Picture books are one of my favorite resources for teaching history to students of all ages. Great picture books can introduce new perspectives, elicit emotional responses, and deepen understanding of complex concepts.
However, finding age-appropriate picture books with accurate information can be challenging.
I want to help you fall in love with teaching history, so I’ve compiled 7 Native American regions picture books for kids.
Disclosure: The links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
The People Shall Continue
Book Description:
This beautifully written book tells a big-picture story of Indigenous People all over the Americas. The book discusses encounters with European settlers, colonization, resistance, broken treaties, and Native resilience. We the People also highlights Native American leaders who helped fight for Native people’s rights.
Beautiful lessons are sprinkled throughout the book, like:
We have something to learn from all nations.
The Earth is the source of all life.
& We must take great care of each other.
This book is appropriate for ages 10 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- If you’re using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to lesson 1 (Origin of Indigenous People) or lesson 2 (What is culture?).
- This book contains one-sentence lessons like “We have something to learn from all nations.” Ask students to choose and illustrate one of the lessons in the book. Students can present to a partner or group as time permits.
Bowwow Powwow
Book Description:
Storytelling is an integral part of Native American culture. This engaging and playful book tells the story of Windy Girl and her dog, Itchy Boy. Through Windy Girl’s uncle, she learns about traditions. Her past and present knowledge culminates into a vivid dream of a “bowwow powwow” where all participants are dogs like Itchy Boy.
The story provides beautiful details about powwows and Ojibwe culture. It is a fun and accessible story for students of all ages.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- The characters in this book are Ojibwe. If using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to the lesson on the Eastern Woodlands (lesson 4).
- Before reading this book, ask students what they know about powwows. What questions do they have? Provide an opportunity for students to learn about powwows (Brittanica Kids has a great article here).
- After reviewing powwows, tell students that they will read a story about a young Ojibwe girl who attends a powwow with her dog and then has an exciting dream.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Book Description:
This Native American book follows a full year of Cherokee celebrations. Through each season, the characters show gratitude through their traditions. Written by a member of the Cherokee Nation, it also includes a helpful glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- If using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to Lesson 13 (Southeast and Cherokee).
- The National Education Association has an engaging lesson plan written specifically for this book, including thoughtful discussion questions. In this activity, students choose a deciduous tree in their community as their gratitude tree. They observe the tree weekly and make notes and drawings as it changes with the seasons. They also reflect upon things they are grateful for.
Chukfi Rabbit’s Big Bad Bellyache
Book Description:
Folktales are a rich part of Native American culture. Written by a member of the Choctaw tribe, this classic trickster tale tells the story of Chukfi. Chukfi is a greedy Rabbit who steals food and avoids working and helping others. In the story, Chukfi tries to steal food and blame another. However, his lies are eventually discovered, and Chukfi has to suffer the consequences.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- This is a Choctaw story. If using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to Lesson 13 (Southeast and Cherokee).
- After reading the book, discuss the properties of a fable as a class. What moral or lesson is taught in this book? Compare Chukfi Rabbit to other trickster tales like these.
Fry Bread
Book Description:
This simple but beautiful Native American history picture book talks about making fry bread and its importance as food and a symbol of family and history. It highlights the importance of food in Seminole culture and shares the story of the author’s family and experiences.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- If using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to Lesson 13 (Southeast and Cherokee).
- You can listen to the author read this book here. Students can get a more personal look into the book as he mentions his family members in the illustrations and talks about his family’s fry bread recipe. The Nation Education Association also has several great discussion questions you can use here.
The Train
Book Description:
In this emotional book, a young girl named Ashley talks to her great-uncle about his time at a residential school.
Her uncle tells the story of how his culture and language were stripped away at the school. Students were forced to cut their hair and stop speaking their native language. Her uncle reflects on the loneliness and pain he felt while at school and how that pain remains.
However, he also shares how much his family means to him now and the hope they bring to him. As Ashley listens to him, she feels his sorrow and understands the importance of learning about her family’s past.
This book is appropriate for ages 10 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- If using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to lesson 14 (Effects of Colonization).
- This book takes place in Nova Scotia, Canada. Before reading, show your students a map and locate the Lustuguj First Nation territory (the border of Quebec close to New Brunswick), where the author is from.
- Then, show students the cover of the book. Ask them to make predictions about the book based on what they see. After reading, discuss how the book made them feel. What emotions do you think the author is trying to convey?
- Finally, ask students to discuss what the author wanted people to learn from this story. Why is it essential to share stories like the one in this book, even if they are painful?
We are Still Here
Book Description:
This powerful book discusses the history of the U.S. from the perspective of several Native Americans, mainly focusing on the sovereignty of Native nations. It is written by the author and illustrator of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga.
This Native American history book discusses several issues, including the failings of the US government in its work with Native nations. The book also celebrates the progress Native people have made. Throughout the book, readers will see themes of perseverance and strength.
This book is appropriate for ages 10 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
- If using my Native American unit, this would be a great addition to lesson 15 (Indigenous People Today).
- This free blog post compiles engaging teaching ideas to use with We Are Still Here. One of my favorite activities is a small-group analysis of the concepts discussed in the book.
- In this activity, students break into small groups and deeply explore one of the twelve concepts discussed in We Are Still Here. Students look closely at illustrations, reread the text, and make notes. Next, students read the additional material at the end of the book to give them more information. Students can also explore more resources, such as library books or online research, as time permits.
Free Great Plains Activity
I hope these 7 Native American regions picture books for kids bring greater understanding and connection to your classroom.
Do you need more help teaching about Native American history?
Grab my free Great Plains Activity! In this activity, students will move throughout the classroom learning about the Great Plains region. It includes everything you’ll need to make the lesson easy and effective!
More Native American History Resources
Are you looking for more resources to help you teach about Native American history?
- 3-Week Native American Regions Unit: This three-week unit includes interactive activities that will keep your students engaged and clear lesson plans that will save you time.
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