November is Native American Heritage Month. This is a great time to check out a book by a Native American author. Here are a handful of my new favorites for kids of all ages.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (Ojibwe). Daunis, who is part Ojibwe, defers attending the University of Michigan to care for her mother and reluctantly becomes involved in the investigation of a series of drug-related deaths. This thriller is perfect for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange. For ages 14 and up.
If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving by Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy). If you lived during the time of the Pilgrim and Wampanoag people’s feast, what would you have worn and eaten? Carefully crafted to explore both sides of this historical event, this book is a great choice for Thanksgiving units, and for teaching children about the true history of this popular holiday. For ages 8-12.
Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories by Dan C. Jones (Ponca). Perfect for readers of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, this collection presents 32 stories from American Indian cultures across North America. Read this if you dare! For ages 10-14.
The Sea in Winter by Christine Day (Upper Skagit). In this heartfelt novel, middle school ballet dancer Maisie is recovering from a devastating knee injury that may have ended her dancing career before it began. This is a book that will resonate with readers of contemporary fiction, especially any kids who put pressure on themselves to achieve. For ages 10-14.
The Used-to-be-Best Friend (Jojo Makoons) by Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe). Jo Jo Makoons Azure is a spirited seven-year-old who moves through the world a little differently than anyone else on her Ojibwe reservation. When her best friend Fern seems like she doesn’t want to be friends anymore, Jojo sets out to make more friends in this laugh-out-loud series starter. Fans of Junie B. Jones or Judy Moody need to meet Jojo! For ages 5-8.
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell (Cherokee). Too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. This companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people’s past, present, and future. For ages 7-10.
