Native American Heritage Month

 

Native Americans were the first people to call this country home, and each year in November we celebrate their history and contributions to art and culture with Native American Heritage Month. Listed below are just a few of the books written by Native Americans that explore their history and culture.

Littles:

Remember by Joy Harjo is a poetic reflection on how all life is connected to one another, urging readers to embrace their heritage, the natural world, and the wisdom passed down through generations.

Being Home by Traci Sorrell is a heartfelt celebration of Indigenous people and the land they call home.

Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud tells the inspiring story of a young Indigenous girl as she finds her identity and strength through dance.

Middle Grade:

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day is about a young girl named Edie who discovers family secrets that reveal her Native American heritage. The story explores themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the complexities of cultural heritage.

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse follows Nizhoni Begay, a seventh-grade student who discovers she has the ability to sense monsters and embarks on a heroic quest to save her family.

How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is a historical novel told from the perspective of a young Choctaw boy named Isaac, who becomes a ghost during the Trail of Tears.

Teen:

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley follows a young Ojibwe woman named Daunis Fontaine, who becomes entangled in a criminal investigation after witnessing a shocking murder.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo is about Emoni Santiago, a teen mother who dreams of becoming a professional chef, embracing her cultural heritage through food.

Adult:

The Round House by Louise Erdrich is a coming-of-age story about 13-year-old Joe Coutts, who grapples with the aftermath of his mother’s brutal assault on a North Dakota reservation. 

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology is a collection of short stories, curated by editor Talia Lakshmi Kolluri, showcasing the diverse voices and experiences of Indigenous authors.

The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peters tells the story of two Indigenous siblings who navigate the complexities of family and identity while working in the berry fields of the Pacific Northwest.

Kanopy

You can also stream films to celebrate Native American Heritage Month on Kanopy!