Honoring Native and Indigenous Voices: Books for Younger KidsLike this list

15 items

• Shi-shi-etko

  Campbell, Nicola I.

  Add Shi-shi-etko to your for later shelf

  Beautifully illustrated, this book chronicles the last 4 days at home before Shi-shi-etko is picked up by a cattle truck to attend an "Indian Residential School." Ages 5-8.

• Bowwow Powwow

  Bagosenjige-niimi'idim

  Child, Brenda J., 1959-

  Add Bowwow Powwow to your for later shelf

  A girl named Windy dreams about the powwow she just attended with her Uncle--only hers is with dogs! This story highlights the Ojibwe traditions of song, dance, food, and community. Ages 4-8.

• Sharice's Big Voice

  a Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman

  Davids, Sharice, 1980-

  Add Sharice's Big Voice to your for later shelf

  I was really inspired by this autobiography by Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas. She talks about an interest in martial arts and connecting with people…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Birdsong

  Flett, Julie,

  Add Birdsong to your for later shelf

  This is a beautiful story of intergenerational friendship, shared passions, and a celebration of the healing power of art and nature. The use of Cree-Métis words helps to ground the story in tradition against a backdrop of the routine changes of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We All Play

  Kimêtawânaw

  Flett, Julie,

  Add We All Play to your for later shelf

  A joyous celebration of play that follows children and animals as they romp, wiggle, and chirp in nature. Includes a glossary of Cree words for the wild animals featured in the story. Ages 0-5.

• My Heart Fills With Happiness

  Gray Smith, Monique, 1968-

  Add My Heart Fills With Happiness to your for later shelf

  What fills your heart with happiness? This book asks the reader, adults, and children alike to think of all the things, big or small, that fill them with a sense of joy and peace. You'll be surprised and delighted with the possibilities. Ages 0-5.

• We Are Water Protectors

  Lindstrom, Carole, 1964-

  Add We Are Water Protectors to your for later shelf

  This story is inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America to protect our Earth's most endangered resource: water. This book provides a great reminder to us all--it is not enough to just recognize the destruction; we must raise…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Fry Bread

  a Native American Family Story

  Maillard, Kevin Noble,

  Add Fry Bread to your for later shelf

  This book is an ode to fry bread, a food that is part of a shared Native tradition among all 573 recognized tribes. Poetic descriptions of the experience of making, eating, and joining together to enjoy it are combined with the history of its…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Johnny's Pheasant

  Minnema, Cheryl, 1973-

  Add Johnny's Pheasant to your for later shelf

  This is another great story with an intergenerational relationship front and center, between a grandmother and grandchild. The pheasant they find together becomes the focus of a surprising, and humorous, narrative. Ages 3-8.

• The Forever Sky

  Peacock, Thomas D.,

  Add The Forever Sky to your for later shelf

  Two young Ojibwe brothers turn their grief of losing their grandmother to the sky, which holds much importance to the Ojibwe people, especially the stars and their constellations. Ages 3-8.

• On the Trapline

  Robertson, David, 1977-

  Add On the Trapline to your for later shelf

  A picture book celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions. A grandfather, Moshom, takes his grandson to visit a place of great meaning to him: a trapline, where Moshom grew up, and a place where people hunt and live off the land. Ages 4-8.

• The Water Walker

  Robertson, Joanne, 1960-

  Add The Water Walker to your for later shelf

  This book tells the story of an Ojibwe grandmother, Josephine Mandamin, who started walking in 2003 to bring attention to water quality and scarcity. She began what would become the Mother Earth Water Walkers movement--a group that circumnavigated…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• At the Mountain's Base

  Sorell, Traci,

  Add At the Mountain's Base to your for later shelf

  This book tells the story of a Cherokee family who is awaiting the return of a family member at war. Sorell honors the strength and courage of Indigenous women, who were often called upon to serve our country. This is a great book to share as a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We Are Grateful

  Otsaliheliga

  Sorell, Traci,

  Add We Are Grateful to your for later shelf

  "Otsaliheliga" is a Cherokee word that is used to express gratitude. Journey through the year with a Cherokee family and their tribal nation as they express thanks for celebrations big and small. A look at modern Native American life as told by a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• I Sang You Down From the Stars

  Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988-

  Add I Sang You Down From the Stars to your for later shelf

  A gorgeous ode to the belief amongst many Indigenous peoples that "babies choose their parents." Ages 0-5.