November is Native American Heritage Month, which makes it the perfect time to celebrate the amazing contributions they have brought to the world. So we gathered this list of new children’s books for Native American Heritage Month!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Forever Cousins

Written by Laurel Goodluck and illustrated by Jonathan Nelson

This story follows two young cousins named Kara and Amanda. They love to do everything together. But when Kara’s family moves from the city to the Rez, they have to learn to live apart from one another. After a year passes and they get together for the family reunion on the Rez, will they still feel the same way? This story touches on the universal theme of separated families, while also introducing the ongoing effects of the Indian Relocation Act of the 1950s. The back of the book includes more information about the act from the author and her own family connection.

Grandma’s Tipi: A Present Day Lakota Story

Written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson

In this story, a young girl named Clara gets a chance to go visit her grandmother on the Standing Rock Reservation for the summer. When her uncle Louie brings the family tipi, Clara and her cousin learn how to stack the poles and wrap the canvas, and spend time inside with the whole family. The beautiful illustrations showcase the traditions enjoyed by the girls in the story, and the Author’s note in the back of the book is full of information about Native Americans and tipis.

Related Post: New Kid’s Books about Grandparents

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series

Written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Arigon Starr

This book shares the life stories of professional baseball players Charles Bender and John Meyers. Both Native American men faced discrimination on their paths to the World Series. When they faced off at the 1911 World Series, the racism was in full force. Both men persevered and went to several more championships, but the racism in the sport is still prevalent today. The back of the book includes an author’s note about the impact the two players had on the sport, as well as a time line and additional sources.

She Persisted: Deb Haaland

Written by Laurel Goodluck

This early chapter book explores the life and accomplishments of Deb Haaland, one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress, and the first Native American in history to become a cabinet secretary. The book is broken down into 6 chapters outlining Haaland’s childhood and career. The end of the book uses Haaland’s accomplishments to encourage young readers to think about how they can raise their voices and make a difference too.

Related Post: New Children’s Books about Inspirational Women

Native American Stories for Kids

Written by Tom Pecore Weso and illustrated by Gloria Felix

This compilation shares stories from 12 tribes, as well as history and traditions from each tribe featured. Each story starts with a colorful illustration, as well as an introduction to the tribe the story originates from and the region they come from. The back of the book includes a glossary of vocabulary shared throughout the book, as well as more information on the tribes featured.

Eagle Drums

Written by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson

This middle grade novel is a magical realistic tale about the origin of the Inupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition. As winter approaches, Pinja has to travel up the mountain where his two older brothers disappeared. When he reaches the mountaintop, he is confronted by an eagle god and given a terrifying choice. The story follows Pinja’s journey to the home of the eagle gods and the trials that he faces.

What are your favorite new children’s books for Native American Heritage Month? Share in the comments below!

More Posts You May Enjoy: