Monday, October 9 is Indigenous People’s Day. This holiday celebrates and honors indigenous American people and it’s a great day to check out some books by indigenous authors. I’ve gathered some of the picture books by indigenous authors we’ve added to our collection over the past year in case you need some ideas of books to read and share today or any day!
*Book descriptions are provided by the publisher and accessed through our Library’s catalog.
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lingstrom (Anishinabe/Métis), illustrated by Bridget George (Anishinaabe). Indigenous women have always worked tirelessly to protect our water — keeping it pure and clean for the generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water. But then came Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn. Speak for the water. Sing for the water. Dance for the water. With moving lyricism and arresting illustrations, Carole Lindstrom and Bridget George celebrate Josephine Mandamin and Autumn Peltier, two groundbreaking water warriors who have created a tidal wave of change.
Gifts from Raven by Jaadee Kung (Haida, Musqueam, and Squamish), illustrated by Jessika von Innerebner. In this book, Gifts From Raven, Kung Jaadee a Haida storyteller, shares with us that Raven has given each person a special gift to share with the world. That gift is their unique talent or passion.
Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers (Wichita), illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis). In this lyrical picture book, Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance–and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma.
A Letter for Bob by Kim Rogers (Wichita), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Navajo). When it’s time to say goodbye to a part of her family, a young girl pens a love letter to Bob, the treasured family car that has taken them all over and been there in sad and scary times.
Minnow, the Girl Who Became Part Fish by Willie Poll (Métis), illustrated by Bailey Macabre (Nehiyaw, Métis). A young Indigenous water protector named Minnow goes on an underwater journey; learning from our ocean-living relatives. When she returns to the surface, she gathers her community to help make a change. This story is told in lyrical rhyme and helps children gain a better respect for Indigenous water and land protectors, the environment and world around them, and helps show children activism at an early age.
My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom (Anishinabe/Métis), illustrated by Steph Littlebird (Oregon’s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes). After generations of short hair in her family, a little girl celebrates growing her hair long to connect to her culture and honor the streength and resilience of those who came before her.
Otter Doesn’t Know by Andrea Fritz (Coast Salish). In this picture book featuring Coast Salish art and traditional storytelling techniques, a salmon and an otter learn to help each other even though they don’t have all the answers.
Remember by Joy Harjo (Muscogee (Creek)), illustrated by Michaela Goade (Tlingit & Haida). In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way.
Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian), illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw). This happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, celebrates the joy and power of wearing moccasins–and the Native pride that comes with them.
We Learn from the Sun by David Bouchard (Métis), illustrated by Kristy Cameron (Métis). An Indigenous rhyming poem with colorful illustrations about the seven sacred teachings that can be learned from the sun.
