Stories are powerful—they carry history, culture, and knowledge across generations. This reading list invites families, caregivers, and educators to talk to kids about Indigenous cultures, histories, and present-day realities through books that center Indigenous voices and experiences.
Too often, Indigenous stories are limited to the past or taught in incomplete ways. These books offer a different approach—supporting teaching kids about race, sovereignty, and identity while highlighting the richness, diversity, and ongoing presence of Indigenous communities today. From stories of land and language to family, resistance, and joy, each book provides an opportunity for meaningful, age-appropriate conversations.
Whether you are beginning or continuing the work of teaching race, this list is designed to help children better understand Indigenous histories and contemporary life with respect, accuracy, and care.
As you read, we encourage you to reflect on whose land you are on, whose stories are being told, and how we can all play a role in honoring and uplifting Indigenous voices.
- We are Grateful / Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
- Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry and Alexis Bunten
- Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
- Remember by Joy Harjo
- We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
- Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
- Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud
- Powwow Day by Traci Sorell
- Berry Song by Michaela Goade
- Let’s Go! By Julie Flett
- My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith (board book)
- Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk (board book)
- We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell
- For a Girl Becoming by Joy Harjo
- When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson
- An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese
