Don't let November, Native American Heritage Month, go by without reading some of these Native American Heritage picture books that focus on celebrating Native American culture, traditions, and heroes!
Bringing Native American-themed picture books that focus on Indigenous Peoples into your upper elementary classroom is a powerful way to help students connect with different cultures and traditions. These hand-selected stories, rich with tradition and perspective, offer more than just a quick look into Native American life - they help develop a deeper understanding of community, resilience, and respect for Indigenous Peoples. Everything we want our students to do!
Using timely picture books as a tool can help broaden students’ perspectives and promote meaningful discussions about the values of respect, gratitude, and the importance of oral traditions.
Read my list of my favorite Native American picture books I share each year! They will surely inspire you and your students while helping their understanding of this rich cultural heritage.
1. Keepunumk written by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten*
Do not let November go by without sharing this Native American story. I love that this book begins with a page filled with important background information and meaningful words for the reader. It truly sets the stage for this read-aloud. This story tells about the first day of thanks or harvest from the perspective of The First People. It is filled with rich information and culture and is truly perfect for November. The back pages are filled with information, recipes, and an author's note that you will want to share, too!
A fun follow-up to this read-aloud would be to connect reading and writing with informational research about Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples who once lived in your area. More info HERE.
🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on vocabulary and context clues.
Grab free activities to use with these books here!
2. It's Powwow Time! by Martha Troian
It's Powwow Time! by Martha Troian, a Lac Seul First Nation member, gives readers a first look at the celebration of Native American culture! This book lends itself to discussions about traditions, family, and community gatherings. This book beautifully introduces readers to the excitement and significance of powwows, where music, dance, and storytelling come together to honor Native heritage.
With each page, students will be drawn in by the "thump, thump" onomatopoeia, the colorful illustrations, and the rhythmic text that brings the powwow to life. This short book is a must-read for Native American Heritage Month and highlights the importance of year-round cultural celebrations.
🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on onomatopoeia and sequence of events
3. Contenders by Traci Sorell
Contenders by Traci Sorell, a member of the Cherokee Nation who lives on her tribe's reservation, is an inspiring biography that highlights the lives of Native American athletes who overcome challenges both on and off the field. During a read aloud of this book, chat with the kids about character traits and understanding how and why people act how they do. This book is a great way to bring in real-life stories of determination and perseverance. Through each page, Sorell weaves in important themes, reminding readers of the strength of Native traditions and values.
🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on biography and understanding nonfiction
4. Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a relatable story that makes it easy to talk about self-acceptance, family, and nature. This story follows Lila, a young Native girl, as she learns more about her heritage and finds strength in her connection with a crow. The simple yet powerful words and beautiful illustrations make the story easy to understand and connect with as a reader. This one is a great read for Native American Heritage Month, with a gentle and meaningful message about identity and finding your place in the world. The story's theme centers on embracing who you are and the strength of understanding your roots.
🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on theme and character traits
5. Fry Bread written by Kevin Nobel Maillard*
Fry Bread is jam-packed with so much goodness! It is perfect for kicking off discussions of traditions, families, and holiday gatherings and a must-read to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month this November. Written with a metaphor on each page, the reader is reminded of how important fry bread is to Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples. Every page is short and brief, but includes vivid words and illustrations.
Don't miss out on the author's note at the end! It provides more information about Fry Bread and the culture of Native Americans.
🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Understanding nonfiction and metaphors
6. Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac
Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac, a Native American author, is a must-read for upper elementary students learning about the history of Thanksgiving and Native American culture. It is perfect for introducing students to the true story of Tisquantum, or Squanto, and how he helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter in the New World. With vivid descriptions and rich storytelling, Bruchac brings Squanto’s perspective to life, showing his important role in history.
Each page is filled with captivating details and illustrations, making it a great choice for sparking discussions about cooperation, gratitude, and the significance of Native American contributions, especially with our older upper elementary students.
🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on cause and effect and character perspective
Grab one or all of these Native American picture books to share with your upper elementary students this season! I love using these to spark meaningful discussions about culture, community, and respect while expanding students' knowledge of Native American traditions. These books aren’t just great for November—they’re valuable tools for teaching empathy and appreciation all year long!
Which one will you introduce to your students next?
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