AMERICAN INDIAN CHILDREN'S BOOKS
The books described here were chosen by parents participating in the
MOTHEREAD/FATHEREAD program of the Red Lake Nation in Northern Minnesota. Inclusion of a book means that the story is either derived from history or legends shared among indigenous peoples of North/Northwest America; is written about modern regional Native American experience; and reflects events or ideas important to those communities. Given the diversity of heritage, history, and experience of Native Americans across this country, the books listed provide a valuable sampling.
HELPFUL LINKS
Clicking on the title of the book will take you to a site to purchase the book. Books purchased through Barnes and Noble links support the Minnesota Humanities Center.
Ferguson Plain/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Amikoonse is a beaver raised by a young boy. Therefore, Amikoonse knows little of the natural world to which he was born. One day he slips through a door left open. If Amikoonse has never seen or known his true home, how can he find it? This book gently explores the experience and feelings of seeking one’s place. In each illustration, Amikoonse is inspired, sheltered and led by hidden or misty images; younger children will have fun finding them on each page.
Sheila MacGill-Callahan/Dial Books for Young Readers
Turtle watches over the Delaware people and the many cycles of life. Ultimately his own existence comes full circle. Poetic language and strong, realistic pictures combine to make this serious story moving rather than grim. Though Turtle’s presence is large in this book about changing seasons and peoples, the stone carving of Turtle is surprisingly small and easily overlooked by those who don’t know the significance of what they’re seeing.
Miska Miles/Little, Brown and Company
An unusually well-crafted and unpretentious story. Annie’s beloved grandmother tells the family that she will die when Annie’s mother takes the new rug from the loom. While Annie’s mother and father accept the grandmother’s pronouncement, Annie does not. A practical child, she does what she can to stop the completion of the rug and the passage of time. A wise and empathetic book, especially recommended for older children because of its length.
Joseph McLellan/ Pemmican Publications Inc.
Grandfather tells wonderful stories. This time, a winter visit from the grandchildren prompts the telling of the tragic and wondrous birth of nanabosho. The beautiful maiden Nokomis is kidnapped by the rough, angry West Wind and sacrifices her life to give safe birth to her son. This legend, with vivid images of birth and death, is sandwiched nicely by cozy details of the relationship between generations. Great pace and drama for older children.
Rafe Martin/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Separated from his parents, a Chinook boy lives with the seals, adopting their ways and learning their stories. Rescued by his parents, the boy struggles to return to his home under the sea. This beautifully illustrated story tells of sacrifice, freedom, and love, and the great gifts that come from them.
Chief Seattle/Dial Books
This book will stay with you for a long time, perhaps a lifetime. Chief Seattle’s poetic plea to honor the bonds between mankind and earth, first told over one hundred and fifty years ago, is folded into breathtaking paintings by Susan Jeffers.
*Warning* Patricia Dooley, reviewing in School Library Journal (September 1991), said, “Where Jeffers' book is used, it should be supplemented with others more sensitive to Native American heritage.” This book is on Oyate’s list of books to avoid. There is an excellent explanation of the problems with this book here: http://www.oyate.org/books-to-avoid/bro_eagle.html
Paul Goble/Macmillan Publishing Company
A young hunter from the Great Plains has a kinship with the buffalo which feed and clothe his people. His spiritual kinship becomes real when he marries beautiful Buffalo Woman and takes her to live among his people. But when his relatives cast Buffalo Woman out, the young hunter must prove his love for her and their son to the Buffalo Nation. This well-written story proves, once again, that love is truly transforming.
White Deer of Autumn/Beyond Words Publishing, Inc.
After a day of teasing and loss, Little Turtle, a boy growing up in the city, is alone and crying. From a great distance, Star Spirit appears to teach him the power of the Circle. Soon Little Turtle begins to see his people’s Circle in all the things of the Earth and in himself. Star Spirit glows in illustrations which celebrate the world’s creatures and seasons.
Peter Eyvindson/Pemmican Publishing Inc.
Dear old Chester Bear is missing. His young owner, Kyle, desperately needs him. Only Mom really understands his dilemma, and together she and Kyle do everything to turn the house inside out to find Chester Bear. Mothers everywhere will recognize themselves in this story, perfect for children with “lovies”.
Janet Stevens/Holiday House
Coyote is a cocky, thieving Trickster, maybe mangier and scruffier than most. He really looks beat by the end of this tale, after spending most of it pursued by a giant boulder. In this entertaining Ute story, a bright jewel of a hummingbird is his nemesis, proving that size has little to do with confidence and courage.
Allan Crow/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Old Kokum loves Christmas nearly a much as she loves her grandchildren. In that spirit she goes far into the forest and brings home a lovely, though somewhat small and bare, Christmas tree. Her grandsons’ response first disappoints, then delights.
Paul Goble/Bradbury Press
Young Tiblo and his sister Tanksi walk away from the other berry pickers one late summer day. Noble Wolf miraculously returns them. Goble has outdone himself with illustrations in which the scenery and action slant dramatically across the page. Even the stones and shrubs look like mysterious puzzle pieces hiding a dozen smaller stories.
