Title: The Pencil
Author: Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula
Illustrator: Charlene Chua
Publisher: Inhabit Media Inc.
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This book is based on Susan Avingaq’s childhood memories of growing up in an iglu (Back of book). Her mother leaves Susan with her brother, sister, and father. They decide to use the Pencil in her mother’s special box. The pencil continues to get shorter and shorter. When her mother returns, she reminds them to use their things wisely because they are difficult to obtain.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: use your things wisely, Canadian Indigenous story, school library
Author: Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula
Illustrator: Charlene Chua
Publisher: Inhabit Media Inc.
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This book is based on Susan Avingaq’s childhood memories of growing up in an iglu (Back of book). Her mother leaves Susan with her brother, sister, and father. They decide to use the Pencil in her mother’s special box. The pencil continues to get shorter and shorter. When her mother returns, she reminds them to use their things wisely because they are difficult to obtain.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: use your things wisely, Canadian Indigenous story, school library
Title: Between Earth & Sky: Legends of Native American Sacred Places
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Thomas Locker (Outside Culture)
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 1996
Summary: In progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes: Wit&Wisdom, Second Grade, Module 2
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Thomas Locker (Outside Culture)
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 1996
Summary: In progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes: Wit&Wisdom, Second Grade, Module 2
Title: A Boy Called Slow
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Rocco Baviera (Outside Culture)
Publisher: The Putnam & Grosset Group
Publication Year: 1994
Summary: Sitting Bull, the great warrior of the Lakota Sioux, was very determined and courageous in everything he did as a child, which was seen as not very fast. His parents gave him the childhood name of Slow (Slon-He). As Slow grew, he learned to ride a horse better than anyone. He excelled at listening to animals. When he was 14 years old, Slow proved himself in battle as a great warrior and his father gave him the name Sitting Bull (Tatan’ka Iyota’ke).
Curriculum Notes: Native American, school library
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Rocco Baviera (Outside Culture)
Publisher: The Putnam & Grosset Group
Publication Year: 1994
Summary: Sitting Bull, the great warrior of the Lakota Sioux, was very determined and courageous in everything he did as a child, which was seen as not very fast. His parents gave him the childhood name of Slow (Slon-He). As Slow grew, he learned to ride a horse better than anyone. He excelled at listening to animals. When he was 14 years old, Slow proved himself in battle as a great warrior and his father gave him the name Sitting Bull (Tatan’ka Iyota’ke).
Curriculum Notes: Native American, school library
Title: Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code, A Navajo Code Talker's Story
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Liz Amini-Holmes (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This book follows the life of Chester Nez, one of 300 Navajo code talkers during World War II. The story begins with his journey to a boarding school as a boy, joining the Navy, returning home with the weight of war on his shoulders. This book concludes with the end of World War II.
Curriculum Notes: Navajo Code Talkers during WWII, Native Americans, boarding schools for Native American children
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Liz Amini-Holmes (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This book follows the life of Chester Nez, one of 300 Navajo code talkers during World War II. The story begins with his journey to a boarding school as a boy, joining the Navy, returning home with the weight of war on his shoulders. This book concludes with the end of World War II.
Curriculum Notes: Navajo Code Talkers during WWII, Native Americans, boarding schools for Native American children
Title: The Circle of Thanks, Native American Poems and Songs of Thanksgiving
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Murv Jacob
Publisher: BridgeWater Books
Publication Year: 1996
Summary: People of the United States have one day for giving thanks. The Native Americans give thanks every day (A Note to the Reader). This book is a collection of poems based on traditional Native American songs and prayers showing the many ways Native Americans say thank you for the gifts given to them (A Note to the Reader).
Curriculum Notes: Poetry, November, Thanksgiving, Native American
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Murv Jacob
Publisher: BridgeWater Books
Publication Year: 1996
Summary: People of the United States have one day for giving thanks. The Native Americans give thanks every day (A Note to the Reader). This book is a collection of poems based on traditional Native American songs and prayers showing the many ways Native Americans say thank you for the gifts given to them (A Note to the Reader).
Curriculum Notes: Poetry, November, Thanksgiving, Native American
Title: Crazy Horse’s Vision
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: This book illustrates the early years of the Lakota leader Crazy Horse to a time in his life when his vision quest was to be discussed with his father, a ‘holy man’ in the community. It was then he received his adult name Crazy Horse (Tashunka Witco). The end of the book has two pages of notes from the author and the illustrator about their research and drawing processes to bring this story to life.
