January 2021

The First Fire: A Cherokee Story

Written and Illustrated by Brad Wagnon and Alex Stephenson, Cherokee Nation Published by 7th Generation Book Publishing

For many places in the United States, January is cold. We thought you might like to warm up with a good book that tells the story of how the Cherokee people got their first fire. You might be surprised what you learn when you read this book. The illustrations are fun and the story is sure to become a fiery favorite.

February 2021

Bowwow Powwow

Written by Brenda J. Child, Red Lake Ojibwe Translated by Gordon Jourdain, Lac La Croix First Nation Illustrated by Jonathan Thunder, Red Lake Ojibwe Published by Minnesota Historical Society Press

In this book, we follow Windy Girl and Itchy Boy as she learns from Uncle the stories of long ago. This is a book about gratitude, sharing and of course dancing. Windy Girl’s imagination is brought to life with colorful illustrations. In addition, the story is written in English and Ojibwe, but you don’t have to be Anishinaabe to enjoy this book.

March 2021

Birdsong

Written and Illustrated by Julie Flett, Cree- Metis Published by Greystone Books

You never know the friends you will make along the way. In this book, a young girl, Katherena moves to a new house which happens to be next door to Agnes. Katherena and Agnes form a friendship over their love of nature. Their friendship lasts through the seasons until it is time to say goodbye. This is an emotionally powerful book and a great reminder of friendship.

April 2021

Water Protectors

Written by Carole Lindstrom, Anishinaabe/Metis Illustrated by Michaela Goade, Tlingit/Haida Published by Roaring Brook Press

This beautifully illustrated, lyrical story is a great reminder of our connection to our Earth mother and to our life source, water. This story follows one water protector as she reminds us of our responsibility. My daughter loves this book and she even said, “Look, it’s me!” as she pointed to the girl, which is another reason to love this book. Any book where my children can see themselves and has a great story to tell is a book I want on my shelves.

May 2021

We are Grateful

Written by Traci Sorell, Cherokee Nation Illustrated by Frane’ Lessac Published by Charlesbridge

Every day, every season. This book follows the season with gratitude reminders. Each season comes with their own special events, blessings and struggles. The book is a beautiful glimpse into a year and all the reasons that we can say, “Otsaliheliga” or “We are grateful.

June 2021

COMING SOON

September 2020

You Hold Me Up

Written by Monique Gray Smith Illustrated by Danielle Daniel Published by Orca Book Publishers

For our first, inaugural book, we chose, You Hold Me Up. This book is beloved by my 4 year old daughter and was the first book she “read” (memorized). It is a simple story with a strong message and beautifully illustrated. The story is a great tool for reminding us how we are all connected and that we have a reciprocal responsibility to each other. Everyone needs to read this book!

October 2020

Jingle Dancer

Written  by Cynthia Leitich Smith  Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu Published by Morrow Junior Books

During October, my tribe, Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, holds our annual powwow. Unfortunately, this year, we will not be able to go. However, we can go with Jenna as she helps her family and they help her! This is a wonderful story about family and we enjoyed the matriarchs in the story. We hope you love it as much as we do.

November 2020

Frybread

Written by Kevin Noble Maillard Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal Published by Roaring Brook Press

November is Native American Heritage Month! We are celebrating with the book, Frybread: A Native American Family Story. Not only is this book a great story of food and family, but also contains a frybread recipe from the author’s family. The book also provides history and context about Native Americans that is highly informative. Make sure to add this book to your collection.

November 2020

The People Shall Continue

Written by Simon J. Ortiz Illustrated by Sharol Graves Published by Children's Book Press, an imprint of Lee and Low Books

Since November is Native American Heritage month, we decided to share another classic book. The People Shall Continue by Simon Ortiz is a poetic reminder that not only are Native Americans still here, but have a perspective that should be shared. This is a timeless classic written by one of Native America’s greatest poets.

December 2020

Native American Night Before Christmas

Adopted and written by Gary Robinson Illustrated by Jesse T. Hummingbird Published by Clear Light Publishing

Want a holiday story full of Native humor? Native American Night Before Christmas is a reimagining of the classic Night Before Christmas poem with a Plains twist. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. This is a book for everyone and there is a glossary in the back for some of the references in the poem.

We are always looking for more books by Indigenous authors. If you know of any books we have not mentioned, please let me know. Click here!

We are planning our 2021 book lineup. In the meantime, join the Facebook Group!