native american
heritage month reads
As we gather with friends and family on
Thanksgiving, it's a good time to reflect on
the first harvest celebration 400 years ago,
when the Pilgrims enjoyed a banquet with the
Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth Rock.
November is Native American Heritage
Month, and a great opportunity to learn more
about Native American history and culture.
Here are some books to help you do just that.
rainbow crow
by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by
Beatriz Vidal
When the crow gave fire to its forest
friends, the once-beautiful bird lost its lovely
singing voice and colorful feathers as a result.
This moving story teaches readers that
sometimes you must sacrifice to help others.
(Ages 3 – 7)
We are Grateful: otsaliheliga
by traci sorell, illustrated by Frané
Lessac
This picture book introduces readers to
otsaliheliga, the word that members of the
Cherokee Nation say to express gratitude and
appreciation for family and loved ones and the
beauty of the natural world. (Ages 3 – 7)
the Water Lady
by alice B. McGinty, illustrated by
shonto Begay
Access to clean, running water is something
that most people in our country take for
granted. This heartfelt and eye-opening story
is about a woman who gives back to her
community in a necessary and meaningful way.
(Ages 4 – 8)
Jingle Dancer
by cynthia Leitich smith, cornelius
Van Wright, and Ying-Hwa Hu
Jenna loves to watch videos of her Grandma
Wolfe dancing at a powwow, especially the
way the jingles on her dress make a tinking
sound. She wants to dance in the next
powwow, but there isn't enough time to mail
order the rows of jingles she'll need for her
dress. (Ages 4 – 10)
Kamik: an Inuit Puppy story
by Donald Uluadluak and Qin Leng
Jake has a new puppy named Kamik, who
will grow up to be a sled dog. The problem,
Jake tells his Ataatasiaq (grandfather), is
that the dog never listens to him! Ataatasiaq
passes down some of the lessons that Jake's
grandmother, an expert sled dog trainer,
learned over the years. (Ages 4 -10)
tallchief: america's Prima Ballerina
by Maria tallchief with rosemary
Wells, illustrated by Gary Kelley
This inspiring story of Maria Tallchief, who
grew up on an Osage Indian reservation and
went on to become a world-renowned prima
ballerina. (Ages 5 - 8)
Go show the World
by Wab Kinew, illustrated by Joe Morse
A tribute to historic and modern-day
Indigenous heroes in the U.S. and Canada,
including Tecumseh and Sacagawea. (Ages
5 - 9)
28 • NoVeMBer 2022 • www.officialKidsMag.com