Curriculum Notes: Native American, crazy horse, school library
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: This book illustrates the early years of the Lakota leader Crazy Horse to a time in his life when his vision quest was to be discussed with his father, a ‘holy man’ in the community. It was then he received his adult name Crazy Horse (Tashunka Witco). The end of the book has two pages of notes from the author and the illustrator about their research and drawing processes to bring this story to life.
Curriculum Notes: Native American, crazy horse, school library
Title: The First Strawberries, A Cherokee Story
Author: Retold by Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Anna Vojtech (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 1993
Summary: This book is a Cherokee story about how strawberries came into this world. A wife left her husband for how mean he spoke to her. The sun helped the husband by shining its light on the grass to grow strawberries in the path of the wife. She returned to her husband with the strawberries. To this day, strawberries are eaten to remind each other to show kindness to one another.
Curriculum Notes: Native American folklore
Author: Retold by Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Anna Vojtech (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 1993
Summary: This book is a Cherokee story about how strawberries came into this world. A wife left her husband for how mean he spoke to her. The sun helped the husband by shining its light on the grass to grow strawberries in the path of the wife. She returned to her husband with the strawberries. To this day, strawberries are eaten to remind each other to show kindness to one another.
Curriculum Notes: Native American folklore
Title: How Chipmunk Got His Stripes
Author: Joseph Bruchac & James Bruchac
Illustrator: Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2001
Summary: This is a Native American folktale, as told by Joseph and James Bruchac, about how Chipmunk got his stripes. Bear thought he could do anything. Chipmunk challenged him to tell the sun to not rise tomorrow. The sun did rise, and Chipmunk teased Bear, which made him angry. Bear was so angry, he tried to catch Chipmunk and eat him. Instead, Bear scratched stripes down Chipmunk’s back.
Curriculum Notes: Native American folklore, school library,
Author: Joseph Bruchac & James Bruchac
Illustrator: Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2001
Summary: This is a Native American folktale, as told by Joseph and James Bruchac, about how Chipmunk got his stripes. Bear thought he could do anything. Chipmunk challenged him to tell the sun to not rise tomorrow. The sun did rise, and Chipmunk teased Bear, which made him angry. Bear was so angry, he tried to catch Chipmunk and eat him. Instead, Bear scratched stripes down Chipmunk’s back.
Curriculum Notes: Native American folklore, school library,
Title: Rabbit’s Snow Dance, A Traditional Iroquois Story
Author: James & Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Jeff Newman (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: A traditional Iroquois story as told by James and Joseph Bruchac. Rabbit had a long bushy tail and wanted it to snow so he could use his feet as snowshoes. As Rabbit played his drum and danced, the snow fell until Rabbit was tired. He napped in a tree as the snow melted and then as he fell from the tree his tail disappeared. When it snows, people still see Rabbit’s tail hanging from trees.
Curriculum Notes: folktales, Native American, November
Author: James & Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Jeff Newman (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: A traditional Iroquois story as told by James and Joseph Bruchac. Rabbit had a long bushy tail and wanted it to snow so he could use his feet as snowshoes. As Rabbit played his drum and danced, the snow fell until Rabbit was tired. He napped in a tree as the snow melted and then as he fell from the tree his tail disappeared. When it snows, people still see Rabbit’s tail hanging from trees.
Curriculum Notes: folktales, Native American, November
Title: Squanto’s Journey
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Greg Shed (Outside of Culture)
Publisher: Voyager Books
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: The story of the First Thanksgiving told in the point of view of Squanto and written by a Native American outside of the Wampanoag nation. As stated in the author’s notes, several native experts were consulted and extensive research was completed by the author to bring this story to life as accurately as possible.
Curriculum Notes: Thanksgiving, November, Native American studies
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Greg Shed (Outside of Culture)
Publisher: Voyager Books
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: The story of the First Thanksgiving told in the point of view of Squanto and written by a Native American outside of the Wampanoag nation. As stated in the author’s notes, several native experts were consulted and extensive research was completed by the author to bring this story to life as accurately as possible.
Curriculum Notes: Thanksgiving, November, Native American studies
Title: Bowwow Powwow
Author: Brenda Child
Illustrator: Jonathan Thunder
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Windy Girl loves her dog Itchy Boy and she loves the stories her Uncle tells her about the powwow. The end of summer is near. Windy Girl attends a powwow late into the night and falls asleep only to dream of a bowwow powwow where all the dancers are dogs. All honoring the wonder of the powwow.
