Browse Books for Kids

Jenny's Concrete Powwow tells the story of a young Indigenous girl that attends her very first Powwow. Jenny doesn't want to go because she would much rather be home in the city with her friends, but once she arrives at the reserve, she begins to feel a deep-rooted connection to nature, the Powwow, and the community. The next day, Jenny realizes that while the city is busy and full of people, she does not feel that same connection. She spots a crow flying down the street and follows it to the park, where she is inspired to find that same spark of cultural connection she felt at the Powwow within herself.

This unique and beautifully illustrated book addresses the challenges of urban Indigenous experience, validates the feeling of cultural identity disconnect, and considers ways to regain that connection. Through the beauty, joy, and spirit of powwows, Jenny demonstrates how children can take action to reclaim their Indigenous identity and pride.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11" x 8.5" | Hardcover 

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life, work, and impact of astronaut John Herrington. The book also includes a "Topic Spotlight" special feature, several "Did You Know" facts, a table of contents, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Biographies series. 

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

Aux yeux de Jessie et Johnny, leur amitié est simple.

Jessie et Johnny sont inséparables depuis que Jessie est déménagée dans leur petite ville insulaire, au cours des vacances d’été. Mais alors qu’ils débutent ensemble leur quatrième année, l’année scolaire s’annonce mouvementée, quand des pressions de l’extérieur et des différences dans leur vie familiale viennent menacer leur amitié. Jessie mène une vie confortable et n’a jamais à s’inquiéter d’argent, tandis que Johnny vit avec son père et sa belle-mère dans la réserve en dehors de la ville. Grâce aux conseils de Corbeau et de leur professeur spirituel, Steven, les deux amis comblent les lacunes entre eux et apprennent à compter l’un sur l’autre, malgré leurs soucis familiaux et leurs différences culturelles.

Également disponible sous le titre Two Tricksters Find Friendship en anglais.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in English: Two Tricksters Find Friendship.

Additional Information
104 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | Paperback 

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life, work, and impact of poet Joy Harjo. The book also includes a "Topic Spotlight" special feature, several "Did You Know" facts, a table of contents, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Biographies series. 

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

Chaque personne est liée. Qu’il s’agisse de vos relations familiales, du contact de vos pieds avec le sol ou des conseils bienveillants de vos ancêtres, vous avez des liens avec tout ce qui vous entoure. Sur fond d’époustouflants paysages de Haida Gwaii, la conteuse Kung Jaadee vous invite à découvrir les nombreux liens qui nous unissent à travers le temps et l’espace. Quels sont vos liens?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

This book is available in English: I am Connected.

Additional Information
28 pages | 1.40" x 2.40" | 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

Sam has always dreamed about being an orca, while Crystal discovers she hopes to grow up and study orcas as a marine biologist. When the siblings head to the Pacific coast to visit their aunt and uncle, they are in for a treat! Aunt Kate is a marine biologist, and she has all kinds of interesting facts to share about the Resident orca pods.

Sam and Crystal learn about the different populations of orcas and their food sources, attend the Save the Salish Sea Festival with an Indigenous woman, and have their own incredible adventure with an orca pod. They come away with a new understanding about the role they play in protecting our animal friends and what it will take to ensure that the orca pods have their own vibrant, beautiful future.

Join an Orca Family with Sam and Crystal is the fourth book in the Sam and Crystal series. It weaves a wealth of factual information about the orcas of the Pacific Northwest Coast with an entertaining story and beautiful, whimsical, biologically accurate illustrations. Children will learn basic ecology concepts while exploring the Pacific coastline right alongside Sam and Crystal.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 11 and under.

This book is part of the Explore with Sam and Crystal Series.

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

It is good to follow the rules. But there are just so many! In this fourth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series, Jo Jo’s talents may not quite include following her substitute teacher’s rules…

Jo Jo and her classmates are excited that the Elders’ Tribal Center has changed the rules for the talent show to invite the whole tribe to perform. But the rules have also changed in Jo Jo’s classroom, where instead of their teacher, they have a substitute. Since Jo Jo has a knack for being helpful, she puts her mind to helping her classmates decide on their talents—but can she manage to follow the substitute teacher’s rules?

Even if no one else quite understands Jo Jo’s own rules (like that saying “please” makes words softer and fluffier to hear and that square foods are too pointy to be yummy), her undeniable talents for celebrating, curiosity, and class keep her happily hop-skipping in step with her Ojibwe community.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

This is the fourth 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
96 pages | 5.12" x 7.62" | Paperback

Oh, snow day, snow day, what a very fun no-school day! Jo Jo Makoons is back in the third book in this favorite chapter book series, and she’s planning the very best version of the winter Olympics that her Ojibwe community has ever seen…

Jo Jo Makoons has noticed that the family members she loves most—Mama, Kokum, and even her cat, Mimi—all have their own ways of being healthy. So when Teacher says that their class will be learning about healthy habits, Jo Jo is ready to be neighborly by helping everyone around her be healthy too.