Ferguson Plain/Pemmican Publications Inc.
A quick, gentle book about the love between Mishoomis and Nooshehn, grandfather and grandchild. Grandfather spends his last years teaching Nooshehn about the Ojibwa people, and in particular about the highest honor that is bestowed: the Eagle Feather. How does young Nooshehn earn the Eagle Feather? Children will find the answer reassuring.
Paul Goble/Macmillan Publishing Company
With his people hungry and desperate in their search for buffalo, a boy goes into the hills to ask the Great Spirit for help. The Great Spirit responds with horses of many colors and flashing hooves, swirling down from the sky. Named Sacred Dogs, they live under the care of The People and are happy. This is a story with heart and spirit that tells a tale of building community among all living things.
Paul Goble/Macmillan Publishing Company
A great black storm blows unexpectedly, stampeding a herd of horses. Caught in the stampede is a beautiful young girl. A fierce love story of a girl and the wild horses she best understands, the book offers brooding pictures that hint at the loneliness of growing up and finding one’s own people.
Charles L. Blood and Martin Link/Macmillan Publishing Company
Legend has it that this endearing book was written by Geraldine, a goat. Always either underfoot or overeating, she belongs to Glenmae, the Navajo weaver. Together, she and Glenmae weave a rug, and an affectionate story about cooperation between friends.
Andy Gregg/Albert Whitman and Company
Believe it or not, Wildcat was once the proud owner of a long luxurious tail. Great Rabbit conjures up some powerful magic to take Wildcat’s mind off his stomach, and in so doing, cuts his tail short. This is an Algonquian legend that’s lengthy, but made for reading aloud.
Paul Goble/Macmillan Publishing Company
This is a bright and well-paced story of why people each buffalo, instead of buffalo eating people. A great race is ordered to determine which animal can eat another. Because of their two-legged status, the birds and people are allied. A very smart magpipe shows the reader that winning is as much a matter of brain as brawn.
Joanna Troughton/Peter Bedrick Books
Fisher, a small mammal, sacrifices his life to bring warmth to the world, and, in doing so, heals the son of his friend, Wolf. An unusual Algonquin story which depicts the Land Above and the Land Below as separated by a thin skein of constellations, one immortalizing the brave and loyal Fisher.
Jerrie Oughton/Houghton Mifflin Company
On the very first day, First Woman sees that The People need to know the laws. With great patience and her blanket full of sparkling stars, she writes the laws in the blue-black sky. A wonderful Navajo tale which describes how order was one possible on earth, but was lost. Rich illustrations hold the attention of children of all ages.
Paul Goble/Orchard Books
A tale of the Lakota trickster, Iktomi, who finds himself in ridiculous slapstick situations when trying to solve problems. Children will laugh at this story about his antics and find plenty of opportunity for audience participation in this traditional tale’s retelling.
Carolyn Marie Mamchur with Mequido Zola/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Out of nothing a young girl makes something, using the tiny cache of seeds her grandmother left to her. In an otherwise hard, uncertain life, Joyce’s garden feeds the spirits and bodies of those around her. This is a raw, realistic story concerned more with happy moments than happy endings.
Peter Eyvindson/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Kyle has a list of things he likes to do, and he does each one with enthusiasm and delight as only a child can. Of course, his mother sees the result of his enthusiasm, and bathtime becomes part of a nightly routine, a part Kyle dislikes. After a day of quiet sacrifice, Kyle realizes that to his mother, routine is still routine!
Barbara Juster Esbensen/Little, Brown, and Company
All was paradise once on earth – no disease, no pain, no hunger. A giant vine connects earth to the sky home of Gitchi Manitou, the Great Spirit, and people are forbidden to touch the vine. Human discontent is the undoing in this tale, but the Great Spirit does not abandon the Ojibwe people completely. This legend is lengthy but finely illustrated.
Robert San Souci/Delacorte Press
Scarface, born among the Blackfeet people with a mark on his face, has only the love of his grandmother and the animals in the forest. His humility wins the heart of the maiden Singing Rains, but she has promised Father Sun that she will never marry. Scarface’s friendship with earth’s creatures saves him in this beautiful tale.
Paul Goble/Bradbury Press
Goble packs this book with images to look at and listen to; the courtship between a shy young warrior and sought-after maiden is colorfully rendered. The text on each page is bordered by highly-detailed love flutes sketched from museum collections.
Murdo Scribe/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Murdo tells a good story. Born in Manitoba, he collects and records traditional stories so that they will not be lost. Oversizes black and white drawings of animals who seem very human add fun to a well-paced tale of how the seasons came to be.
Susan Hand Shetterly/Macmillan Publishing Company
Muwin, a bear, is not quite ready for bed – in his case, the long rest of hibernation. He must have one last meal and gives chase to tricky Mahtoqehs, the Magic Hare. A good, long book for the child who always wants several stories and stacks before sleep, and who hopefully ends up like Muwin – weary and grateful for a cozy bed!