Curriculum Notes: Native American Heritage Month, before studying Native American history, the reservations today in the United States, author study https://thunderfineart.com/
and Red Lake Reservation, MN https://www.redlakenation.org/
Author: Brenda Child
Illustrator: Jonathan Thunder
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Windy Girl loves her dog Itchy Boy and she loves the stories her Uncle tells her about the powwow. The end of summer is near. Windy Girl attends a powwow late into the night and falls asleep only to dream of a bowwow powwow where all the dancers are dogs. All honoring the wonder of the powwow.
Curriculum Notes: Native American Heritage Month, before studying Native American history, the reservations today in the United States, author study https://thunderfineart.com/
and Red Lake Reservation, MN https://www.redlakenation.org/
Title: Sharice’s Big Voice, A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman
Author: Sharice Davids (with Nancy K. Mays)
Illustrator: Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Publisher: Harper
Publication Year: 2021
Summary: This autobiography about Sharice Davids tells her own life story from her childhood to the night she was elected the first Native American to the U.S. Congress representing the state of Kansas.
Curriculum Notes: November, Native American
Author: Sharice Davids (with Nancy K. Mays)
Illustrator: Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Publisher: Harper
Publication Year: 2021
Summary: This autobiography about Sharice Davids tells her own life story from her childhood to the night she was elected the first Native American to the U.S. Congress representing the state of Kansas.
Curriculum Notes: November, Native American
Title: I Am Not a Number
Author: Jenny Kay DuPuis
Kathy Kacer (outside culture)
Illustrator: Gillian Newland (outside culture)
Publisher: W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This story is based upon the experience of the author’s grandmother Irene Couchie DuPuis. Irene was taken from her home with her brothers and sent to a residential school for Indigenous children of Canada at the age of eight. She was assigned to be number 759, her hair was cut, she was only allowed to speak English, required to attend church, and expected to follow strict rules. When the summer came, she and her brothers returned home and their parents vowed never to have them return to that horrible place again.
Curriculum Notes: Residential schools, Canadian Indigenous
Author: Jenny Kay DuPuis
Kathy Kacer (outside culture)
Illustrator: Gillian Newland (outside culture)
Publisher: W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This story is based upon the experience of the author’s grandmother Irene Couchie DuPuis. Irene was taken from her home with her brothers and sent to a residential school for Indigenous children of Canada at the age of eight. She was assigned to be number 759, her hair was cut, she was only allowed to speak English, required to attend church, and expected to follow strict rules. When the summer came, she and her brothers returned home and their parents vowed never to have them return to that horrible place again.
Curriculum Notes: Residential schools, Canadian Indigenous
Title: Stolen Words
Author: Melanie Florence
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Second Story Press
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A little girl comes home from school one day and asks her grandpa how to say something in Cree language. Her grandfather is sad that he cannot teach her. He tells her that his words were stolen from him when he was taken to live at a residential school as a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandpa find his language again (Jacket cover).
Curriculum Notes: residential schools, Canadian Indigenous culture, language
Author: Melanie Florence
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Second Story Press
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A little girl comes home from school one day and asks her grandpa how to say something in Cree language. Her grandfather is sad that he cannot teach her. He tells her that his words were stolen from him when he was taken to live at a residential school as a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandpa find his language again (Jacket cover).
Curriculum Notes: residential schools, Canadian Indigenous culture, language
Title: Mission to Space
Author: John Herrington
Illustrator: John Herrington
Publisher: White Dog Press
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This nonfiction book describes the journey of John Herrington of the Chickasaw nation and his quest to be the first Native American in space. Photographs intertwined with illustrations take the reader on a journey aboard the space shuttle Endeavor from Earth to space and then returning safely back to Earth.
Curriculum Notes: Space, astronauts, Native Americans today, November, school library
Author: John Herrington
Illustrator: John Herrington
Publisher: White Dog Press
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This nonfiction book describes the journey of John Herrington of the Chickasaw nation and his quest to be the first Native American in space. Photographs intertwined with illustrations take the reader on a journey aboard the space shuttle Endeavor from Earth to space and then returning safely back to Earth.
Curriculum Notes: Space, astronauts, Native Americans today, November, school library
Title: Sweetest Kulu
Author: Celina Kalluk
Illustrator: Alexandria Neonakis (Outside of Culture)
Publisher: Inhabot Media Inc.
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: Kulu is born and all the animals of the Artic share a gift they possess to help him in his life.
