This November, educators are encouraged to highlight Indigenous voices during Native American Heritage Month. The Colorado Education Association (CEA) is recommending a selection of books by Native American authors for classroom use. These books aim to help students learn about the histories, cultures, and present-day experiences of Indigenous peoples.
The CEA’s Department of Human & Civil Rights selected titles for elementary, middle grade, and young adult readers. For younger students, recommended books include “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, “Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher” by Becky Ray McCain, “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell, and others. Middle grade and young adult recommendations feature titles such as “Inspirational Native American Stories for Kids” 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, “Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids” by Cynthia Leitich Smith, and “Healer of the Water Monster” by Brian Young.
The National Education Association (NEA), through its Read Across America program, also shared book suggestions in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The NEA highlighted “I Love Salmon and Lampreys” by Brook M. Thompson for elementary students, “On a Wing and a Tear” by Cynthia Leitich Smith for middle graders, and “Where Wolves Don’t Die” by Anton Treuer for young adults.
Additional resources are available from Colorín Colorado. Their curated lists offer books on biography, history, cultural traditions, family stories, and coming-of-age experiences within Indigenous communities.
Educators can use these recommendations to foster reflection and understanding among students while celebrating the diversity and richness of Native storytelling.
