We are participates National Native American Heritage Month this November to celebrate the languages, stories, and traditions of all Native Americans. We want to ensure their diverse history and contributions to our community thrives. In honor of this month, we are highlighting eight picture books written by Native American authors that are available at our location or through our partner sharing program.
Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall
Everybody needs a rock — at least that’s the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.
We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
From author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Michaela Goade comes a New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal winning picture book that honors Indigenous-led movements across the world. Powerfully written and gorgeously illustrated, We Are Water Protectors, issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption–inviting young readers everywhere to join the fight.
Swift Fox All Along by Rebecca Thomas, illustrated by Maya McKibbin
What does it mean to be Mi’kmaq? And if Swift Fox can’t find the answer, will she ever feel like part of her family?
We are Grateful by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
The Cherokee community is grateful for the blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by best-selling Cherokee author Traci Sorell.
Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anothony Perry, and Alexix Bunten, illustrated by Gary Meeches Sr.
In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Wee chumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving.
Finding My Dance by Ria Thunderloud, illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller
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.
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
“There was a girl in the village who loved horses… She led the horses to drink at the river. She spoke softly and they followed. People noticed that she understood horses in a special way.”
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