Curriculum Notes: school library
Author: Celina Kalluk
Illustrator: Alexandria Neonakis (Outside of Culture)
Publisher: Inhabot Media Inc.
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: Kulu is born and all the animals of the Artic share a gift they possess to help him in his life.
Curriculum Notes: school library
Title: We are Water Protectors
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: A young water protectors tells of the importance of water, learns of the black snake that will destroy the land, and takes her courage to stand against the black snake.
Curriculum Notes: water cycle, pollution, Native American studies, illustrator study https://www.michaelagoade.com/
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: A young water protectors tells of the importance of water, learns of the black snake that will destroy the land, and takes her courage to stand against the black snake.
Curriculum Notes: water cycle, pollution, Native American studies, illustrator study https://www.michaelagoade.com/
Title: Encounter
Author: Brittany Luby
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Fisher and Sailor begin their day rowing in the ocean just off the shore of an island. They learn they have more in common than they can see as observed by the Sun and the animals on the island. As the Sun begins to set, the men part as friends, one to their island and the other to their ship.
Curriculum Notes: November, celebrating differences and highlighting commonalities, analyzing historical accuracy.
Author: Brittany Luby
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Fisher and Sailor begin their day rowing in the ocean just off the shore of an island. They learn they have more in common than they can see as observed by the Sun and the animals on the island. As the Sun begins to set, the men part as friends, one to their island and the other to their ship.
Curriculum Notes: November, celebrating differences and highlighting commonalities, analyzing historical accuracy.
Title: Fry Bread, A Native American Family Story
Author: Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: A picture book written in verse about Fry Bread. It is accompanied by illustrations of a modern Native American family. (Book jacket)
Curriculum Notes: Native American studies, November, school library
Author: Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: A picture book written in verse about Fry Bread. It is accompanied by illustrations of a modern Native American family. (Book jacket)
Curriculum Notes: Native American studies, November, school library
Title: Hungry Johnny
Author: Cheryl Minnema
Illustrator: Wesley Ballinger
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: Johnny loves to eat, eat, eat! However, he must learn to wait for the elders to eat first at the community feast before he is allowed to eat. Then, Johnny can do what he loves best which is eat, eat, eat!
Curriculum Notes: manners, patience, school library
Author: Cheryl Minnema
Illustrator: Wesley Ballinger
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: Johnny loves to eat, eat, eat! However, he must learn to wait for the elders to eat first at the community feast before he is allowed to eat. Then, Johnny can do what he loves best which is eat, eat, eat!
Curriculum Notes: manners, patience, school library
Title: Buffalo Bird Girl
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: This book is narrated by Buffalo Bird Girl of the Hidatsa people through words, illustrations, and historical photos. She explains how her people lived, worked, planted crops, foraged food, spiritual beliefs, hunted, and played games before their forced move to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in the 1880’s.
Curriculum Notes: Native American way of life before reservations, November
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: This book is narrated by Buffalo Bird Girl of the Hidatsa people through words, illustrations, and historical photos. She explains how her people lived, worked, planted crops, foraged food, spiritual beliefs, hunted, and played games before their forced move to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in the 1880’s.
Curriculum Notes: Native American way of life before reservations, November
Title: Gift Horse, A Lakota Story
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
Publication Year: 1999
Summary: This book is told from the point of view of Flying Cloud, a Lakota warrior, about the day his father gave him his horse, Storm. Flying Cloud began to train as a warrior by playing games on horseback, joining the men of his tribe in the sweat lodge, and going on a journey of a Vision Quest, hunting for food, and participating in a raid before being given his shirt of a Lakota Warrior.
Curriculum Notes: Lakota tribe, Native American studies, Flying Cloud, pair with Crazy Horse’s Vision
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
Publication Year: 1999
Summary: This book is told from the point of view of Flying Cloud, a Lakota warrior, about the day his father gave him his horse, Storm. Flying Cloud began to train as a warrior by playing games on horseback, joining the men of his tribe in the sweat lodge, and going on a journey of a Vision Quest, hunting for food, and participating in a raid before being given his shirt of a Lakota Warrior.
Curriculum Notes: Lakota tribe, Native American studies, Flying Cloud, pair with Crazy Horse’s Vision
Title: Greet the Dawn, The Lakota Way
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: South Dakota State Historical Society Press
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: This book illustrates the Circle of Life for People who follow the Lakota tradition (introduction). Each day Father Sun starts a new circle by greeting Mother Earth (Jacket cover). Father Sun warms Mother Earth as Brother Eagle flies. After storms pass, Sister Rainbow appears. At night, Sister Moon appears. This is a personal and contemporary interpretation of traditional Lakota imagery by S.D. Nelson (A Note about the Illustrations and Text).
