12 Powerful Native American Heritage Month Books for Elementary Students

If you’re searching for meaningful Native American Heritage Month books, this list features stories that celebrate Native voices and highlight the diversity and strength of Indigenous cultures. Each title is written by a Native author and is perfect for engaging your elementary students in conversations about community, identity, and heritage. These books make wonderful read-alouds, independent reading choices, or additions to your classroom library.

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Chapter Books and Novels for Elementary Students

1. Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

The book cover of “Rez Dogs” by Joseph Bruchac shows an illustrated girl with long dark hair wearing a red shirt and blue jeans sitting in a grassy field with red flowers, gently touching a large black dog’s paw. A tree branch with green leaves extends across the top of the cover. The tagline above reads, “Malian can do anything with her dog by her side—even survive a pandemic.”

When Malian stays with her grandparents on their Wabanaki reservation during the pandemic, she learns about the strength of her people through stories and family connections. Written in verse, this novel highlights tradition, resilience, and hope.

Activity Idea: Have students write a short poem or reflection about a family story that has been passed down to them. Encourage them to share how stories can keep history and culture alive.

2. Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac

Danny, a Mohawk boy, moves from his reservation to Brooklyn and struggles to fit in at his new school. Through his father’s stories, Danny learns to take pride in his culture and heritage.

Activity Idea: Ask students to write or draw something that represents their own heritage. Display the finished pieces to create a classroom “Wall of Pride.”

3. The Journal of Jesse Smoke: A Cherokee Boy, Trail of Tears, 1838 by Joseph Bruchac

The book cover of “On This Long Journey: The Journal of Jesse Smoke, A Cherokee Boy, The Trail of Tears, 1838” by Joseph Bruchac shows a young Native American boy walking through snow beside a donkey carrying supplies. Behind him, other figures make their way through the harsh winter landscape. The scene conveys struggle and endurance, with the title in bold orange letters against a stormy blue sky.

Told through the diary of a young Cherokee boy, this historical novel gives students a firsthand look at one of the most difficult chapters in Native American history. It’s emotional and powerful, yet accessible for upper elementary readers.

Activity Idea: Invite students to write a journal entry from Jesse’s perspective after reading a chapter. Discuss how journaling helps us process emotions and preserve history.

4. Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley

The book cover of “Apple in the Middle” by Dawn Quigley features an illustrated portrait of a girl with long brown hair wearing a teal shirt and a gold heart-shaped locket. In the background, a red building sits on a grassy plain under a blue sky. The title appears in large white and teal letters across the center of the cover.

Apple, who is half Ojibwe and half white, spends the summer with her Native family for the first time. As she learns about her roots, she begins to see herself in a new way.

Activity Idea: Have students create a “My Family Roots” mini-poster showing where their family or ancestors come from and something they’ve learned from them.

5. Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley

The book cover of “Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend” by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert, features a cartoon girl with long black hair, wearing a green dress with white dots and crossing her arms confidently beside a gray cat. The background is orange with polka dots, and the title is written in playful red and white lettering within an oval shape.

Jo Jo is a curious, funny, and lovable Ojibwe girl who’s learning what it means to be a good friend and community member. This early chapter book is full of humor and heart.

Activity Idea: After reading, have students write their own “Friendship Tips” list inspired by Jo Jo’s experiences. You can turn them into a classroom poster about kindness.

6. The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson

The book cover of “The Barren Grounds,” the first book in The Misewa Saga by David A. Robertson, features two children running through a snowy landscape alongside a large bear dressed in traditional winter clothing. The sky glows with northern lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The title appears in silver lettering above the scene. This title is one of several Native American Heritage Month books highlighting Indigenous voices and stories.

When two Cree children discover a portal to a frozen world, they embark on an adventure inspired by Indigenous stories. This fantasy novel blends traditional storytelling with a message of balance, belonging, and courage.

Activity Idea: Encourage students to design their own fantasy world based on what’s important to them. Ask them to include one tradition, value, or symbol that represents their community.

