Browse Books for Kids

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Biographies series. 

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

This adventurous historical novel by bestselling author Carole Lindstrom offers readers a dramatic portrayal of a young Métis girl who takes a stand to protect her way of life.

Rose, her family, and the Métis people have lived on the land for generations. She spends afternoons tracking rabbits and gathering roots with her best friend, Ambroise, and her little sister, Delia. She loves to watch the ferry arrive, delivering goods and the latest news to their remote community.

But then Rose's parents start speaking in hushed tones, discussing whether they should “join the Resistance.” When she learns that the government wants to push the Métis off their land again, Rose feels angry. This is the home they love--and the land they tend to with care and respect. Determined to help preserve their way of life, Rose sets out on an adventure that will test her bravery more than she ever expected.

Set amid the Northwest Resistance of 1885, where the Métis people fought to defend the land, this powerful historical tale by New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom illuminates the often forgotten side of life on the prairie.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

Additional Information
224 pages | 5.51" x 8.25" | Hardcover 

A joyous celebration of gender expression through an Indigenous lens, by New York Times bestselling author Tasha Spillett and Ojibwe elder Daniel Ramirez

Raven loves round dances. The drums sing to the people, and the people dance to their songs. Raven especially loves dancing with his grandma, sidestepping to the rhythm of the drums. His favourite part of all is watching the ribbon skirts swirl like rainbows.

"Nohkum, do you think a boy could wear a ribbon skirt?" Raven asks his grandmother one day. She tells him she has lived for a long time, but she has never seen it. That evening, she sews late into the night, and Raven awakes to a rainbow skirt of his own. "I've lived for a long time," his grandma says, "and I'm lucky to see beautiful things that I've never seen before." At the next dance, Raven wears the swirl of unique ribbons with pride.

With illustrations infused with joy and colour, this moving intergenerational story celebrates self-expression, honouring traditions, and finding room for reinvention.

Reviews
"Weaves Two-Spirit self-expression and collective belonging into a beautiful tribute to Indigenous heritage." — Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW

"Cree author Spillett (I Sang You Down from the Stars) captures the joy of the round dance, and a feeling of belonging and connection offered in intergenerational Indigenous community." — Publishers Weekly - STARRED REVIEW

"[A] welcome story about an Indigenous child's gender expression." — The Horn Book

"In this heartfelt story, Spillett shows that love and support matter more than tradition, gently challenging expectations while honouring culture." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 2 to 4 for English Language Arts, Art, Dance, Music, and Social Studies.

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

A sensitive middle grade novel in verse about a space-obsessed girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut — and begins to see the world differently when a substitute teacher enters her orbit.

Luna has always loved the night sky. She's an eleven-year-old who knows everything there is to know about space, and dreams of one day becoming an astronaut. The first step in her plan to get there is to ace the space unit in her science class and secure a spot in NASA's summer space camp.

But when Luna's teacher is unexpectedly replaced with a substitute, Ms. Manitowabi, who is looking to shake up science class by bringing in art, Luna's carefully laid plans are crushed. And that's not all that's shifting in Luna's life — changes at home and in her friendships have her feeling topsy-turvy. What on Planet Earth is happening?

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is an endearing, poetic look at the inner world of a middle schooler grappling with change from acclaimed author and illustrator Danielle Daniel.

Reviews
"Luna’s love of space and fear of change may endear her to similarly minded kids. . . . A solid story about dealing with discomfort and change." —Kirkus Reviews

"This quick read has many STEAM applications and will easily appeal to aspiring astronauts while also potentially sparking interest in more-complex verse and narratives." —Booklist

"This book will resonate with readers who are navigating the trials of adolescence and the difficulty of embracing the unknown, as well as those interested in space and mythology." —School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Subjects / Themes: Astronauts & Space; Emotions & Feelings; Stories in Verse (Poetry)

Additional Information
328 pages | 5.75" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

You are more powerful than you imagine.

In this lyrical picture book, young readers are reminded of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential. Each page offers an affirmation about identity, respect, love and truth, encouraging all children to embrace their unique gifts and power. From the resilience flowing through their veins to the knowledge written in the stars, Remember Who You Are inspires children to see themselves as integral parts of their community, capable of great leadership and great kindness.

Perfect for bedtime reading and classroom discussions, this book fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride by celebrating Indigenous heritage and reminding young readers who they truly are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in a dual-language format: Remember Who You Are / kiskisi awîna kiya.

This book is available in French: N'oublie jamais qui tu es.

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

You are more powerful than you imagine.