Curriculum Notes: Native American, November, school library
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: South Dakota State Historical Society Press
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: This book illustrates the Circle of Life for People who follow the Lakota tradition (introduction). Each day Father Sun starts a new circle by greeting Mother Earth (Jacket cover). Father Sun warms Mother Earth as Brother Eagle flies. After storms pass, Sister Rainbow appears. At night, Sister Moon appears. This is a personal and contemporary interpretation of traditional Lakota imagery by S.D. Nelson (A Note about the Illustrations and Text).
Curriculum Notes: Native American, November, school library
Title: The Star People
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young People
Publication Year: 2003
Summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf wander across the prairie so Sister Girl can show him the wonders of the world. After interacting with the Cloud People, they are caught in a prairie fire that leads them to a river for safety. With darkness setting upon them, they are guided by the Star People to lead them safely home to their village.
Curriculum Notes: Author study https://www.sdnelson.net/
Native American Studies
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator: S.D. Nelson
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young People
Publication Year: 2003
Summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf wander across the prairie so Sister Girl can show him the wonders of the world. After interacting with the Cloud People, they are caught in a prairie fire that leads them to a river for safety. With darkness setting upon them, they are guided by the Star People to lead them safely home to their village.
Curriculum Notes: Author study https://www.sdnelson.net/
Native American Studies
Title: Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
Author: Robbie Robertson
Illustrator: David Shannon (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Abrams Books
Publication Year: 2015
Summary: Hiawatha has lost his family in battle. He is approached by the Peacemaker. Together they travel around to neighboring tribes speaking about the message of the Great Law. They prove to each tribe that they come in peace and unity. The 5 tribes bury their weapons under a white pine and form the Five Nations.
Curriculum Notes: Native American Studies, Declaration of Independence, democracies, SEL: forgiveness.
Author: Robbie Robertson
Illustrator: David Shannon (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Abrams Books
Publication Year: 2015
Summary: Hiawatha has lost his family in battle. He is approached by the Peacemaker. Together they travel around to neighboring tribes speaking about the message of the Great Law. They prove to each tribe that they come in peace and unity. The 5 tribes bury their weapons under a white pine and form the Five Nations.
Curriculum Notes: Native American Studies, Declaration of Independence, democracies, SEL: forgiveness.
Title: My Heart Fills with Happiness
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This simply written book repeats the phrase “My heart fills with happiness when...” Each of the illustrations that accompanies the possible endings to this statement depicts a modern First Nations Canadian family.
Curriculum Notes: Canadian Indigenous, family, school library
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This simply written book repeats the phrase “My heart fills with happiness when...” Each of the illustrations that accompanies the possible endings to this statement depicts a modern First Nations Canadian family.
Curriculum Notes: Canadian Indigenous, family, school library
Title: When We Are Kind
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Nicole Neidhardt
Publisher: When We Are Kind
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book “explores how our behaving with generosity toward others makes us feel happy in return. By helping with laundry, walking the family dog, sharing with friends, and taking food to our elders, we learn that the gift of kindness involves giving and receiving. The first half of the book is constructed entirely on the phrase “I am kind when,” while the second half uses “I feel.” (Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2020)
Curriculum Notes: Native American, SEL: Being kind
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Nicole Neidhardt
Publisher: When We Are Kind
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book “explores how our behaving with generosity toward others makes us feel happy in return. By helping with laundry, walking the family dog, sharing with friends, and taking food to our elders, we learn that the gift of kindness involves giving and receiving. The first half of the book is constructed entirely on the phrase “I am kind when,” while the second half uses “I feel.” (Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2020)
Curriculum Notes: Native American, SEL: Being kind
Title: You Hold Me Up
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Danielle Daniel
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: “A simple text provides examples of how people can love, support, and respect each other in a variety of ways. Each activity involves two or more people, with many parts of the text ending “with me” to emphasize that no one is above anyone else. The admirable message is summarized in the last three lines, “you hold me up / I hold you up / we hold each other up.” (Booklist online, December 15, 2017)
Curriculum Notes: Native American, SEL: Being kind and supportive of each other
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Danielle Daniel
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: “A simple text provides examples of how people can love, support, and respect each other in a variety of ways. Each activity involves two or more people, with many parts of the text ending “with me” to emphasize that no one is above anyone else. The admirable message is summarized in the last three lines, “you hold me up / I hold you up / we hold each other up.” (Booklist online, December 15, 2017)
Curriculum Notes: Native American, SEL: Being kind and supportive of each other
Title: Thanks to the Animals
Author: Allen Sockabasin
Illustrator: Rebekah Raye (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: Zoo Sap and his family are packing up their home to move it to their Winter location in the forest. As Zoo Sap rides on the back of the sled with his family, he begins to sleep and falls off the sled into the snow. All the animals in the forest snuggle around him to keep him warm until his father comes to find him.
