Authentic Picture Books by Indigenous Authors
Diverse children’s books benefit all readers. They allow some readers to see themselves in a book, while giving other readers the opportunity to meet people different from themselves.
It’s also important to seek out books written by authors with lived experience or cultural heritage about their book’s subject matter. These picture books on this list aren’t just about Indigenous cultures; they are written by authors of Indigenous heritage with authentic cultural experiences.
We hope you’ll share these excellent picture books with all the children in your lives to celebrate and explore the many rich stories from North American Indigenous cultures.
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1
Add to BookshelfOn the Trapline
by David A. Robertson
A boy and his Moshom journey from the city to the north. Along the way, the boy asks, “Is this your trapline?” as Moshom shows his grandson where he used to live, swim, and go to school. Eventually, they arrive at the trapline and later feast with the community. This is a moving story of connection and culture, with earth-toned illustrations by Julie Flett.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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The Water Lady
by Alice B. McGinty
Cody lives on the Navajo Nation reservation, but his family doesn’t have running water. When they run out of water, Cody is happy that Darlene Arviso, “The Water Lady,” delivers more water to his family and many others around the reservation. Back matter shares more about Darlene Arviso’s passion for helping others through her Water Lady work.
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3
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MĂ©tis Like Me
by Tasha Hilderman
Written in first person, Métis children share how they express and celebrate their heritage: Spending time with family, picking berries, beading together, playing music, dancing, and sharing traditional stories. Even when one child admits they don’t know the Métis people’s history, another child says it’s never too late to learn because they’re all part of the community.
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4
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Brave
by Weshoyot Alvitre
This affirming story of hair and heritage begins with a boy’s mom braiding his long hair. Even though his mom says he’s brave as she pulls out tangles, the boy remembers not being brave at school when the other kids teased him about his hair. Later, his dad shares how long hair symbolizes strength and how his grandpa and great-grandpa were forced to cut their hair. These stories help the boy be brave and stand up to the bullies at school as he remembers that long hair connects him to his ancestors and traditions.
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5
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We Are Who We Are
by Wab Kinew
Rhyming text introduces 13 Indigenous heroes who made a positive difference in their communities, including NASA engineer Mary Golda Ross, activist Steve Charging Eagle, and storyteller Tasha Spillett. After learning about each individual, the author encourages readers to be more like the people in the book who work hard to make the world a better place.
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6
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Powwow Day
by Traci Sorell
In this emotional story about community and healing, River can’t participate in the powwow because she’s recovering from an illness. She’s disappointed to watch the dancing instead of joining in. When she sees her relatives and friends perform the jingle dance for ancestors, family, and health, River feels hopeful that she will dance at the next powwow.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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I Am My Name
by Na'kuset and Judith Henderson
In this powerful autobiographical story of historical injustice, a Cree girl and her big sister are taken from their home and separated. With a new family and name, the little sister feels alone and sad, except when she sees her Bubbe. Forced to deny her Cree heritage, the girl eventually runs away to her Bubbe, who helps the little sister find her big sister and return to her ancestral home, where she adopts the Cree name, Na’kuset.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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Charlotte’s New Moccasins
by Jenn Moudahi
Charlotte is devastated to have outgrown her favorite moccasins. But her sadness turns to delight when Grandma teaches her how to make new moccasins: Measure, cut, sew, and bead, allowing Charlotte to choose the leather, beads, and fur. The growing pains of childhood will resonate with all readers in this warmhearted story of intergenerational love between grandmother and granddaughter.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Being Home
by Traci Sorell
Minimal text captures the journey of a young Cherokee girl who leaves the city for her family’s ancestral lands. In the car, she draws what’s outside the window and imagines her new home, surrounded by family. Bright, vibrant illustrations of pink and green pop off the page.
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10
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Spirit Shadow
by Ginger Reno
In this gorgeous story about accepting your heritage, Willa has two shadows: One regular shadow at her feet and another beside her, just out of reach. When Willa visits an ancient Cherokee village, she realizes the second shadow is the Spirit of her ancestor, who then helps Willa embrace her Cherokee Nation heritage.
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