Browse Books for Kids

Using the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings, this picture book by acclaimed author Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) and debut Diné (Navajo) artist Nanibah Chacon introduces universal values for living with loving recognition of a child’s own inner goodness.

Each of us has an inner light that might not always be seen by others. Aaniin (ah-NEEN) is a greeting in the Ojibwe language for hello and can also be translated as “I see your light.”

With the help of the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings—Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom—we can learn to see this brilliance shining through everyone and express our appreciation for one another’s light.

Includes an author's note and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9" x 11" | Hardcover 

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life, work, and legacy of treaty rights activist Billy Frank Jr.. 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

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life, work, and legacy of baseball star Charles Albert Bender. 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

Joyful and warmhearted, this delightful book honors the blessings of every auntie in a child’s life, by distinguished author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) and illustrator Aphelandra (Oneida).

“Hesci! Here come the aunties!”

Aunts by kinship as well as family friends, neighbors, and community members all step up to fill the important role of “auntie.” They are there for life’s joys, sorrows, and celebrations, bringing their own special love.

A wonderful gift from or for a treasured auntie!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

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

Meet Kaboom: Zack Commonda, agent of F.U.S.I.O.N (First Universal Secret Indigenous Operatives Network), and the newest superkid on the block! Well . . . sort of. He’s still figuring it all out.

When we meet Zack, he’s being looked after by his super-cool Auntie Jess and dreaming of one day being like his hero, slick business tycoon Konstantin Pierce. Zack’s parents are away — yet again — for their important careers in “refrigerator sales.” Little does Zack know their true identities: Greywolf and Shadowbird are F.U.S.I.O.N agents on a mission to protect Indigenous artifacts from a nefarious tomb-robber!In this series launch, acclaimed creator and lifelong comics fan Jay Odjick introduces a superhero for our times.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
142 pages | 6.00" x 8.75" | Paperback

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life, career, and impact of soccer star Madison Hammond. 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

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life, work, and legacy of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief. 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

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 

The inspiring story of a young girl's resilience and survival at the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.

Shirley is only five years old when she is taken away by the Indian agent to live at a residential school. She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.

Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home.

A true story.

Reviews
"Through powerful words and illustrations, this book honors Shirley’s lived experiences at residential school while also highlighting her advocacy in ensuring that residential school histories are remembered and taught. Shirley offers an accessible entry point into a complex topic while centering Survivor voices. This book is a moving resource for educators and families committed to truth-telling and learning."- Krista McCracken, Researcher & Curator, Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

A vital residential school account, told from Shirley's own lived experience. Written with care and sensitivity from an Indigenous perspective.

In her author's note, Shirley shares more about her family, the impact of residential school on their lives, and the importance of remembrance.

This book is available in French: Shirley: une histoire de pensionnat indien.

Additional Information
70 Pages | 7" x 8.5|" | Paperback

Shirley n'a que cinq ans quand l'agent des Indiens l'emmène vivre dans un pensionnat autochtone. Elle adore apprendre, mais elle n'est pas là de son propre gré. Dès le premier jour où elle gravit la longue volée de marches en pierre de l'école, la vie est difficile et les règles sont innombrables. Séparée de ses frères et soeurs, elle est livrée à elle-même.

Shirley est très courageuse, mais elle n'a personne pour la rassurer le soir quand elle a peur. Personne pour la border et la réconforter. Shirley tient bon malgré sa tristesse. Elle se fait des amis et vit des aventures. Et surtout, elle attend impatiemment l'été, car elle pourra alors retrouver sa famille et le bonheur d'être à la maison.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is available in English: Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story 

Additional Information
70 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Paperback