Indigenous Peoples Titles for Children

Updated October 23, 2025
L
Lewis and Clark Public Library Lewis and Clark Public Library
This is your list in printable form. Simply print this page using your browser's print command.

Indigenous Peoples Titles for Children

Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
I Am on Indigenous Land
Phillips, Katrina M.
Paper Book
With simple, lyrical text and vibrant panoramic illustrations, this picture book explores the beauty and resources of thirteen ancestral Indigenous lands and how we all use those lands each day. Simple poetry and portrayals of children and families enjoying rivers, bike paths, beaches, and parks...
An Anishinaabe Christmas
Kinew, Wab
Paper Book
One winter solstice, Mommy says, 'Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas.' But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of questions: How will Santa know where to find them? Why do we have presents on Christmas?...
Autumn Peltier, water warrior
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes a must-read companion to the powerful, award-winning picture book We Are Water Protectors. Telling the story of reall-ife water protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior celebrates...
Beautiful you, beautiful me
Spillett-Sumner, Tasha
Paper Book
A child who looks different from her mother finds beauty and belonging in this new book from the creator of the New York Timesbestseller I Sang You Down from the Stars Izzy's favorite place to be is in Mama's arms--skin to skin, safe and warm. One night, cuddled up on Mama's lap, Izzy...
Berry song
Goade, Michaela
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book! An Indie Bestseller! Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders. On...
Bowwow powwow : bagosenjige-niimi'idim
Child, Brenda J.
Paper Book
Windy Girl is blessed with a vivid imagination. From Uncle she gathers stories of long-ago traditions, about dances and sharing and gratitude. Windy can tell such stories herself-about her dog, Itchy Boy, and the way he dances to request a treat and how he wriggles with joy in response to, well,...
Can you hear the plants speak?
Hummingbird, Nicholas
Paper Book
"Heartfelt reflections on the importance of kinship with nature." --Kirkus Reviews Our people believe spirit lives in everything. Mountain, river, wind, tree.                  ...
Daughter of the light-footed people : the story of indigenous marathon champion Lorena Ramirez
Medina, Belen
Meet Lorena Ramírez, an Indigenous Rarámuri athlete from Mexico who is internationally known for winning ultramarathons in her traditional skirts and rubber sandals, in this nonfiction picture book. From the copper canyons of Mexico, her swift footsteps echo. Clip clap, clip...
Finding my dance
Thundercloud, Ria
Paper Book
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. At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the...
First laugh welcome, baby!
Tahe, Rose Ann
Paper Book
In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story? The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyone--from Baby's nima (mom) to...
Fry bread : a Native American family story
Maillard, Kevin Noble
Paper Book
Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal An American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Winner "A wonderful and sweet book . . . Lovely stuff." --The New York Times Book Review Told in lively and powerful verse by...
Go show the world : a celebration of Indigenous heroes
Kinew, Wab
Paper Book
Celebrating the stories of Indigenous people throughout time, Wab Kinew has created a powerful rap song, the lyrics of which are the basis for the text in this beautiful picture book, illustrated by the acclaimed Joe Morse. Including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut...
In my anaana's amautik
Sammurtok, Nadia
Paper Book
"The far north has never felt so deliciously warm." -- ★Kirkus Reviews "Readers will carry this gorgeous book close to their hearts."-- ★School Library Journal "Just right for bedtime, it's an intimate tale that celebrates simple warmth and...
It's powwow time!
Troian, Martha
Paper Book
This lyrical and joyful picture book celebrates new experiences and community traditions when a young boy learns to dance at his first powwow. It's Powwow Time! is for readers of Cynthia Leitich Smith's Jingle Dancer and Oge Mora's Thank You, Omu! Bineshii is looking forward...
Jingle dancer
Smith, Cynthia Leitich.
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith's lyrical text is paired with the warm, evocative watercolors of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu in this affirming story of a contemporary Native American girl who turns to her family and community. The cone-shaped jingles sewn...
Just like grandma
Rogers, Kim
Paper Book
In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance--and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma. Becca loves spending time with Grandma...
Kapaemahu
Wong-Kalu, Hinaleimoana
Paper Book
An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award-contending short film. A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century In the 15th...
Keepunumuk : WeeAachumun's Thanksgiving story
Greendeer, Danielle
Paper Book
Written and illustrated by four Indigenous creators, this beautiful picture book honors both the history and tradition that surrounds the story of the first Thanksgiving. Discover the first Thanksgiving through Wampanoag eyes, as the Native Americans teach the Pilgrims to grow the...
A letter for Bob
Rogers, Kim
Paper Book
With humor and heart and brought to life by Jonathan Nelson's warm, distinctive artwork, Kim Rogers's A Letter for Bob celebrates the treasured cars that carry us through our most meaningful childhood moments. Ever since the day Mom and Dad brought Bob home from the car...
M?is like me
Hilderman, Tasha
Paper Book
Are you Metis like me? A group of children of Metis descent share and explore all the ways they celebrate and experience their heritage - enjoying traditional foods like bannock bread and Saskatoon berries; crafting with beads; sharing stories, dance, music and songs. Each child shares a different...
Mama, do you love me?
Joosse, Barbara M.
Paper Book
Mama, do you love me? Yes I do Dear One. How much? In this universal story, a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. The story is made all the more captivating by its unusual Arctic setting. The lyrical text...
Miya Wears Orange
John-Kehewin, Wanda
This beautifully illustrated book, based on the lived experience of the author, that gently explores the complicated feelings a young girl experiences as she learns about tragedy and injustice. Miya loves her school and she especially loves storytime. One day, her teacher shares a story...
My heart fills with happiness
Gray Smith, Monique
Paper Book
