I love Native American Heritage Month because it gives me a chance to read and immerse myself in the history and culture of the Native American people. Native American stories can teach us much about the land with all its strength and beauty and the culture of these remarkable people. Here are a few of my favorite books from this year that have educated and enlightened me. Read and celebrate these many stories and what they have to offer.
Written by Brittany Luby
Illustrated by Natasha Donovan
New York: Little Brown and Company, 2023. Picture Book.
Ojiig has to leave his home and move to the city when his father gets a new job. He is missing his grandparents and his old way of life but what he misses most are the stars in the night sky. His parents try different things to help him bring the stars to his new life in the city but nothing seems to work. His mother has an idea and begins making him a special quilt woven with the stories of his ancestors. With the new quilt wrapped around him Ojiig finally begins to feel connected to his community and his ancestors. A perfect book to talk about culture, migration, and remaining connected to your traditions and culture.
Written by Joy Harjo
Illustrated by Michael Goade
New York: Random House Studio, 2023. Picture Book.
This story is a beautiful poetic reminder of the importance of our place in the world. The poem inspires readers to remember family, and how nature and our heritage are intertwined. If we pay attention to the world around us and how we are all connected we can more fully celebrate life and our role in it.
Written by Carole Lindstrom
Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book.
A young Ojibwe girl is taught by her grandmother that stories and memories are woven into her hair along with strength. Long hair, she learns, is a form of expression that honors her ancestors. She makes a decision to grow her hair long and as you read you see a timeline that ties certain events in her life to the length of her hair. When a beloved family member dies the young girl decides to cut her hair to send the powerful energy of her hair into the spirit world with him. Then at the end of the book she decides to regrow her hair along with her mother.
Written by Alexis C. Bunten
Illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
New York: Christy Ottaviano Books, 2023. Informational.
Pia and some other children from the community gather to watch the historical inauguration of Deb Haaland being sworn in as the Secretary of the Interior on March 18, 2021. She is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary and Pia notices that "Auntie Deb" is wearing a traditional ribbon skirt for her special day. A ribbon skirt is a ceremonial garment that celebrates indigenous womanhood. As the community celebrates this honor the children and families watching decide to make their own ribbon skirts. Pia learns about the importance and power of these beautiful skirts and how they bring the strength of her mother, grandmother and ancestors to her when she wears her ribbon skirt.
A powerful story about the strength of womanhood and native pride. The book is full of beautiful illustrations along with information about the creation of ribbon skirts and the history and meaning behind these powerful skirts.
Written by Traci Sorell
Illustrated by Frane Lessac
Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2021. Informational.
A group of Native American children dress up and talk about the historical events that happened to their people. They reflect on how young native children were forced to attend English schools which destroyed their traditions and how U.S. leaders sold off their land so their people had to leave and relocate. Despite the difficulties indigenous people have suffered in the past they are still here and are fighting to reclaim their land.
This book gives the reader an in-depth look at Native American peoples' past, their present struggles, and the future they are trying to build for their children. It's full of valuable information to help kids and adults know and understand Native history in the U.S.
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