After a snowstorm shuts down her Ojibwe reservation, Jo Jo uses her big imagination and big personality to help both Elders and classmates alike. Because after all, being healthy means being together!

With her signature heart and hilarity, in this third book in her chapter book series, Jo Jo Makoons shows care for her community as only this vibrant young girl can.

Reviews
"When school is canceled due to a snowstorm, Jo Jo proposes that she and her classmates hold their own “winner” Olympics and invite Elders to participate, too. What unfolds are the Ojibwe Olympics, complete with lip-pointing races and round-dancing, and Jo Jo learns that being in community is an important part of being healthy. This third book in Quigley’s (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) series is a charmer, with the spunky, bighearted protagonist continuing to raise laughs and inspire. Readers will be enchanted by Jo Jo’s voice and Audibert’s (of Wolastoqey and French heritage) cute, cartoon-style illustrations, rendered in grayscale. Ojibwe values are woven deftly into the fabric of the story. A glossary of the Ojibwe and Michif words enhances the reading experience. Jo Jo’s classmates are diverse in the artwork.An absolute delight." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

This is the third 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
96 pages | 5.12" x 7.62" | Paperback

Johnny Eagle and The Seven Teachings is a story about Love. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance—and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma.

Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, “Let me try,” Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful.

Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma.

And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma.

Educator Information
Features an author’s note and glossary.

Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Message émouvant de l’autrice autochtone primée Monique Gray Smith au sujet de tous les espoirs que les adultes nourrissent pour les enfants de leur vie.

Nous nourrissons pour nos jeunes des espoirs immenses. Nous voulons qu’ils et elles s’épanouissent et puissent profiter de toutes les expériences que la vie leur offre, mais nous tenons aussi à les protéger. Dans des mots simples, mais évocateurs, Monique Gray Smith nous communique un message touchant sur l’importance d’aimer nos enfants, d’en prendre soin et de faire ce qu’il y a de mieux pour les soutenir. Illuminé par les illustrations chaleureuses de Gabrielle Grimard, le texte de J’espère trouvera un écho chez les parents, les grands-parents et toutes les personnes qui s’occupent des jeunes.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 5.

This book is available in a dual-language format of English and Plains Cree: I Hope / nipakoseyimon.

This book is available in English: I Hope

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

Jellies in the belly. Swim far sea turtle, swim far . . .

Join Lally the leatherback sea turtle from her birth on a tropical beach to her long migration north and then back again. During her journey, the sea turtle protects fish populations by feeding on jellyfish.

During Lally’s journey we learn about the dangers facing sea turtles, many of which are created by people. But we are also reminded of how amazing and special sea turtles are.

The story includes a step-by-step instructional guide for children to create their own ink and watercolour leatherback images to enhance learning, creativity, and fun.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

About the Artwork
The permanent ink and watercolour illustrations reflect the life cycle of an endangered leatherback sea turtle. They are intentionally created to inspire young readers to show their understanding and create their own art after reading.

A perfect companion to the author's book A Salmon's Sky View.

Additional Information
40 pages | 5.91" x 9.06" | 16 painting of sea turtles and their habitat | Hardcover 

Filled with lots of glitter, raised pinkies, and humorous misunderstandings, this second book in the Jo Jo Makoons series—written by Dawn Quigley and illustrated by Tara Audibert—is filled with the joy of a young Ojibwe girl discovering her very own special shine from the inside out.

First grader Jo Jo Makoons knows how to do a lot of things, like how to play jump rope, how to hide her peas in her milk, and how to be helpful in her classroom.

But there’s one thing Jo Jo doesn’t know how to do: be fancy. She has a lot to learn before her Aunt Annie’s wedding!

Favorite purple unicorn notebook in hand, Jo Jo starts exploring her Ojibwe community to find ways to be fancy.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

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

The Heartdrum imprint centers a wide range of intertribal voices, visions, and stories while welcoming all young readers, with an emphasis on the present and future of Indian Country and on the strength of young Native heroes. In partnership with We Need Diverse Books.

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

Jerleen Sullivan Anderson from Norway House Cree Nation shares the story of her brother Jordan River Anderson and their Mom Virgina Anderson in her book Jordan and Mom.

Jerleen writes this book so that we can remember Jordan and the way he was treated as a First Nations child, with his serious health condition, by the governments of Manitoba and Canada. It is a book for us to learn and understand how Jordan’s Principle came about and that Jordan had a Mom and family who loved him dearly.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this picture book for grades seven, eight, and nine.

Keywords / Themes: Jordan's Principle; Health; Family.

Additional Information
24 Pages | Paperback