7 Must-Have Kids Books to Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day

Complete with a recipe at the end to delight young taste buds, this award-winning book shares the significance of fry bread to Native American families. With vibrant imagery and simple prose, Maillard weaves together the joy of fry bread for all who read it.

Dr. Dupois tells the story of her grandmother in this riveting tale that lays bare the impact of violence on Indigenous kids in Canada. Removed from her First Nations family, Irene is sent to live in a residential school where she fights to keep her identity, as she is identified by only a number. I Am Not A Number tells the story of her life to kids everywhere.

Lindstrom explains that, in Ojibwe culture, women are the protectors of the water. This story, stunningly illustrated by Michaela Goade, tells the story of a little girl who brings her people together to fight the black snake that threatens to destroy all they hold dear. It’s also a striking metaphor for the treatment of the earth by forces that seek to destroy its natural offerings for the sake of capitalism.

Professional dancer Ria Thundercloud tells her story of being one of the few Native American kids in her school and being brought into the powwow circle at age four. Her mother made her a special jingle dress that she adored. Throughout her life, she learned about other dances but always felt the most resonance with dance that illustrates her story.

"Written in the tradition of Native American oral storytelling," The Good Rainbow tells the story of two courageous brothers, Tsaiyah-dzehshi and Hamahshu-dzehshi, who embark on an important mission, overcoming obstacles and banding together to save their village. Written for kids ages seven and up, this book teaches resilience and power in the face of daunting challenges.

Smith, a New York Times bestselling author known for writing kids stories that beautifully share the lives of modern day Native Americans, does not disappoint with Jingle Dancer. Jingle Dancer features little Jenna who can’t wait to dance at the next powwow. She has one big problem, though. Her dress has no jingles! Kids will love going on this journey with Jenna as she figures out what to do.

Described as "a monument to an Indigenous Hawaiian legend and a classic in the making," this riveting story has been made into an Academy Award-contending short film. It weaves the story of four individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, who “bring healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii."