Reading Lists for Kids
Though this is not an exhaustive list of children’s books featuring Native American characters and themes, it’s a great place to start. Be cautious when selecting literature featuring Native characters, themes, and subjects – much of it is problematic.
Dr. Debbie Reese is a Nambe Pueblo woman who has spent her career studying Native representation in children’s literature. Her American Indians in Children’s Literature blog is a wealth of information for choosing books that have positive and accurate representation.
Suggested Titles for Kids
Ages 0 to 3
Coyote at the Big Time: A California Indian 123 by Lyn Risling.
Little You written by Richard Van Camp illustrated by Julie Flett
Cradle Me by Debby Slier
A is For Acorn: A California Indian ABC written by Analisa Tripp, illustrated by Lyn Risling
Coyote at the Big Time: A California Indian 123 by Lyn Risling
Kiss by Kiss/Ocêtôwina: A Counting Book for Families by Richard Van Camp
Ages 3 to 6
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith.
You Hold Me Up written by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel
Jingle Dancer written by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Ying-Hwa Hu and Cornelius Van Wright
Wild Berries written and illustrated by Julie Flett
SkySisters written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Brian Deines
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga written by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac
Young Water Protectors: A Story About Standing Rock written by Aslan and Kelly Tudor
Ages 7 to 9
Indian Shoes by Cynthia Leitich Smith.
I Am Not a Number written by Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland
How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle
A Coyote Columbus Story written by Thomas King, illustrated by William Kent Monkman (can be read with 5 to 6 year olds)
The People Shall Continue written by Simon J. Ortiz, illustrated by Sharol Graves (can be read with 5 to 6 year olds with some vocabulary and context support)
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom written by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges
Danny Blackgoat series by Tim Tingle
Keeper of the Wind Claw Chronicles by Seth Muller
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse written by Joseph Marshall III, illustrated by Jim Yellowhawk
Indian Shoes by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Ages 10 and Up
If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth.
Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Rain Is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
The Birchbark House series by Louse Erdrich (can be read aloud with 6 to 9 year olds)
If I Ever Get Out of Here written by Eric Gansworth
The Marrow Thieves written by Cherie Dimaline
Killer of Enemies written by Joseph Bruchac
#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale
Suggested Authors and Illustrators
Joseph Bruchac
Tim Tingle
Julie Flett
Richard Van Camp
Louise Erdrich
Cynthia Leitich Smith