Ongoing List of
Native American / Indigenous
History Books
Please Note
- Ethnicity/Race/Nationality can be complex topics, especially for those with multi-ethnic backgrounds. In being culturally sensitive without having countless tables, I've categorized the books into 4 main categories, as can be seen below. (Books with asterisks are in multiple categories)
- Every family has different beliefs and values. Please make sure to preview titles to ensure they fit your family standards.
- Many of the books shared here are titles I'd either like to or have used for my own daughter, books that come highly recommended or books I think would be worth sharing. Therefore, I have not read every book. As mentioned above, please preview titles.
- Some books may use politically incorrect words. Use your own judgment to substitute them with more culturally sensitive terms or leave them as is if they convey the feel and message of the times to your student. (i.e. Indian vs Native American)
- The recommended ages are just that: recommended. You know your child best and whether or not a book may be appropriate for them.
- Picture books are often thought to be just for younger children. However, I can't tell you how many times the powerful words accompanied with beautiful imagery have moved me to tears or lead to rich discussion with my student. Please don't miss these opportunities just because it's labeled a "picture book".
The table below is interactive so you can filter or sort by any category.
Native American / Indigenous History Books
| Amazon LINK | Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
  | Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina | Maria Tallchief |
  | Encounter | Jane Yolen |
  | The Trail of Tears (Cornerstones of Freedom Series) | R. Conrad Stein |
  | A Yellow Raft in Blue Water | Michael Dorris |
  | Island of the Blue Dolphins | Scott O'Dell |
  | Julie of the Wolves | Jean Craighead George |
  | Julie | Jean Craighead George |
  | Ootook: Young Eskimo Girl | Lyn Harrington |
  | Pocahontas and the Strangers | Clyde Robert Bulla |
  | Pocahontas | Ingri & Edgar D'Aulaire |
  | Squanto, Friend Of The Pilgrims | Clyde Robert Bulla |
  | Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence | Doris Pilkington |
  | Under the Wintamarra Tree | Doris Pilkington |
  | The Sign of the Beaver | Elizabeth George Speare |
  | Sacajawea | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Children of the Longhouse | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Lasting Echoes: An Oral History of Native American People | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Talking Leaves | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Brothers of the Buffalo: A Novel of the Red River War | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving | Joseph Bruchac |
  | A Boy Called Slow | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Our Stories Remember: American Indian History, Culture, And Values Through Storytelling | Joseph Bruchac |
  | One Real American: The Life of Ely S. Parker, Seneca Sachem and Civil War General | Joseph Bruchac |
  | March Toward the Thunder | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Two Roads | Joseph Bruchac |
  | Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes | Wab Kinew |