SJPL Picks: Picture Books for Native American Heritage MonthLike this list

36 items

• Rock Your Mocs

  Goodluck, Laurel,

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  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…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Remember

  Harjo, Joy,

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  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.

• Finding My Dance

  Thundercloud, Ria,

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  In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.

• Forever Cousins

  Goodluck, Laurel,

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  Native creators Laurel Goodluck and Jonathan Nelson share a sweet picture book with the universal experience of family and friends moving away. Kara and Amanda hate not being together. Then it's time for the family reunion on the Rez. Each girl…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior

  Lindstrom, Carole, 1964-

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  Indigenous women have always worked tirelessly to protect our water-keeping it pure and clean for the generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Letter for Bob

  Rogers, Kim,

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  When its time to say goodbye to a part of her family, a young girl pens a love letter to Bob, the treasured family car that has taken them all over and been there in sad and scary times.

• Grandma's Tipi

  a Present-day Lakota Story

  Nelson, S. D.,

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  "While visiting her Grandma at her home in Standing Rock Reservation, Clara and her cousin are given the tipi that's been handed down through generations, which teaches them how to live in the great Circle of Life--and brings their family closer…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• My Powerful Hair

  Lindstrom, Carole, 1964-

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  "Mom never had long hair—she was told it was too wild. Grandma couldn’t have long hair—hers was taken from her. But one young girl can’t wait to grow her hair long: for herself, for her family, for her connection to her culture and the Earth, and to…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Powwow Day

  Sorell, Traci,

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  "Because she has been very ill and weak, River cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, she can only watch from the sidelines as her sisters and cousins dance the celebration--but as the drum beats she finds the faith to believe that…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Berry Song

  Goade, Michaela,

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  "As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back." -- Novelist.

• Birdsong

  Flett, Julie,

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  "When a young girl moves to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend?" --…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• On the Trapline

  Robertson, David, 1977-

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  "A boy and Moshom, his grandpa, take a trip together to visit a place of great meaning to Moshom. A trapline is where people hunt and live off the land, and it was where Moshom grew up. As they embark on their northern journey, the child repeatedly…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We All Play

  Kimêtawânaw

  Flett, Julie,

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  "This wonderful book celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world"--.

• I Sang You Down From the Stars

  Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988-

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  "An Indigenous woman describes how she loved her child before it was born and, throughout her pregnancy, gathered a bundle of gifts to welcome the newborn." -- Novelist.

• Mii Maanda Ezhi-gkendmaanh

  Niibing, Dgwaagig, Bboong, Mnookmig Dbaadjigaade Maanpii Mzin'igning

  Luby, Brittany,

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  "In this lyrical story-poem, written in Anishinaabemowin and English, a child and grandmother explore their surroundings, taking pleasure in the familiar sights that each new season brings." -- Novelist.

• We Are Grateful

  Otsaliheliga

  Sorell, Traci,

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  "Follows a full year of Cherokee celebrations and experiences, describing how the Cherokee Nation expresses thanks and reflects on struggles all year long." -- Novelist.

• It's a Mitig!

  George, Bridget, 1994-

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  "Using rhyming text and full-bleed art, George introduces readers to 13 Ojibwe nature words. For example, ""Giizis is rising, the day is brand new. / Let's learn some words nature's gathered for you,"" is accompanied by an illustration depicting a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• When We Are Kind

  Gray Smith, Monique, 1968-

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  "This gentle picture book extols the virtues of kindness in spare prose relayed through a first-person perspective. Smith (who is of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent) employs the refrain “I am kind when” throughout the book’s first half,…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We Are Water Protectors

  Lindstrom, Carole, 1964-

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  "Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption." -- Novelist.

• Tanna's Owl

  Qitsualik-Tinsley, Rachel, 1953-

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  "In an unnamed Inuit community, Tanna is given a baby owl. It’s not the cutest animal she’s seen, but she takes raising Ukpik (Inuit for snowy owl ) seriously. She gets up at 4 a.m. to feed it; she catches lemmings for it to gobble; and she lifts it…Read moreRead more of this annotation