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Picture books, novels, nonfiction, and poetry that advance the knowledge and understanding of the art, language, and cultural achievements of the Native peoples of North, South, and Central America. From contemporary fiction about modern teens and current issues to traditional stories, folk tales, and history, all aspects of Native communities are covered in this Showcase, including titles by Native authors.
These books are available at your local bookstore. Check the ABA's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you. You may also purchase these books at BookSense.com.
Note: Showcase titles are selected by the books' publishers, who provide cover art, interior art, and descriptive information.
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Bear Dancer
The Story of a Ute Girl
by Thelma Hatch Wyss. Ages 8-12
(Margaret K. McElderry Books)
This coming-of-age story set in 1860 details the life of a young girl from the Ute tribe in the Rocky Mountains. |
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Buffalo
With Selections from Native American Song-Poems
written and illustrated by Beverly Brodsky. Ages 8-12
(Marshall Cavendish Children's Books)
An ASPCA Henry Bergh Award Honor Book;
An NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People;
A Best Children's Book of the Year (Outstanding Merit) Bank Street College.
"Brodsky has made a magnificent re-entry into the world of picture books with this historical look at the plight of the buffalo as related to the Native American experience. . . . breathtakingly stunning . . . a must purchase for all libraries." —Kirkus Reviews |
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Dogsong
by Gary Paulsen
(Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers)
Dogsong combines the age-old search for identity with the need to understand a youngster's ancestral background. |
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Hidden Roots
by Joseph Bruchac. Ages 9-12
(Scholastic Press)
Acclaimed author Joseph Bruchac tells a powerful story of family and identity, and of the contemporary Native American experience. |
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Hold Up the Sky
And Other Native American Tales from Texas and the Southern Plains
by Jane Louise Curry, illustrated by James Watts. All Ages
(Margaret K. McElderry Books)
A collection of stories with mythological undertones open up a rare world of history, exploration, and explanation about the Native Americans in Texas and the Southern Plains. |
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How The Moon Regained Her Shape
by Janet Ruth Heller, illustrated by Ben Hodson. Ages 6-10
(Sylvan Dell Publishing)
A fascinating Native American folktale that explains the phases of the moon and helps instill self-confidence against bullying. Stunning art; moon information and crafts. |
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In a Sacred Manner I Live
Native American Wisdom
edited by Neil Philip, illustrated with photographs in duotone. Ages 10 and up
(Clarion Books)
An award-winning anthology of Native American oratory, gathered from the 17th century to the present day. |
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Mariana and the Merchild
A Folk Tale from Chile
by Caroline Pitcher, illustrated by Jackie Morris. Ages 4and up
(Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
A memorable story of unconditional love, this poetic retelling of a traditional South American folk tale beautifully conveys the joy that may come if you open your heart to what you cannot keep. |
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The Sacrifice
by Diane Matcheck. Ages 12 up
(Sunburst Paperbacks/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Inc. Books for Young Readers)
An Apsaalooka Indian girl barely survives a forbidden journey into the Land of Boiling Waters (modern-day Yellowstone National Park) only to discover that her death-defying struggles have just begun. |
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The Stolen Sun
A Story of Native Alaska
written and illustrated by Amanda Hall. Ages 5and up
(Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
"Weaving together important themes in Native Alaskan culture, Hall creates a hauntingly original story." —Kirkus Reviews |
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The Warriors
by Joseph Bruchac. Ages 10 and up
(Darby Creek Publishing)
At his new school, lacrosse is the dominant sport, but as the only Native American team member, Jake wonders if he will ever feel at home. |
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Where the Great Hawk Flies
by Liza Ketchum. Ages 10-14
(Clarion Books)
Two boys—one half Indian, the other violently anti-Indian—come to terms with their misconceptions about each other in post-Revolutionary Vermont. |
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Worlds Apart
by Kathleen Karr. Ages 10 and up
(Marshall Cavendish Children's Books)
Fifteen-year-old Christopher West narrates this tale of colonists who braved the Atlantic to reach the New World of Carolina. He makes fast friends with Asha-po, a young Sewee boy his own age. Asha-po teaches Christopher to hunt, and Christopher teaches Asha-po to play chess. But before long, tension develops between the tribe and the colonists, with Christopher and Asha-po stuck in the middle. |
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