7 Picture Books By and About Native Americans

​The NYC region is the ancestral home of the Canarsie, Lanape, and Wappinger peoples. Today and every day, it is important to learn about and honor Native history and celebrate Native heroes - past and present - with your kids.
 
Here are seven beautiful children’s books written by and about Indigenous people. Many of these books are illustrated by Indigenous artists as well. Enjoy!

1. When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith
   ​A book about the many ways to be kind – and how it makes us feel.
2. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
   This book highlights a full Cherokee year of celebrations and traditions.
3. Thanku: Poems of Gratitude, illustrated by Marlena Myles, edited by Miranda Paul
   A book of poems about gratitude, including illustrations and many poem by Indigenous peoples.
4. You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith
   This picture book explores all the ways that we can show love and respect for one another.
5. Hungry Johnny by Cheryl Minnema, illustrated by Wesley Ballinger
   A story about a hungry child and Ojibwe community and celebration.
6. Thanks to the Animals by Allen Sockabasin
   A young boy gets lost as his family travels to their winter home, and kind animals come to keep him safe and warm.
7. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr.
   A children’s version of the Thanksgiving address, written by a contemporary Mohawk chief.
8. And a bonus: this article (for caregivers) is an honest account of the myths of the first Thanksgiving, as told by a member of the Wampanoag tribe.

​Special thanks to Debbie Reese's comprehensive blog about American Indian portrayal in children's books, which is an excellent resource. Debbie is Nambé Pueblo.

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