocco--starting with his grandmother Little Moon's arrival when the school first opened and ending with him working on the maintenance crew when the school shut down nearly one hundred years later. Together with the voices of students from other schools, both those who died and those who survived, Dan brings to light the lasting legacy of the boarding school era.

Part American history, part family history, Stealing Little Moon is a powerful look at the miseducation and the mistreatment of Indigenous kids, while celebrating their strength, resiliency, and courage--and the ultimate failure of the United States government to erase them.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

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

“Noozhishenh, bimadiziwin,” Nookomis says. “My granddaughter, live a good life.”

An Ojibwe grandmother carefully measures and selects just the right colors of fabric, and her sewing machine hums whirr, whirr, whirr late into the night.

In the morning, her growing granddaughter has a beautiful new ribbon skirt to wear, a reminder of her nookomis and the cultural traditions that stitch together her family with love.

This heartwarming story by Marcie Rendon (Ojibwe), with stunning illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Ojibwe), celebrates the power of Indigenous craft and community and weaves together the spirit of resilience, female empowerment, and gratitude for the generations that came before us.

Reviews
A radiant and joyful glimpse at an important Native tradition."  — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Tradition and love are the core of this picture book...Ojibwe language is seamlessly woven into the dialogue. The digital art fully saturates the pages, layering textures and colors much like the ribbon skirts, and the palette is buoyant and bright, exuding a celebratory feel." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Book"s

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Detailed text perfect for read-alouds.

Backmatter includes a glossary of Ojibwa terms, more information on ribbon skirts, including history and significance, and infromation about manoomin (wild rice).

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

An Indigenous boy invites new friends to share in beloved traditions as he celebrates the joy of summer and his love for Earth and Creator in this picture book that revels in the warmth, light, and fun of the longest days of the year.

Bo, a proud Potawatomi boy, is excited to enjoy long summer days tending his garden, walking his dog, and playing in the river with his big sister, Dani. When he discovers that his family's favorite spot has been polluted with garbage, Bo realizes that caring for Earth is part of what makes summer special. And when he overcomes his shyness and invites others to join in, he discovers that summer's magic has even more surprises in store.

“Bo is short for saying Bodewadmi ndaw, which is ‘I am Potawatomi’ in our language. Bo is a celebration of Anishinaabe culture, from the way he wears his hair in a traditional braid to the way he shares the magic of summer and honors Earth by caring for her as she cares for us.”—Kaitlin B. Curtice

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 8.50" | Hardcover

Tana's class is having a party for Valentine's Day! Tana and her friends Lola and Ana are busy making plans. They will wear matching outfits and give all their classmates a small gift. The only problem? Tana doesn't know what to give out as a Valentine. She is stuck! What kind of surprise will Tana cook up?

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 

Tana is looking forward to hosting her great uncle Charles at her school's Veterans Day celebration. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, and she wants to make sure he feels honored. But when teachers and students become sick with a virus, Tana worries the celebration will be cancelled. Is there anything Tana can do to help?

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 

After a happy day of handing out thank-you treats to the teachers at school, Tana realizes she's made a mistake. All the school workers deserve thanks, and Tana has a plan to make sure the custodian and lunchroom workers feel appreciated too. Best of all, she is going to get help from Leo, the new boy at school.

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 

It's time for the second-grade school play, and everyone gets a part! There's just one problem. Tana's good friend Ana is nervous about auditioning. As Tana looks for ways to help her friend, she cooks to show that she cares. Will she find the winning recipe to keeping Ana calm and confident?

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 

The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Key to the Cherokee Language reintroduces adults as well as children to their language once again. The introduction and pronunciation key aid in understanding the beautifully illustrated syllabary characters. Accompanying each illustration is a Cherokee word that contains the Cherokee syllabary character, the Cherokee sounds of each syllabary character in the word, the word in English and a row of syllabary characters with sound of each below. Young children will be enchanted by the delightful illustrations. The concept for the illustrations was influenced by medieval illuminated manuscripts. The book is a valuable educational resource for schools and libraries that adds multicultural diversity to their classrooms and collections.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8, but anyone learning the Cherokee language could find this useful.

Includes an Understanding the Text page, nothing that the Cherokee alphabet isn't an alphabet but a syllabary (each Cherokee character represents a complete syllable) and explaining more about the information in the book.

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

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