Iris Loewen/Pemmican Publications Inc.
A twelve-year-old Cree girl, city-raised, is pulled back to the ways and wisdom of her cultural past by a call from her grandmother, asking her to attend a dance at the Indian Reserve. Soft pastel illustrations help celebrate the links between women in this family, forged by their beloved Kokum.
Iris Loewen/Pemmican Publications Inc.
A preteen girl describes her eccentric mother in this quick, affectionate book that features a single mother and her daughter. Its black and white pictures and short text subtly illustrate how parents can teach their children important lessons about life by honestly sharing who they are and what they feel.
Mary Perrine/Houghton Mifflin Company
The first time Nannabah is asked to take the sheep alone to the mesa, her loneliness almost overwhelms her. But she is not as alone as she imagines. This long, quietly paced story will speak well to children who may be shying away from independence or change.
Joe McLellan/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Joe McLellan writes books that are easy to read aloud. The basis of his Nanabosho tales is a pair of fond grandparents who pass stories down to their eager grandchildren, pleasantly cementing lessons on taking care of, and giving thanks for one’s gifts. In this story, a traditional dance is the marvelous outcome of repeating a careless mistake.
Joe McLellan/Pemmican Publications Inc.
Winona goes ice fishing with her grandfather while her brother Billy stays home to learn how to do the laundry. After Winona boasts that she will catch a trillion fish, her grandfather shares the legend of Soaring Eagle, who catches more trout than he needs and realizes his greed may cost him dearly. This book serves as a gentle reminder about using the earth’s resources while respecting their value and vulnerability.
Joe McLellan/Pemmican Publications Inc.
A story within a story, this Ojibwa legend about fire is also a story about generations sharing stories. As a young boy, Nanabosho feels the bite of cold and decides to steal fire for himself and his people. Using his special abilities, he develops a plan that involves a rabbit, thin ice, and courage.
Nancy White Carlstrom/Philomel Books
It’s night and everything seen and unseen in this Alaskan landscape is worth bidding goodnight. Glorious human faces shine from the bodies of animals and the sides of mountains in Leo and Diane Dillon’s stellar artwork. After sharing in the peaceful vision and poetry of this book, children everywhere may be more ready to say goodnight.
Peter Eyvindson/Pemmican Publications Inc.
An important message for parents is found in this book written for children. It offers an important reminder that parents need to spend time with their children in that most carefree learning situation – play. Charming illustrations soften the text.
Ann Herbert Scott/Houghton Mifflin Company
One by one, Michael brings his belongings to be held, along with him, on his mother’s lap. Only when his baby sister is added, does he discover that his mother’s lap is as wide and endless as her love. This is a soft, rhythmic story ideal for young children with new siblings.
Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugak/Annick Press Ltd.
Allashua breaks a promise given to her mother when she fishes near the dangerous cracks in the ocean ice. Sure enough, the Qallupilluit, wicked creatures beneath the sea, pull Allashua down to their watery home. Mother knows best, and the family sticks together in this Inuit legend with just a touch of scariness.
Nancy Van Laan/Alfred A. Knopf
Crow was once a radiantly-plumed bird admires by all the creatures on earth. When snow threatens to cover everything with an icy, fatal blanket, he approaches the Great Sky Spirit for help. Rainbow Crow sacrifices his beauty to help the others, but his ugliness becomes a future blessing in this colorful Lenape story.
Gerald McDermott/Harcourt Brace and Company
Author Gerald McDermott’s bold shapes and colors are refreshing, and he has a gift for telling big stories in simple ways. Here trickster Raven takes pity on mankind’s cold, dark state and decides to steal light from the Sky Chief by posing as his grandbaby, one with a very prominent nose!
Rafe Martin/G.P. Putnam’s Sons
A book to return to again and again! Faces eloquent with pain, jealousy, and strength, along with gorgeous images of the natural world, frame the story of a girl who sees with her heart. This traditional tale offers one of the most magical, mysterious, and beautiful “Cinderella” stories.
Paul Goble/Macmillan Publishing Company
Two legends told as one, this story has a nice symmetry. A maiden falls in love with the Morning Star. The two marry and have a son, but the maiden’s curiosity brings ruin, and she is forced to return to earth. The son, in turn, longs to marry the chief’s daughter, and only the still angry Sun, who is his grandfather, can bless their union.
Barbara Juster Esbensen/Little, Brown and Company
A restless star longs to exchange her home in the heavens for one on earth. It is only when she sees her reflection in the water that she is finally able to find a peaceful place to live. With a serious tone and carefully bordered illustrations, this Ojibwe legend gives a lovely explanation for the origin of water lilies.
Anne Siberell/Penguin Books
Here’s an exciting action book with jagged-jawed whales and massive thunderbirds tha young children will love. Simple words and woodcuts leave a lasting impression of this story carved on a totem pole.