Looking to add to your collection? Here are some books about Native Americans.
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Disclaimer – I have not read these books so I cannot speak to their appropriateness for a K-12 Christian School library. I encourage librarians to read the books before making a purchasing decision.
November is Native American Heritage Month—a wonderful time to spotlight stories that honor Indigenous voices, celebrate vibrant cultures, and share the truth of our shared history. Each of the titles below was published within the past few years and offers something special—beautiful storytelling, authentic perspectives, and meaningful insights for readers of all ages. Whether you’re curating a display, planning a lesson, or simply refreshing your library shelves, these books will help students see the diversity and richness of Native American experiences.
Picture Book
Heart Berry Bling by Jenny Kay Dupuis (2023) – https://amzn.to/4nZqWhz
A young Anishinaabe girl, Maggie, visits her grandmother and learns the art of beadwork, hearing family stories of history, resilience, and identity. A gentle, culturally rich story that connects traditional craft, intergenerational relationships, and the modern world.
I Am My Name: A Girl’s Journey to Finding Her Cree Family by Na’kuset & Judith Henderson; illustrated by Onedove (2025) – https://amzn.to/4qPI8Zu
This autobiographical picture book tells of Cree activist Na’kuset’s own childhood: removed from her home during Canada’s “Sixties Scoop,” separated from her family, and later reclaiming her name and culture with her grandmother’s support. A powerful story of identity, voice, and healing.
Ancient Night by David Bowles & David Álvarez (2023) – https://amzn.to/4omHzV7
This picture‐book retelling blends two Nahuatl traditions—of the rabbit on the moon and the lord opossum who stole fire—to create a richly illustrated mythic origin story. It works beautifully for younger children (PreK–2) and includes thoughtful backmatter.
I Am on Indigenous Land by Katrina M. Phillips (2025) – https://amzn.to/3Xk60qh
A gently illustrated picture book about a child recognizing that the land has always been Indigenous land, supporting awareness of place, identity and shared responsibility.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard (2019) – https://amzn.to/43hlFu6
A lyrical, verse-driven picture book by Kevin Noble Maillard celebrating the tradition of fry-bread and how food connects family, culture and history.
Native American Stories for Kids by Tom Pecore Weso – https://amzn.to/495H2Cu
A compilation of traditional stories from multiple tribes, for children around ages 6–9, offering lore, cultural context and short historical sketches for each.
Elementary / Chapter Books
Eagle Drums by Nasug̊raq Rainey Hopson (2023) (Newbery Honor Book) – https://amzn.to/43gkxHf
A middle-grade narrative about an Iñupiaq boy whose family prepares for winter, and he must travel up a sacred mountain to collect obsidian—where he meets the eagle god Savik. A rich blend of cultural mythology and adventure, aimed at grades ~4–6.
Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of the American Indian Boarding Schools by Dan SaSuWeh Jones (2024) – https://amzn.to/43cDRVQ
A historical fiction read for grades ~4–7. Little Moon, at age four, is taken from her family and sent to a Ponca boarding school—one of many in U.S. history where Indigenous children were removed from their homes and culture. This is a sobering but important resource for older elementary readers.
A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power (2023) – https://amzn.to/3JL8vio
Though technically upper‐middle grade to young adult, this novel may be suitable for strong elementary/chapter-book readers depending on maturity. It follows three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women—Cora, Lillian, and Sissy—and their relationship with dolls that witness their lives in boarding schools and reservation environments. A saga of family, trauma, survival.
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell (2021)
Though targeted a little older (upper elementary / middle grade), this book presents truths about Native American history, resilience and presence, and could be used in shared-read settings.
Borders by Thomas King (2022) – https://amzn.to/4nHtssm
A graphic novel-style chapter book where a boy and his mother claim their Blackfoot citizenship and face limbo at the U.S./Canada border
Young Adult (YA)
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger (Newbery Honor Award ) (2021) – https://amzn.to/4qLoa1K
A fantasy/Indigenous-futurism novel for YA readers: Nina, a Lipan Apache girl, and Oli, a child of spirit/monster land, converge as their worlds merge. Full of magic, myth, and Indigenous cultural foundations.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (2021) – https://amzn.to/3LvkGjL
A gripping thriller featuring Daunis Fontaine (half-Native, half-white) who becomes entangled in an FBI investigation on her Ojibwe reservation after witnessing a murder and discovering her own connections to corruption and identity. A strong, page-turning YA title.
Mascot by Traci Sorell and Charles Waters (2023) – https://amzn.to/4oBKGbO
A middle/upper chapter book or YA crossover about a Black girl from the Cherokee Nation who challenges her school’s Native “mascot” caricature.
Nonfiction
The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History by Ned Blackhawk (2023) – https://amzn.to/4hIh3mB
A major nonfiction work that reframes U.S. history by centering Native peoples in the narrative. This book argues that Indigenous communities were not passive but central actors in the formation of America. A strong pick for older teens and adult readers (and for your librarian audience).
When we share authentic Indigenous stories, we help our students connect more deeply with the people and history of this land. These books remind us that Native cultures are living, dynamic, and essential to the American story—not just during November, but all year long. I hope this list inspires you to add new voices to your collection and celebrate the power of story to build understanding and respect.
Read my Learning Native American Culture Through Children’s Literature series
Read more Bibliography and Book List posts.
Read my reviews of Native American titles.
Check out my lists on Benable
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