Indigenous Peoples in the United States

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Features author and illustrator notes, historical references, a glossary, and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.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

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 

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

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 beautiful board book that introduces toddlers and young children to the Cherokee syllabary. The thirteen colorful illustrations draw children into the picture on every page. The object in each picture is named in Cherokee, along with the Cherokee pronunciation of the word, and the name of the object in English.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under.

The object in each picture is named in Cherokee, along with the Cherokee pronunciation of the word, and the name of the object in English.

Additional Information
16 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Board Book 

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 

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 

A joyful and vibrant celebration of what makes aunties so special, from Indigenous author and illustrator team Laurel Goodluck and Steph Littlebird inviting all kids to connect with the fierce aunties in their lives.

Who do you go to for advice and support? Or when you want an adventure and a little extra courage? Or when you need to find that warrior spirit inside you? Fierce aunties!

Aunties come in different shapes, sizes, and ages. They all have different laughs, skills, and stories. They might be your parents’ sisters, your older cousins, or even family friends. But there’s something they all have in common: They’re fierce, they love you, and they’ll help make everything better.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

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

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 

"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 

Grandmother Moon is lonely in the night sky. When she stops in her journey to hear Brother Mountain's stories, she also stops the sun from rising, the animals from sleeping, and more! This causes the Creator to intervene, but how can Grandmother Moon's loneliness be solved while ensuring the sky moves from night to day?

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 and under.

Additional Information
36 Pages | 8.25" x 8.25" | Hardcover 

Long ago, when the buzzards were keepers of the fire, they were very stingy. On a frigid winter night Rabbit was freezing, he pleaded with the buzzards to share the warmth of their fire. The buzzards refused, yelling "This is our fire!" The playful Northwest Wind saw rabbit hopping slowly away, it decided to play tricks on Rabbit to make him even colder. Rabbit realized that If he wanted to get warm, and share the warmth with the other animals, he must come up with a clever plan.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 2 and under.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

With simple, lyrical text and vibrant panoramic illustrations, this picture book explores the beauty and resources of thirteen ancestral Indigenous lands and how we all use those lands each day. Simple poetry and portrayals of children and families enjoying rivers, bike paths, beaches, and parks show how everyday activities can include honoring Indigenous nations and cultures.

Author Katrina Phillips (Ojibwe citizen) and illustrator Sam Zimmerman (Ojibwe direct descendant) together have crafted a loving tribute that gently demonstrates recognition and acknowledgement of the nations of people who first called these lands home.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 9.

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

For young readers, an inspiring story about a river, a successful Native-led movement for environmental justice, and the making of a scientist.

Growing up in the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, Brook Thompson learned to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family. She knew that along the Klamath River in Northern California, salmon and lampreys are a needed part of life. But she also saw how these fish were in danger. People had built dams along the Klamath River, making it very hard for salmon and lampreys to live. Tribal people and their friends organized to have four of the dams removed, and they won. In I Love Salmon and Lampreys, Thompson tells this inspiring tale, and she shares how it motivated her to become a scientist. Featuring adorable illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska, as well as fun facts about salmon and lampreys, this is a stirring story about stewarding nature for the generations to come.

Reviews
"[Brook Thompson] compares these salmon transitions to her own life, sharing how she left her family to go out to university to learn how to protect salmon and lampreys and then came home to fight for conservation rights as an engineer and scientist. Maps, back matter, and fun facts enhance this satisfying, engaging story." —Booklist

"A powerful story about protesting for positive changes that protect the environment." —Kids Bookshelf

"The book not only celebrates the resilience of the Klamath River and its inhabitants but also highlights the profound impact of environmental justice on the lives of individuals and communities. It is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come." —Mama Likes This

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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