If you’re looking for new books to share with your school community, look no further. With the #OwnVoices movement, publishers are focusing on the underrepresented voices of Indigenous authors, giving readers a range of choices exploring stories that may be different from their own.

For example, HarperCollins created a new imprint, Heartdrum, featuring Native American authors writing for children ages 8 and up. While books written by Indigenous authors might feature historical events, not all are historical fiction. Titles vary in subject from non-fiction to science fiction to fantasy.

Maria Montessori’s peace education embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. Books by and about Indigenous peoples should be shared throughout the year and not only during one designated month. But November’s focus does give parents, caregivers, and teachers a time to emphasize the voices of people who have been marginalized. The book selections below are new titles published between 2021 – 2022, written by Indigenous authors. As with all book recommendations, read reviews and book summaries to decide if the book is age-appropriate before sharing with your child.

Preschoolers

• Stand Like a Cedar by Nicola I. Campbell, Illustrations by Carrielynn Victor
• Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson, Illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight
• We All Play by Julie Flett
• Berry Song by Michaela Goade
• Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González, Illustrations by Adriana M. Garcia
• Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis C. Bunten, Illustrations by Garry Meeches Sr.
• Drum from the Heart by Ren Louie, Illustrations by Karlene Harvey
• Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh/This Is How I Know by Brittany Luby, Illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
• Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, Illustrations by Carla Joseph
• On the Trapline by David Alexander Robertson, Illustrations by Julie Flett
• Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Julie Flett
• Jingle Dancer (reprint) by Cynthia L. Smith, Illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
• I Sang You Down From the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner, Illustrations by Michaela Goade
• Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud, Illustrations by Kalila J. Fuller
• Herizon by Daniel W. Vandever, Illustrations by Corey Begay
• Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson, Illustrations by Daniel Sousa

Elementary-Aged

• Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
• Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids and Nancy K. Mays, Illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
• The Sea in Winter by Christine Day
• She Persisted: Maria Tallchief by Christine Day and Chelsea Clinton, Illustrations by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint
• The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas by María García Esperón, Translation by David Bowles, Illustrations by Amanda Mijangos
• The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey, Illustrations by Nancy Baker
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Traditions & Celebrations) by Katrina M. Phillips
• Tanna’s Lemming by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Illustrations by Tamara Campeau
• Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend (series) by Dawn Quigley, Illustrations by Tara Audibert
• Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia L. Smith
• Indian Shoes (reprint) by Cynthia L. Smith, Illustrations by Jim Madsen
• Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia L. Smith
• She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller by Traci Sorell and Chelsea Clinton, Illustrations by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint
• We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorrell, Illustrations by Frané Lessac

Young Adults

*In the world of literature, “young adult” is considered ages 12 – 18. What is age-appropriate for an 18-year-old might not be for a 12-year-old. Look up the titles and read their summaries to decide what is best for the young adults in your life.

• The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures by Christian Allaire
• A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
• Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
• Native Women Changing Their Worlds by Patricia Cutright
• Hunting By Stars (Book #2, The Marrow Thieves) by Cherie Dimaline
• The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson
• Apple: Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth
• Give Me Some Truth by Eric Gansworth
• The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson
• Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories by Dan SaSuWeh Jones, Illustrations by Weshoyot Alvitre
• Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present by Adrienne Keene, Illustrations by Ciara Sana
• Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: A Guide to the Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt
• Walking in Two Worlds by Wab Kinew
• Rain Is Not My Indian Name (reprint) by Cynthia L. Smith, Illustrations by Lori Earley
• Weird Rules to Follow by Kim Spencer
• Four Faces of the Moon by Amanda Strong
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition by Anton Treuer

About the Author

V. Kulikow is a former Montessori teacher and youth services librarian. She currently works as a UX designer and enjoys content creation both with words and images. On weekends you can find her gardening, taking nature photos, and working on her garden design certification through the Native Plant Trust.

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The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.