Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration of global native heritage, culture and contributions. As we honor the past, present and future of indigenous peoples this October 10th, children’s books provide an impactful way to share Native stories and perspectives with young readers.
Books introduce kids to indigenous history, traditions, and experiences in an accessible way, while fostering cultural awareness and inclusion. To commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023, I’ve rounded up captivating children’s books that empower and uplift Native voices. These stories share diverse indigenous experiences, from tales of activism and resilience to celebrations of heritage through art, food and language. Join me in honoring the journey of Native peoples by engaging kids in inclusive narratives that highlight the richness of indigenous cultures.
Indian Shoes by Cynthia Leitich Smith:
Indian Shoes is a humorous children’s book following a Native American boy, Ray Halfmoon, and his beloved Grampa. Through vivid stories, it explores indigenous identity, intergenerational bonds, and heritage. Ideal for ages 6-9.
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior is an inspiring children’s picture book biography of indigenous environmental activists Josephine Mandamin and Autumn Peltier.
Author Carole Lindstrom spotlights how these indigenous women protect water sources, though their voices were nearly silenced. This changed when Mandamin and Peltier powerfully advocated for justice.
With art by Bridget George and a foreword by teen activist Autumn Peltier, this book from the New York Times-bestselling author uplifts the activists’ fight to honor indigenous wisdom and ensure clean water for all. Ideal for ages 4-8.
Run, Little Chaski! is a fiction picture book by author Mariana Llanos, ideal for ages 4-8.
Set in the Inka empire, it follows young messenger Chaski undertaking his important first delivery for the King. Along the trail, Chaski’s kindness toward animals in need helps him in surprising ways when he’s late to meet his sunset deadline. With vivid illustrations and descriptive language, this book provides cultural insights, while teaching themes of responsibility, compassion, and perseverance.
Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow is an educational picture book by Anishinaabe law scholar Aimée Craft.
On the riverbank, Mishomis teaches his granddaughter about the first treaty between Earth and Sky that grounds all relations. He shares indigenous wisdom on treaties as bonds of reciprocity that endure as long as the sun shines and rivers flow. With lyrical writing and Luke Swinson’s illustrations, this essential book for ages 5-9 provides an Indigenous perspective on treaties and living in balance with nature.
Tanna’s Owl is an own voices picture book by Inuit author Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, ideal for ages 5-8.
When Tanna’s father brings home an abandoned owl, she reluctantly cares for the ungrateful bird. As weeks pass, the owl grows from ugly duckling to beautiful mature snowy owl. This heartwarming tale inspired by the author’s childhood teaches young readers about hard work, empathy, and compassion even for unloving creatures. With vibrant illustrations, it provides an inside look at Inuit culture and values.
Two Tribes is a coming-of-age graphic novel by Muscogee-Jewish author Emily Bowen Cohen, ideal for ages 8-12.
It follows biracial tween Mia struggling to embrace her complex identity. Feeling disconnected from her Jewish home and school, she journeys alone to visit her estranged Muscogee father, seeking that missing part of herself. This poignant story about celebrating one’s multifaceted cultures is perfect for fans of American Born Chinese. Published by Heartdrum Books, it spotlights contemporary Indigenous youth experiences.
Buffalo Wild! is a magical realism picture book by Deidre Havrelock,, ideal for ages 4-8.
Declan longs to see buffalo, which hold deep meaning in his Indigenous culture. His wish comes true when stampeding herds mystically return to the wild. Azby Whitecalf’s lively art complements this exuberant tale celebrating the buffalo’s cultural significance and the efforts to revitalize these iconic animals. With an author’s note and reprint of the Buffalo Treaty, this book spotlights Indigenous traditions while conveying messages of conservation and hope.
Powwow Day is a book by Traci Sorell featuring art by Madelyn Goodnight, ideal for ages 4-8.
When illness prevents River from dancing at the powwow, she worries she’ll never dance again. This uplifting contemporary Native tale follows River’s journey from isolation to embracing the healing power of community. It introduces readers to powwow traditions, underscoring their role in connecting Native peoples. With an author’s note providing more powwow history, this #OwnVoices book spotlights modern Indigenous culture.
Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González is a poetic picture book for children ages 3-7.
