Native American Heritage Month

It's Native American Heritage Month in November! Let's celebrate it now and all year long with these selected books. Learn something you never knew before and find a new favorite.



*Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears by Cornelia Cornelissen

In 1838 in the United States, nine-year-old Soft Rain and her family are demanded to leave their home and everything they've ever known. This story describes the heart-wrenching journey (The Trail of Tears) that many many Native Americans were forced to travel. 

*Available to request from libraries outside of Worcester

*Cherokee



Fry Bread: A Native American Family Tradition written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by 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.

Also available on DVD


I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day


Even though Edie's grandparents are white, she knows that there's something about her family that's different. When she finds a box of photographs that feature a woman who looks just like her and has her name, she learns that she was right all along.





The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich


Follow Omakayas ("Little Frog") and her pioneer family in 1847 as they survive hardships and prove the strength of courage and sticking together. 

Also available in large type format

*Ojibwa




Yetsa's Sweater written by Sylvia Olsen and illustrated by Joan Larson


A grandmother teaches her granddaughter the intricacies involved in making a sweater.

Available to request from libraries outside of Worcester

*Cowichan






SkySisters written by Jan Bordeau Waboose and illustrated by Brian Deines

Two sisters witness the amazing phenomena of the SkySpirits.

Available to request from libraries outside of Worcester

*Ojibway



Brother Eagle, Sister Sky written by Chief Seattle with paintings by Susan Jeffers

Chief Seattle shows his great love for our Earth and the role we must take on to protect it. 

*Suquamish





We Are Water Protectors written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade

Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal that expresses how crucial it is to take care of our planet.

Also available in eBook format





Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

Malian and her family learn to survive Covid-19.

*Wabanaki







Soldier Sister, Fly Home written by Nancy Bo Flood and illustrated by Shonto Begay

When Tess' sister Gaby is deployed to Iraq she has to learn how to grow up without her.

Available from libraries outside of Worcester

*Navajo





Native Women of Courage by Kelly Fournel

Learn about the contributions of Native Women including: 

-Sarah Winnemucca (Paiute) - First Native American woman to write and publish a book.

-Maria Tallchief (Osage) - Prima ballerina with the New York City Ballet.

-Mary Kim Titla (Apache) - First Native American television news reporter in Arizona

and more!

Available to request from libraries outside of Worcester



Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Ša, 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-Ša, 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




-Cynthia/Cara

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