18 Books to Check Out for National Native American Heritage Month
By Elizabeth of @thekidlitmama
National Native American Heritage Month, or NAHM, is celebrated in the United States throughout the month of November. This post highlights a fantastic collection of books to help both you and the children in your life commemorate this important month. In addition to representing Native peoples from the United States, these titles also include Native stories from Canada, who celebrates National Indigenous History Month every June.
My favorite part of this group of books (besides the fact that all are written or illustrated by Native authors and illustrators) is the wide range of topics it encompasses, showing that these are books that can and should be picked up all year long as part of your everyday reading.
For the kid with a big imagination…
Written by Sarabeth Holden, illustrated by Emma Pedersen
For the little one who has lost a beloved pet…
Written by T'áncháy Redvers, Illustrated by Roza Nozari
For the child who is fascinated by mythical creatures and enjoys all things mysterious…
The Song That Called Them Home
Written by David A. Robertson, Illustrated by Maya McKibbin
For the family that aims to disrupt gender norms…
Written by Carole Lindstrom, Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
For families seeking diversity in the bedtime stories they enjoy together…
Native American Stories for Kids
Written by Tom Pecore Weso
For the musical child who enjoys learning about different techniques and instruments…
Written by Jaaji and Chelsey June, Illustrated by Tamara Campeau
For the kid who loves crafting…
Written by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Illustrated by Eva Campbell
For the elementary history buff who is wild about graphic novels…
Written by Randy'L He-Dow Teton, Illustrated by Aly McKnight
For the littlest reader who loves seeing photos of other babies…
Written by Debby Slier
For a baby who is new to the world…
We Love You as Much as the Fox Loves Its Tail
Written by Masiana Kelly, Illustrated by Tamara Campeau
For dog lovers who enjoy playful adventure stories…
Gunner's Big Day on Frobisher Bay
Written by Trevor Taylor, Illustrated by Marcus Cutler
To inspire creativity and an appreciation for Indigenous female artists…
By Hali Heavy Shield
To show the importance of all kids seeing their identities reflected at school…
Written by Sandra Lamouche, Illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
For a wider understanding and appreciation of Native folktales…
Written Levi Illuitok, Illustrated by Steve James
To help children see the value in both helping others and accepting help…
By Andrea Fritz
To celebrate Native identity and its connection to nature…
Written by Julie Buchholtz, Illustrated by Aliya Ghare
To celebrate intertribal Native pride and joy…
Written by Lauren Goodluck, Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
For a present-day story that shows that Native people and lands are not a thing of the past…
By S.D. Nelson
There is really something for everyone in this collection. Will you join me in elevating Native voices through your everyday reading?
Note: This post contains product affiliate links. The author may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links.
About the Author:
Elizabeth (she/her) is a teacher, mom to a toddler, and a children's book fanatic! On TikTok and Instagram @thekidlitmama, she enjoys sharing the best in kid lit, especially engaging and inclusive new releases, and gives tips on how to use different titles at home and/or in the classroom. You can find her at thekidlitmama.com.