Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. These book recommendations highlight Native voices, traditions, and stories that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and celebrate Native communities. Looking for more? Visit mcldaz.org to browse for more titles, or stop by your local library!
0-3 YEARS OLD
We Belong to the Drum by Sandra Lamouche
When Nikosis starts daycare, he feels homesick, missing his family and the music that makes him feel at home. One day, his mom brings a powwow CD for the class to enjoy and the teachers start to play drum music from all around the world for the children.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This book shows how important our culture is to our everyday lives and how learning and sharing different cultures can bring people closer together. – Lexis H., Librarian
I Sang you Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett
The story celebrates Native American Heritage by sharing about Indigenous traditions and the special connection between family, culture and nature. The Story follows a mother as she prepares a bundle of meaningful items to welcome her baby into the world and their community.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT Readers will love the beautiful illustrations and the sweet story about love, family, and belonging, as well as its celebration of Native American culture. – Esmeralda A., Librarian
4-6 YEARS OLD
All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, illustrated by Winona Nelson
Clay, a young Cherokee boy, asks his grandmother how he can become “Star of the Week,” making him the most important person at school. His grandmother explains that although every person is important, it is when everyone works together as a community that brings out the best in people.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This a different take from other similar books in that it emphasizes teamwork over competition. The illustrations are done with watercolors and beadwork hand-sewn into the paper, resulting in stunning illustrations. – Amy C., Librarian
Why We Dance: A Story of Hope and Healing by Deidre Havrelock, illustrated by Aly McKnight
A young girl and her family travel to the site of the big powwow to dance the jingle dance, carrying their prayers and dancing for those who can’t. During their time dancing, they embrace their community, remember their ancestors, honor their elders, and reconnect with their culture.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The colorful watercolor illustrations and vivid descriptions bring the powwow to life in a way that is relatable to young people of all cultures and backgrounds. The author’s note explains the history and customs of the jingle dress dance in more detail. – Jennifer G., Branch Manager
1ST – 3RD GRADE
Toypurina: Japchivit leader, medicine woman, Tongva rebel by Cheyenne M. Stone and Glenda Armand
This picture book biography tells the story of Toypurina, a Tongva medicine woman who lived in Southern California during the mid- to late 1700s. Unhappy with the treatment of the Tongva people at the nearby San Gabriel Mission, she staged an uprising to fight for her community’s land and their way of life.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: You’ll learn about a Native American woman who may not be as well-known as Sacajawea or Pocahontas. Although Toypurina’s uprising was ultimately unsuccessful, she is celebrated for her role in advocating for Indigenous rights. – Amy C., Librarian
The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Nation by Alice B. McGinty
Cody, who lives on the Navajo Nation, wakes up thirsty one morning, but the family’s water tanks are empty, meaning all their water has been used up. Luckily, Darlene Arviso, the Water Lady, is on her way in her bright yellow water tank truck to fill Cody’s family’s water tanks, so they can have water for the next month.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Living in the desert, it is important to use our water wisely, but it is hard to imagine having a limited supply of water like Cody’s family. I also appreciate that this story is set in the Navajo Nation, part of which is here in Northeastern Arizona. – Lynn T., Librarian
4th-6th GRADE
Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruhac
The book celebrates Native American Heritage by sharing Abenaki culture, traditions, and stories through the experience of a young girl staying with her grandparents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book shows the importance of family, community, and staying connected to your culture during difficult times.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Readers will enjoy the lovable characters, family stories, and the unique way the story is told in verse. It is a heartwarming and engaging read that blends a modern story with Native American traditions and history. – Esmeralda A., Librarian
The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa
The Ribbon Skirt follows a ten-year-old two-spirit, Anang, as they and their friends work to gather materials to make a ribbon skirt for the next powwow. Along the journey Anang connects with spirits, including the spirit of the lake and some sassy turtle spirits, who help them to find their way.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Young readers will relate to Anang’s journey to feel confident in their own skin while also navigating friendships changing and family obligations. Mukwa’s bright illustrations tie the story together and the glossary, histories, and recipes at the end of book are great tools to those wanting to learn more about indigenous culture. – Lexis H., Librarian
TEEN
Legendary Frybread Drive-in: Intertribal stories edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
This collection of short stories features Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-in, a restaurant famous for its traditional Native American fare and its legendary grandparent cooks. But, Sandy June’s is much more than a restaurant. It’s also a hub for all the native tribes, with a stage for bands, and tables for art projects. Sandy June’s also defies time and space, appearing to those who need it, often when they need it most.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: These stories are written by indigenous authors about a variety of topics: first love, a desire to connect to your heritage, lost grandparents, struggling with fear, and more. This book highlights the connectivity between the different tribes, and you can tell that the authors communicated with each other about their stories, deciding the ground rules for Sandy June’s. – Lynn T., Librarian
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Set in the near future, in a world ravaged by climate change, Frenchie, a young Métis boy, is on the run from Canadian government “recruiters” who are hunting the indigenous people of North America for their bone marrow. Frenchie joins a group of others to survive and to flee to the north to safety and hopefully, reunite with those they love.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT Frenchie’s story is one of grit, resilience, cultural identity and the importance of storytelling, powerfully highlighting the historic struggles of indigenous people in North America. – Jennifer G., Branch Manager