In this lyrical picture book, young readers are reminded of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential. Each page offers an affirmation about identity, respect, love and truth, encouraging all children to embrace their unique gifts and power. From the resilience flowing through their veins to the knowledge written in the stars, Remember Who You Are inspires children to see themselves as integral parts of their community, capable of great leadership and great kindness.

Perfect for bedtime reading and classroom discussions, this book fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride by celebrating Indigenous heritage and reminding young readers who they truly are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual-language: English and Plains Cree.

Plain Cree translation by Dorothy Thunder. 

This book is available in English: Remember Who You Are.

This book is available in French: N'oublie jamais qui tu es. 

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

La série de livres pédagogiques Animaux illustrés combine des informations fascinantes sur les animaux de l’Arctique, qui s’adressent aux très jeunes lecteurs, avec des illustrations minutieusement détaillées. Chaque volume contient des récits de première main par des auteurs vivant dans l’Arctique, ainsi que des faits intéressants sur le comportement et la biologie de chaque animal. Dans ce livre, les jeunes lecteurs apprendront que les caractéristiques physiques des renards arctiques en font des animaux parfaitement adaptés à la vie dans l’Arctique et découvriront certaines de leurs extraordinaires habiletés – comme leur capacité à parcourir de très longues distances pour trouver de la nourriture et à nager d’une île à une autre lorsque leur quête l’exige !

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

La série de livres pédagogiques Animaux illustrés combine des informations fascinantes sur les animaux de l’Arctique, qui s’adressent aux très jeunes lecteurs, avec des illustrations minutieusement détaillées.

This book is available in English: Arctic Fox.

Additional Information
Hardcover

A celebration of traditional ways of life and the power of sharing what we have.

”Rez kid!“ The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum and aunty about what happened. And one by one they offer her advice on what to do. Each one has a different idea, but each idea is the same at heart: share something from the reservation with the other children. The girl listens, but decides to come up with her own idea. And, as with everything else about her life as a rez kid, her idea grows out of all she has been given by those who came before her.

Andrea Landry has written a beautiful story that celebrates Indigenous ways of life and encourages readers to be proud of who they are. The traditions practiced on the girl’s reservation are showcased as she beads, harvests medicine, gardens and rides horseback with her elders. Isabella Fassler’s stunning art, with swirls of bold colors, evokes the majesty and splendor of nature. The message of showing kindness in response to aggression offers a powerful lesson for all readers. This book could augment social studies lessons on Indigenous cultures and character education conversations about courage, compassion and inclusiveness. An author’s note gives a brief history of reservations/reserves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Curriculum Connections: Compassion; Courage; Empathy; Inclusiveness; Indigenous peoples; Rural communities

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

In Road Allowance Kitten: Full Circle, Madeline, Rosie, and their cat, Kitten continue to share adventures. This time with a visit to a circus. However, Madeline is unexpectedly diagnosed with tuberculosis and is sent to a sanitarium to recover; sadly, a common experience for Indigenous Peoples in the early twentieth century. While healing there, Madeline resumes her friendship with Rosie and Kitten, albeit from a distance, and the trio demonstrates the enduring strength of true friendship and the importance of hope when faced with adversity. The family finds itself full circle, back on a road allowance in the valley so they can be closer to Madeline.

Richly steeped in Michif culture and vividly illustrated by Christina Johns, this uplifting story leaves young readers with a strong impression of Métis resilience and pride. Road Allowance Kitten: Full Circle is a welcome addition to Wilfred Burton’s acclaimed historical fiction series, which includes Road Allowance Kitten and Road Allowance Kitten: Broken Promises.

Educator & Series Information
Dual-language: English and Michif 

Translation by Larry Fayant and Irma Klyne

Additional Information
39 Pages | 8.5” x 11” | Paperback

Sharing is the heart of friendship.

Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells a tale of a greedy raven and the little deer who makes sure they both have enough food for the winter.

Smuy the little deer is almost out of food and wishes Spaal' the raven would share with him. But even though Smuy always offers to share with Spaal', Spaal' only ever tricks Smuy in return. So Smuy decides to try something new. He mashes the last of his stored berries and mixes them into the snow outside. Spaal' notices the delicious-looking red snow and asks to taste some. Smuy agrees, but this time he is prepared for Spaal's tricks and is ready with a little trick of his own—one that will ensure that both animals are warm and fed for the winter.

