This November, educators are being encouraged to focus on Indigenous voices in the classroom as part of Native American Heritage Month. The Colorado Education Association (CEA) has curated a list of books by Native American authors for various age groups, aiming to help students gain a better understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and current experiences.
The recommendations from CEA’s Department of Human & Civil Rights include titles for elementary students such as “Native American Stories for Kids: 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes across North America” by Tom Pecore Weso, “Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina” by Maria Tallchief and Rosemary Wells, and “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell. Other books on the list feature stories about family traditions and cultural heritage.
For middle grade and young adult readers, suggested works include “Inspirational Native American Stories for Kids: Empowering Tales of Tradition, Wisdom and Resilience-Inspiring Cultural Pride, Empathy and Hope Book” by Ahoy Publications; “Soft Rain (A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears)” by Cornelia Cornelissen; “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie; and “Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids” by Cynthia Leitich Smith.
The National Education Association (NEA) is also participating through its annual Read Across America program. This year’s highlighted selections are “I Love Salmon and Lampreys” by Brook M. Thompson for elementary students, “On a Wing and a Tear” by Cynthia Leitich Smith for middle grades, and “Where Wolves Don’t Die” by Anton Treuer for young adults.
Additional resources are available through Colorín Colorado, which offers book lists featuring biographies, history texts, cultural tradition stories, family narratives, humorous tales, and coming-of-age books suitable for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Educators are invited to use these materials to foster reflection among students while honoring the diversity found within Native storytelling. According to the release: “Books by Native American authors offer powerful ways for students to learn about the histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples. From picture books and middle-grade stories to young adult novels, these titles encourage reflection, empathy, and understanding.”