Curriculum Notes: Native American, Passamaquoddy, First Nations, nature, pairing with The Mitten by Jan Brett
Author: Allen Sockabasin
Illustrator: Rebekah Raye (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: Zoo Sap and his family are packing up their home to move it to their Winter location in the forest. As Zoo Sap rides on the back of the sled with his family, he begins to sleep and falls off the sled into the snow. All the animals in the forest snuggle around him to keep him warm until his father comes to find him.
Curriculum Notes: Native American, Passamaquoddy, First Nations, nature, pairing with The Mitten by Jan Brett
Title: We Are Grateful, Otsaliheliga
Author: Traci Sorell
Illustrator: Frané Lessac (Outside culture)
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This books illustrates the Cherokee word “otsaliheliga,” throughout the four seasons which means “We are grateful.” The reader will view modern day illustrations of the Cherokee people way of life and learn about some holidays that the Cherokee Nation celebrates.
Curriculum Notes: Modern Day Native Americans, November, school library
Author: Traci Sorell
Illustrator: Frané Lessac (Outside culture)
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This books illustrates the Cherokee word “otsaliheliga,” throughout the four seasons which means “We are grateful.” The reader will view modern day illustrations of the Cherokee people way of life and learn about some holidays that the Cherokee Nation celebrates.
Curriculum Notes: Modern Day Native Americans, November, school library
In prgresTitle: We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
Author: Traci Sorell
Illustrator: Frané Lessac (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes: Wit&Wisdom, Second Grade, Module 2
Author: Traci Sorell
Illustrator: Frané Lessac (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes: Wit&Wisdom, Second Grade, Module 2
Title: When Turtle Grew Feathers, A Folktale from the Choctaw Nation
Author: Tim Tingle
Illustrator: Stacey Schuett (Outside Culture)
Publisher: August House LittleFolk
Publication Year: 2007
Summary: A Choctaw folktale about the Tortoise and the Hare. Turtle gave Turkey his shell to try on, then Rabbit came along wanting to race Turtle around the lake, not realizing that Turkey was in his shell. This day is known as the day Turtle grew feathers.
Curriculum Notes: folktale, Native American folktale, November, school library
Author: Tim Tingle
Illustrator: Stacey Schuett (Outside Culture)
Publisher: August House LittleFolk
Publication Year: 2007
Summary: A Choctaw folktale about the Tortoise and the Hare. Turtle gave Turkey his shell to try on, then Rabbit came along wanting to race Turtle around the lake, not realizing that Turkey was in his shell. This day is known as the day Turtle grew feathers.
Curriculum Notes: folktale, Native American folktale, November, school library
Title: Sky Sisters
Author: Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrator: Brian Deines (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: Alex and her sister travel to Coyote Hill on a snowy winter night to view the Sky Spirits. They see many animals and play in the snow on their journey to the top.
Curriculum Notes: Native/Indigenous Studies, November
Author: Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrator: Brian Deines (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: Alex and her sister travel to Coyote Hill on a snowy winter night to view the Sky Spirits. They see many animals and play in the snow on their journey to the top.
Curriculum Notes: Native/Indigenous Studies, November
Title: The Spirit Trackers
Author: Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrator: Francois Thisdale
Publisher: Fifth house
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Uncle shares the story of the Windigo, the Wandering Night Spirit of Winter, to Tom and Will. They are startled awake as they sleep for the sounds they hear outside. The boys strap on their snowshoes and track the Windigo in the snow stumbling upon more than they were expecting.
Curriculum Notes: Native/Indigenous Studies, November
Author: Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrator: Francois Thisdale
Publisher: Fifth house
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Uncle shares the story of the Windigo, the Wandering Night Spirit of Winter, to Tom and Will. They are startled awake as they sleep for the sounds they hear outside. The boys strap on their snowshoes and track the Windigo in the snow stumbling upon more than they were expecting.
Curriculum Notes: Native/Indigenous Studies, November
RSS Feed