It celebrates intergenerational bonds and sparks curiosity about nature and science. This imaginative story aimed at young readers follows a grandmother sharing her love of rocks, seashells and meteorites with her granddaughters.
Kapaemahu: A Legend of Four Souls by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson is an imaginative picture book for ages 4-8 recounting an ancient Hawaiian legend in poetic text and stunning illustrations. It tells how four extraordinary dual-spirit healers called Mahu brought their gifts from Tahiti to Hawaii in the 15th century, leaving four boulders imbued with enduring healing powers at Waikiki Beach.
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know is a powerful 2022 picture book for ages 5-9 by Traci Sorell presenting historical and contemporary Native American struggles, laws, and victories. In precise, lyrical text and striking illustrations, twelve Native kids affirm their ongoing resilience, from forced assimilation to self-determination. An eye-opening work that fills in the missing Native history in children’s education.
The Walrus and the Caribou is a hilarious picture book for ages 4-8 by Maika Harper & Marcus Cutler sharing a traditional Inuit origin story from Nunavut. Told in lively rhyming text, it recounts the trial and error of breathing life into the curiously mismatched walrus and caribou when the earth was new and words had magical creative power. An imaginative #OwnVoices tale of intention and learning through mistakes.
We All Play by Julie Flett is an imaginative 2022 picture book for ages 0-7 celebrating the joy of playtime between children and animals. With beautiful illustrations and simple rhyming text in English and Cree, it shows diverse kids and animals chirping, wiggling, squirming, peeking and more. A perfect bedtime read-aloud that connects children to nature. Includes Cree animal glossary and pronunciations.
The Secret Pocket by Shirlee Smith Matheson is a 2022 picture book for ages 5-9 recounting the true story of Indigenous girls at a Canadian residential school who secretly sewed hidden pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive. Based on the author’s mother’s experience, this emotional yet hopeful tale shows the cruelty of the schools while celebrating the girls’ resilience, sharing culture, and sewing skills passed down by their female elders.
Two Degrees by Alan Gratz is a 2022 action-packed middle grade novel for ages 8-12 spotlighting the urgent threat of climate change through the perilous stories of kids surviving a wildfire, polar bear attack, and hurricane. As climate disasters intertwine their fates, the page-turning adventure makes a compelling call for protecting the planet.
Honoring Tradition by Sandy Lyons, a 2022 picture book for ages 5-9, shares a Wampanoag perspective on the history of Thanksgiving and the significance of Weeâchumun (corn). In a Native oral tradition, two Wampanoag children learn how their ancestors enabled the Pilgrims to survive, highlighting the integral yet overlooked role of the Wampanoag tribe and the gifts of the land. An enriching retelling that celebrates Indigenous traditions.
Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories is a 2021 middle grade horror collection edited by Dan SaSuWeh Jones and illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre. This spine-tingling compilation of 32 short stories from Native oral traditions across North America is perfect for ages 8-12 who love scary folktales. Tales of supernatural creatures, ghosts, witches and more will give you chills and thrills.
Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman is a poignant 2022 middle grade novel for ages 8-12 about unlikely friends navigating a 1980s summer of self-discovery. As ten-year-old Bug gets to know her older neighbor Frankie, they bond over feeling different and learn powerful lessons about identity, empathy, family and allyship. A beautifully told coming-of-age story.
Zonia’s Rain Forest is a gorgeous 2021 picture book for ages 4-8 by Juana Martinez-Neal. It follows Zonia, an Asháninka girl, through a day of play and discovery in the lush Peruvian Amazon. Martinez-Neal’s poetic text and stunning illustrations on banana bark paper immerse readers in the wonders of the rainforest and highlight Zonia’s joyful bond with her home. An eye-opening cultural celebration.
My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom & Steph Littlebird is an empowering 2023 picture book for ages 4-8 celebrating the cultural significance of hair in Indigenous communities. A young girl grows her hair long to honor her family’s history and connect with her heritage, overcoming cultural suppression of natural hair. An uplifting story about identity, self-expression and cultural reclamation.
The stories and perspectives shared in these wonderful children’s books showcase the richness of indigenous cultures across the world. By engaging young readers with inclusive narratives that honor Native peoples, we can foster empathy, celebrate diversity, and create a more just society. This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let’s uplift indigenous voices and stand in solidarity with our Native neighbors.
