Books Celebrating Native American Heritage Month to Read All Year Long



National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture: Stories, time lines, maps, and more by Cynthia O'Brien

Provides an array of snapshots about the culture and history of the many different tribes throughout the United States. Full of incredibly detailed and colorful photographs and images. 

Bonus: it has a pronunciation guide for the names of all of the different Native American nations. 





C is for Chickasaw written by Wiley Barnes and illustrated by Aaron Long

An alphabet book depicting all of the many aspects of Chickasaw culture. Some of the entries are: J is for Joy-(Ayokpa), and the importance of family, and Z is for Zigzag-(Foloto’wa), which is for the type of design found in the art of the Chickasaw culture.








Two Roads by Joseph Bruchac

Twelve year old Cal learns about his heritage and friendship during the 1930s in this book written by a member of the Nulhegan Abenaki nation in Vermont. 

Creek Nation











Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

In this fantasy filled with fun and adventure, Nizhoni Begay can sense monsters in human form. She along with her friends must defeat the monsters in order to survive. 

Navajo Nation










Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Juana Martinez-Neal

The use of the different ingredients and characteristics of fry bread is a metaphor for the values of family life, togetherness, and celebration of Native Americans. Rich in language and facts and lovingly illustrated with soft, colorful hues.

Bonus: The names of all of the different Native American nations are written inside the front and back covers of the book.

All Native American nations






Encounter written by Brittany Luby and illustrated by Michaela Goade

In this jeweled colored picture book Luby and Goade explore what might have happened when a French sailor and a Stadaconian man meet for the first time. Compared to what actually happened in history where Native Americans were stripped of their lands and dignity, Encounter reimagines how history could have been if the French sailor had viewed his meeting as a visitor rather than a conqueror. 

Iroquois Nation




Bowwow Powwow (Bagosenjige-niimi’idim) written by Brenda J. Child, translated by Gordon Jourdain, and illustrated by Jonathan Thunder

Windy Girl along with her uncle and her dog Itchy Boy attend a powwow where Windy Girl dreams that all of the dancers are dogs.

Ojibwe Nation





Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Linda Kukuk 

An inspiring biography about the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation and how she worked together with Cherokees to help them live in a better world. 








Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist adapted by Gina Capaldi and Q.L. Pearce and illustrated by Gina Capaldi

A true story compiled of the writings of the enthralling life of Zitkala-Sa, a legendary woman of the Yankton-Sioux tribe. 

Bonus: look for a red bird in all of the pages of the book!

Also available as an eBook through Overdrive here







We Are Grateful-Otsaliheliga written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac

A vibrantly illustrated picture book depicting all of the special cultural elements of each season such as food, family, and nature which are so beloved to members of the Cherokee nation.  



*Update from May 2021: Check out Sorell and Lessac's new book: 


We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know










-Cara/Allison

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