Picture Books for Upper Elementary Students

7. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

The book cover of “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, shows a Native American woman holding a bowl of golden fry bread while smiling at a small child with curly hair. The background is a soft cream color, and the title appears in bold red letters at the top. The cover features gold and silver award medals. This is one of several Native American Heritage Month books celebrating culture, family, and tradition.

This poetic picture book celebrates family, identity, and community through the tradition of making fry bread. The rhythmic text and vivid illustrations show how food connects generations.

Activity Idea: Have students write or draw about a food that connects to their own family traditions. Create a “Class Recipe Book of Culture” to display or send home.

8. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

The book cover of “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac, shows a group of Cherokee people gathered outdoors around a small fire, dressed in colorful traditional clothing. The title includes the Cherokee syllabary beneath the English words. The background features an orange and black sunset sky. The cover displays multiple award medals. This is one of several Native American Heritage Month books that honor gratitude and Cherokee traditions.

Through the Cherokee word Otsaliheliga (“we are grateful”), this story explores gratitude in every season. It’s a perfect way to teach both culture and perspective.

Activity Idea: Students can write a “Gratitude Through the Seasons” poem, choosing one thing they’re thankful for in each season of the year.

9. We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell

The book cover of “We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know” by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac, shows a group of children walking together while carrying flags representing different Native nations. One child is in a wheelchair, and others wear colorful clothing. The background features a purple wall with murals and flowers. The cover includes several award medals. This title is one of the Native American Heritage Month books that teaches about Native identity, resilience, and ongoing presence.

This nonfiction picture book highlights twelve truths about Native American history and life today. It’s a powerful way to remind students that Native communities are vibrant and present.

Activity Idea: Assign small groups one “truth” from the book and have them create a mini-poster or slideshow explaining what it means and why it matters.

10. I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner

The book cover of “I Sang You Down from the Stars” by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Michaela Goade, shows a mother tenderly holding her baby under a starry night sky. The artwork features soft purple and blue tones with a gentle, dreamlike glow. The title is written in elegant white text on the right side. This is one of several Native American Heritage Month books celebrating love, family, and Indigenous motherhood.

An indigenous mother lovingly gathers gifts for her unborn baby, each symbolizing family, nature, and heritage. The poetic text and soft watercolor illustrations make this a tender celebration of connection.

Activity Idea: Ask students to choose a meaningful object that represents love or family to them. They can write or draw about why it’s important and share with the class.

11. Powwow Day by Traci Sorell

The book cover of “Powwow Day” by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight, shows a vibrant outdoor scene filled with people in colorful regalia dancing, drumming, and celebrating at a powwow. In the foreground, a young girl watches the dancers with admiration. The background features green hills and a bright blue sky. This title is one of the Native American Heritage Month books that highlights community, healing, and cultural pride.

River, a young girl recovering from illness, participates in her community’s powwow and rediscovers her strength and joy. The story beautifully captures healing, belonging, and tradition.

Activity Idea: Play powwow music in class and have students create artwork inspired by rhythm and movement. Connect it to the theme of community celebration.

12. Coyote at the Big Time: A California Indian 123 by Lyn Risling

The book cover of “Coyote at the Big Time: A California Indian 1, 2, 3” by Lyn Risling features an illustrated coyote standing upright, dressed in traditional regalia and holding a drum decorated with a red geometric design. The background is a warm yellow with a red and black patterned border. The title appears in bold red and black lettering on the left side. This title is one of the Native American Heritage Month books that introduces young readers to California Native culture through counting and celebration.

Coyote invites readers to a California Indian celebration while teaching numbers and sharing tribal traditions. It’s accessible for younger students but rich in cultural details.

Activity Idea: Have students create their own counting books featuring numbers and symbols important to their own lives or culture.

Why Native American Heritage Month Books Belong in Your Classroom

Including Native American Heritage Month books in your classroom helps your elementary students learn about Indigenous cultures in authentic, respectful, and engaging ways. These stories spark meaningful conversations about identity, gratitude, and community while honoring Native voices and perspectives.

You can read one book each week during November and pair it with a short writing prompt, art project, or discussion. Your students will strengthen literacy skills, deepen cultural understanding, and see how storytelling connects us all.

If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate this month, check out my Native American reading comprehension passages designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.

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