Children’s Books for Native American Heritage Month

One of the values we hold in the Native community is the passing down of our tribal traditions and languages to the younger generations. As the First Nations of North America, it is important that our stories are told, and that we are a vital part of the past and the present. Perhaps the most important thing to teach young children is that we are still here. Our tribes still exist but we are also a part of modern life. Here are some reading recommendations for children for Native American Heritage Month.

Picture Books - Native American Heritage Month

Fry Bread, book cover
Josie Dances, book cover
We Are Grateful, book cover
We Are Water Protectors, book cover
On the Trapline, book cover
Go Show the World, book cover
Thunder Boy Jr., book cover
Birdsong, book cover
I Sang You Down From the Stars, book cover


Native Nonfiction for Children

Here at San José Public Library, we have an amazing collection of nonfiction books for children about Native American tribes. These selections show past history and present day life, within specific tribal communities.

Iroquois, book cover
Cherokee, book cover
Blackfoot, book cover
Seminole, book cover
Algonquin, book cover
Encyclopedia of American Indian History & Culture, book cover
Southwest Indians, book cover
California Indians, book cover
Native Americans, book cover


California Indian Tribes

Miwok, book cover
The Ohlone, book cover
The Pomo, book cover
Modoc, book cover
Yurok, book cover
Mojave, book cover
Paiute, book cover
Chumash, book cover


Books by Joseph Bruchac

Finally, I would like to honor the work of Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki). He is a traditional elder, storyteller, and writer who has been vital in the preservation of many stories of many tribes throughout Turtle Island. I highly recommend his books.

Peacemaker, book cover
The Circle of Thanks, book cover
Rez Dogs, book cover
Thirteen Moons on a Turtle's Back, book cover
The Warriors, book cover
On This Long Journey, book cover
The Winter People, book cover
Turtle's Race With Beaver, book cover
A Boy Called Slow, book cover
Many Nations, book cover
Between Earth & Sky, book cover