November is Native American Heritage Month, opens a new window, and we’ve picked our top books written by indigenous authors and illustrators for you to add to your reading list.
There are more than 500 federally-recognized Native American tribes, opens a new window. Each tribe has its own set of cultures, languages, and traditions that have been passed down to their current generations. So, it’s usually preferable to refer to indigenous peoples by their specific tribal name, rather than by broader terms like Native American or American Indian.
We’ve curated a list of books in our collection from American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL), opens a new window and best seller lists. This book list follows the AICL format of notating an author and illustrator’s tribe, which demonstrates the diverse heritage of indigenous peoples. Some of these authors have also written multiple books, which we encourage you to check out as well.
For Children
Julie Flett from Cree-Métis.
Kevin Noble Maillard from Seminole Nation, Mekusukey Band and illustrated by Juana Martinez.
Thomas Peacock from Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and illustrated by Annette S. Lee from Ojibwe and D/Lakota.
For Teens
Debbie Reese from Nambé Pueblo/Owingeh and Jean Mendoza. Adapted from the adult book by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.
Katherena Vermette from Métis, and Scott B. Henderson and Donovan Yaciuk.
Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm (Chippewa of Nawash First Nation), Sonny Assu (Liǥwildaʼx̱w of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations), Brandon Mitchell (Mi'kmaq), and more.
For Adults
Terese Marie Mailhot from Seabird Island Band.
Darrel J. McLeod from Cree.
Margaret Verble from Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
How will you celebrate Native American Heritage Month? Let us know in the comments below.
