November is a special month when we come together to honor and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Native Americans. As an educator of young minds, you know the importance of teaching students about different cultures. What better way to do that than through engaging children’s books? In this blog post, I’m excited to share a list of books that celebrate Native American culture and/or are authored by Native Americans. Let’s dive into the world of storytelling and heritage!
1. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
This novel tells the story of a young Native American boy navigating the challenges of growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. It’s a compelling and humorous coming-of-age story that offers valuable insights for the upper elementary and middle school crowds.
2. “The Birchbark House” by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich, an acclaimed Native American author, weaves a beautifully written tale about an Ojibwa girl named Omakayas. She was named Omakakiins, or Little Frog, because her first step was a hop. Omakakiins and her family live on an island in Lake Superior. Though there are growing numbers of white people encroaching on their land, life continues much as it always has.
This historical text provides a glimpse into Native American life in the 1800s. The satisfying rhythms of their life are shattered when a visitor comes to their lodge one winter night, bringing with him an invisible enemy that will change things foreverโbut that will eventually lead Omakakiins to discover her calling.
Are your students hooked? Wait, there’s more! This novel is actually the first installment in an essential nine-book series chronicling one hundred years in the life of one Ojibwe family and includes beautiful interior black-and-white artwork done by the author.
3. “Bowwow Powwow” by Brenda J. Child
Elementary teachers, I see you, too! Introduce young readers to the world of powwows through this delightful children’s book. It features vibrant illustrations and showcases the importance of family and tradition. When Uncle, Windy Girl, and Itchy Boy attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers in their jingle dresses and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire.
Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Now Uncle’s stories inspire other visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs! This playful story by Brenda Child is accompanied by a companion retelling in Ojibwe by Gordon Jourdain and brought to life by Jonathan Thunder’s vibrant dreamscapes. The result is a powwow tale for the ages.
4. “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard
This one happens to be one of my favorites! Told in lively and powerful verse,ย Fry Breadย is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal. Food is culture, and this book beautifully illustrates the significance of fry bread in Native American communities. It’s a celebration of family, heritage, and, of course, delicious food!
5. “Jingle Dancer” by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Explore the world of traditional Native American dance through the eyes of a young girl named Jenna. The cone-shaped jingles sewn to Grandma Wolfe’s dress singย tink, tink, tink, tinkโฆ Jenna loves the tradition of jingle dancing that has been shared over generations in her family and intertribal community. She hopes to dance at the next powwow. But with the day quickly approaching, she has a problemโhow will her dress sing if it has no jingles?
This book emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and the power of determination. Its lyrical text is paired with the warm, evocative watercolors of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu in this truly affirming story. It’s a terrific read-aloud pick, perfect to share with families!
Conclusion
This book list contains just a few gems that can help you celebrate Native American Heritage Month with your students. Incorporating these titles into your curriculum can provide an opportunity for meaningful discussion and promote cultural understanding.
Remember, it’s not just about celebrating for one month; it’s about embracing diversity and learning from one another all year round. Honor Native American heritage with these sweet stories. Happy reading!
