National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated in November. During the month I like to read and learn more about the history, culture, achievements, and stories of Indigenous people who live in the United States. Here is a list of new Native Voices fiction from this year and last year that I really enjoyed.
Written by Kim Rogers
Illustrated by Bobby Von Martin
New York: Heartdrum, 2024. Informational.
This biography, about Clarence Tinker first Native American Major General from World War II, is a history of an extraordinary warrior. Since 1942 he has been celebrated by the Osage people in song and in stories, where he is remembered for being a great warrior. Despite his upbringing and the injustices that Clarence suffered during his lifetime he never forgot his Osage heritage. In the book the repeated phrase "I am Osage" is like a drum beat reminding readers that his Osage heritage was a source of strength to him.
An important book to read about a resilient historical figure who was devoted to his native community.
By Violet Duncan
New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2024. Fiction. 110 Pages.
Twelve-year-old Summer is excited to spend her summer vacation visiting her family on the Cree reservation in Canada. She loves spending time with her family especially her cousin but she is troubled by the strange dreams she is having. She started having these vivid dreams after her family crossed the border into Canada and she made eye contact with an older Cree woman. Her dreams are always about an Indigenous girl named Buffalo Dreamer. As the dreams continue Summer begins to wonder if her dreams and the stories of her grandfather's experiences as a young boy at school are connected.
A heartbreaking but essential book that needs to be read.
By Dawn Quigley
New York: Heartdrum, 2024. Fiction. 167 Pages.
Ariel is eleven and loves to dance ballet which is something she has in common with her aunt Bineshiinh. But when Ariel's Auntie goes missing dancing ballet doesn't feel the same anymore, so she begins practicing the traditional jingle dance. As Ariel learns more about the history of the jingle dance she wonders if her love of dancing can help heal herself and the community. As Ariel is struggling with her loss, her neighbor Tomah is also having a difficult time. At school, Tomah tries to hide the fact that he can't read by using humor to deflect attention from his reading. Even though he struggles with reading he is able to find strength in his gift for story telling. As both tweens work through their own difficulties they find the ability to keep going despite the challenges they are facing.
A beautiful novel in verse that shows how two indigenous tweens find ways to overcome their challenges and help others.
By Christine Day
New York: Heartdrum, 2023. Fiction. 249 Pages.
Wesley is looking forward to Indigenous People's Day and her excitement for the day wakes her up extra early. She has written a poem about how important this day is to her and it is being published in the school paper. She can't wait to discuss her poem with other students and teachers at school and share her thoughts and feelings about the day. But she is surprised when no one at school even mentions her poem, in fact everyone is treating the day like an ordinary school day. After a difficult day at school Wesley heads home discouraged and wondering if she is enough.
A heartwarming story about belonging all told within the period of one special day. A perfect read for middle grade readers.
By Dan Sasuweh Jones
New York: Scholastic Focus, 2024. Informational. 249 Pages.
Stories from the authors family are woven into the book along with a lot of information about the time period as well as mini biographies from other children. The information, pictures, and personal information from the author's family make this an essential book especially for those who don't know much about the history of the American Indian Boarding Schools.
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