Lakota

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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 

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 

Un plan de lecon de l'enseignant pour approfondir le livre, La septième direction. Peut inclure des questions de compréhension, des activités de groupe, des amorces de conversation, des quiz, des activités d’arts du langage et des pages à colorier. Dans cette légende éclairante que nous raconte l’Aîné lakota Kevin Locke, Wak?á? T?á?ka (le Grand Esprit) a créé le monde entier en sept jours, gardant la création la plus précieuse pour la fin. Pour protéger cette précieuse création, Wak?á? T?á?ka devait la cacher dans un endroit où elle serait toujours en sécurité et a demandé à nos parents animaux de l’aider. Ensemble, ils ont trouvé l’endroit parfait. Quel endroit ont-ils choisi?

Educator Information
Recommended for use with students ages 7 to 10.

Find the student resource in French here: La septième direction: une légende de la création 

This lesson plan is available in English: The Seventh Direction Teacher Lesson Plan.

Additional Information
25 pages | 8.15" x 9.53" | Paper Packet 

A teacher lesson plan that accompanies the book, The Seventh Direction. Includes comprehension questions, group activities, colouring pages, and more. In this enlightening legend shared by Lakota Elder Kevin Locke, Wakhan Thanka  (The Great Spirit) created the entire world in seven days; leaving the most precious creation for last. In order to protect this precious creation, Wakhan Thanka needed to hide it where it would always be safe and turned to our animal relatives for help. Together, they found the perfect place. Do you know where they chose?

Educator Information
This lesson plan accompanies the book The Seventh Direction: A Legend of Creation.

This lesson plan is available in French: La septième direction Plan de cours 

Additional Information
12 pages | 8.75" x 11.00" | Paper Packet 

In this enlightening legend shared by Lakota Elder Kevin Locke, Wakhan Thanka (The Great Spirit) created the entire world in seven days; leaving the most precious creation for last. In order to protect this precious creation, Wakhan Thanka needed to hide it where it would always be safe and turned to our animal relatives for help. Together, they found the perfect place. Do you know where they chose?

Awards

• Gold IPPA Book Award Winner (First Nations/Indigenous Communities category)

Reviews
"Fully immersive and thought-provoking, Locke's sage picture book will appeal to visionary younger readers who can grasp the teaching that humans must rediscover their link to the natural world, to "be a good relative, not just to the two-leggeds, but to all of creation" - a timely message." - Publishers Weekly

"...full of vivid color and imagery. A stirring tale of creation that will capture readers' attention. A good purchase for picture book collections." - School Library Journal Reviews (March 2024)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

A teacher lesson plan is available for this book: The Seventh Direction Teacher Lesson Plan.

This book is available in French: La septième direction: une légende de la création 

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.76" x 11.03" | Hardcover

Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, here is a dramatic and inspiring autobiographical tale of overcoming odds by Native American gold medalist Billy Mills, with stunning illustrations by acclaimed Lakota artist SD Nelson.

Billy Mills was once an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. But before his father was called to the ancestors, he told Billy how to conquer his suffering: You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.

Despite poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, Billy raced toward his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete, inspired by his indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. Though at times he felt like his wings were clipped—a lone bird falling from the sky—he adapted and overcame, finally earning his place at the 1964 Olympics.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This autobiographical tale of Billy Mills’s awe-inspiring flight to a record-breaking gold medal, breathtakingly illustrated by award-winning Lakota artist SD Nelson, is a soaring testament to Billy’s legacy and the Lakota prayer: we are all related.

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

A hunter needs to find food for his hungry children, but when he finds a nest of eaglets, will he be able to make them into soup?

The hunter was tired of only finding berries and seeds to feed his hungry village, so he decided to look far and wide for some meat to bring to them. When he spotted a tall tree, he climbed to the top and discovered a nest with three eaglets. "What a tasty soup the three little birds will make!" thought the hunter.

Hearing the warning cries of the eaglets, Father Eagle flew to their rescue. Father Eagle told the hunter that if he did not take the eaglets, he would ask the Great Spirit to help the village.

The hunter decided to trust Father Eagle and watched him soar high into the sky. Father Eagle returned and told the hunter that the Great Spirit would help his people and would not let his village perish.

From that day forward, the game was plentiful, the people flourished, and the Eagle was forever respected and honored.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional information
40 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | Paperback