★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and--yes--happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures."--Publishers Weekly, starred review "Will leave the youngest readers gladly imagining what fills their own hearts with joy."--The New York Times The sun on...
My powerful hair
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
Our ancestors say our hair is our memories, our source of strength and power, a celebration of our lives.
Powwow Day
Sorell, Traci
Paper Book
River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again? A heartwarming and hopeful contemporary Native American picture book for ages 4-8-year-olds about traditions, community, music, and healing, written and illustrated by Indigenous...
Punky Aloha
Tuiasoa, Shar
Paper Book
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying "aloha" to experience exciting and unexpected adventures! Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for...
The range eternal.
Erdrich, Louise
Paper Book
In the thick of the Turtle Mountains, inside one family's little cabin, stood The Range Eternal. The woodburning stove provided warmth and comfort, delicious soups, and hot potatoes to warm cold hands on frozen winter mornings. It provided a glowing screen for a young girl's imagination, and...
Raven's Ribbons
Paper Book
A joyous celebration of gender expression through an Indigenous lens, by New York Times bestselling author Tasha Spillett and Ojibwe elder Daniel Ramirez Raven loves round dances. The drums sing to the people, and the people dance to their songs. Raven especially loves dancing with his...
Remember
Harjo, Joy
Paper Book
THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER .AN AMERICAN INDIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION HONOR BOOK.A BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK HONOR AWARD . NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY School Library Journal . Publishers Weekly . The Horn Book .NPR . The Bulletin . Kirkus Reviews
I sang you down from the stars /
Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988-
Paper Book
A New York Timesand CBC Books bestselling #OwnVoices love letter from an Indigenous mother to her new baby, new from celebrated author Tasha Spillett and 2021 Caldecott winning illustrator Michaela Goade, that honors the beauty of a little one's arrival Drawing from Indigenous creation...
Sharice's big voice : [online electronic book] a native kid becomes a congressw
Davids, Sharice, 1980-
Ebook
The three snow bears
Brett, Jan
Paper Book
Jan Brett's #1 New York Times bestseller is the snowiest twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears you could ask for! When Aloo-ki glances up from fishing and sees her sled dogs floating off on an ice floe, she races after them. She comes upon an igloo with no one home and...
Too much : my great big native family
Goodluck, Laurel
A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn't necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book. When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star--and he...
Walking Together
Paper Book
This bestselling, innovative picture book introduces readers to the concept of Etuaptmumk--or Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi'kmaw language--as we follow a group of young children connecting to nature as their teacher. A poetic, joyful celebration...
The water walker
Robertson, Joanne
Paper Book
The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around...
We all play = kimetawanaw /
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
A BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR: New York Times, Washington Post, New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Globe and Mail, Horn Book, and Boston Globe STARRED Reviews in Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, The Horn...
We all play = Kim©®taw©Ønaw
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
A BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR: New York Times, Washington Post, New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Globe and Mail, Horn Book, and Boston Globe STARRED Reviews in Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, The Horn...
We are water protectors
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
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,...
What your ribbon skirt means to me : Deb Haaland's historic inauguration
Bunten, Alexis C.
Paper Book
This beautiful, informative, Indigenous picture book offers both an homage to Secretary Deb Haaland's achievements, and a celebration of urban Indigenous community through the eyes of a little girl.  Pia rushes over to the Indigenous community center after...
When the stars came home
Luby, Brittany
Paper Book
A 2023 Horn Book Fanfare title * A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of 2023 * A CCBC Choices Best Book of 2023 ★ "A moving portrait about discovering what home means...
When we are kind
Gray Smith, Monique
Paper Book
"Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities--and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others."--Publishers Weekly When We Are Kindcelebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they...
When we gather = (Otsadahlisiha) : a Cherokee tribal feast
Rogers, Andrea L.
Paper Book
Nothing welcomes spring like a wild onion dinner! As the dirt warms and green sprouts poke up, a Cherokee girl joins her family in the hunt for green onions. Together, they pick enough to bring to a feast, which is cooked with love and shared by their community. ...
Why we dance : a story of hope and healing
Havrelock, Deidre
Paper Book
It's a special day--the day of the Jingle Dress Dance! Before the big powwow, there's a lot to do: getting dressed, braiding hair, packing lunches, and practicing bounce-steps. But one young girl gets butterflies in her stomach thinking about performing in front of her whole community. When the...
Winter's gifts
Curtice, Kaitlin B.
Paper Book
A vibrantly illustrated children's book about an Indigenous girl who finds awe in the resting and waiting that winter teaches us and shares with her friends how Creator's gift of gratitude can transform the way we see the world. Your thankfulness is your gift to Earth.
I Would Give You My Tail
Tagaq, Tanya
Paper Book
A young boy, Kalluk, leaves his camp to tell his grandmother that his mother is about to have a baby. Along the way, Kalluk meets different animals and he asks them why they are so happy. The rabbits say they love to be fast enough to outrun the fox and clever enough to know when to hide. They are...
You hold me up
Gray Smith, Monique
Paper Book
Key Selling Points Simple but powerful text shows us the different ways we can respect and be kind to one another in this moving picture book. The author is well-known for her board and picture books. Her title My Heart Fills with Happiness was selected for the 2019 TD Grade...
Find this list online: https://librarian.syndetics.com/syndeticsunbound/lp/859.3788/list/4584

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.