In this Traditional Story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples. This is the third book in the Coast Salish Tales, following Otter Doesn't Know and Crow Helps a Friend.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This is the third book in the Coast Salish Tales series, following Otter Doesn't Know and Crow Helps a Friend.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: N 
Lexile measure: 530L 
Guided Reading Level: N

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

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

US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s iconic poem "Remember," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it.

Remember the sky you were born under,
Know each of the star's stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun's birth at dawn,
That is the strongest point of time.

So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way.

This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it.

Reviews
"A contemplative, visually dazzling masterpiece that will resonate even more deeply each time it is read."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.94" x 10.81" | Hardcover

This inspiring introduction to activism and social justice for young teens shows the important role music plays in changing the world, featuring:

- Musicians young teens will know and love: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Lil Nas X, and more!

- Iconic artists from past generations: readers will learn about the extraordinary impact of artists such as Nina Simone, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Neil Young, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, and more.

- Playlists for each social justice issue: Each chapter includes a playlist with recommended songs about an area of activism, from classic tracks to contemporary hits.

In Rise Up and Sing!, Andrea Warner explores how music has contributed to the fight for social justice. Across eight areas of activism—the climate emergency, Indigenous rights, civil rights, disability rights, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, the peace/anti-war movement, and human rights—Warner introduces some of the artists, past and present, who have made a difference both on stage and off.

Through ground-breaking artists and iconic moments, Rise Up and Sing! shows us that a song is never just a song, and that music really does have the power to change the world.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

Includes some Indigenous content.

Curriculum Connections: Activism, Social Justice, Music 

Additional Information
200 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins—and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month, and all year round!

We’re stepping out

and kicking it up.

Wearing beauty on their feet—

as art, as tradition,

with style, with pride—

kids from different Native Nations know

every day is a day to ROCK YOUR MOCS!

This book contains an author’s note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities! Rock Your Mocs Day has now been extended to a week in November, and during that week, kids from all over the United States and North America join together to show pride in their heritage.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Anishinaabe culture and storytelling meet Alice in Wonderland in this coming-of-age graphic novel that explores Indigenous and gender issues through a fresh yet familiar looking glass.

Aimée, a non-binary Anishinaabe middle-schooler, is on a class trip to offer gifts to Paayehnsag, the water spirits known to protect the land. While stories are told about the water spirits and the threat of the land being taken over for development, Aimée zones out, distracting themselves from the bullying and isolation they’ve experienced since expressing their non-binary identity. When Aimée accidentally wanders off, they are transported to an alternate dimension populated by traditional Anishinaabe figures in a story inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

To gain the way back home, Aimée is called on to help Trickster by hunting down dark water spirits with guidance from Paayehnsag. On their journey, Aimée faces off with the land-grabbing Queen and her robotic guards and fights the dark water spirits against increasingly stacked odds. Illustrated by KC Oster with a modern take on their own Ojibwe style and cultural representation, Rabbit Chase is a story of self-discovery, community, and finding one’s place in the world.

Reviews
“A unique creative product that provides just enough footing for curious readers to explore further on their own. The palette plays a significant role here, with the brown and sepia tones of the real world replaced with dreamy jewel and inky hues, and silhouettes are used particularly effectively, creating an otherworldliness that walks the line between whimsy and menace. The blend of fantasy, gender identity, and supernatural creatures will likely please fans of Ostertag’s THE WITCH BOY.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The recognizable highlights of Lewis Carroll’s surreal adventure make for an excellent way into what will be unfamiliar cultural ground for many young readers. Even as this engages with several significant and timely social issues (race, gender, bullying) in an accessible way, it also opens a window to seldom explored tribal cultures.” — Booklist

“A moving graphic novel that touches on identity and cultural legacy, and representation that is sure to impact young readers.” — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Includes some Ojibwe language. Translations in the book by Aarin Dokum.

Aarin Migiziins (Little Eagle) Dokum ndizhinikaas, Wiikwemkoosing, Wiikwemkoong ndo njibaa. (My name is Aarin Dokum and my Nishinaabe noozwin/Anishinaabe name is Migiziins. I am from Wikwemkoosing, Wikwemikong Ontario, Canada.)

Aarin was raised by his fluent Nishinaabemwin speaking family and community. He left home at an early age to live in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada and spent three years as a restaurant cook in an isolated Cree community. After a short return home to Wikwemikong, he moved to Lansing, Michigan where he has been living ever since. He shares Anishinaabemwin as a language consultant through Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center. He is grateful for fluent elders and active givers of what he considers the most important part of any culture—language.

Additional Information
120 pages | 7.00" x 10.00" | Paperback