November is Indigenous Peoples’ Month! To Indigenous children, seeing their representation in books can be integral to the formation of their identity and their perception of themselves. To non-Indigenous children, these books expose them to other diverse cultures and help develop an appreciation for those of different identities. Storytelling and children’s books can play an important role in the growth and moral development of children. Diversifying children’s reading with characters of diverse cultures is a step towards greater inclusion of different cultures and identities for future generations.
But, that doesn’t mean children are the only ones who can read these! Below are 4 children’s books to celebrate Indigenous tradition and identity!
1. Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Fry Bread is an award-winning book that celebrates the importance of fry bread to Indigenous peoples. Fry bread is a staple food and holds cultural significance to Indigenous families. The author explores the different characteristics of fry bread and the role it plays in their family.
2. Jingle Dance by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
This story is about a girl named Jenna of Muscogee and Ojibway descent who loves jingle dancing, a tradition that has been practiced for generations by women in her family. She finds support in her family and community to help her prepare for the next powwow. At the end of the book, the author includes a page of vocabulary words and descriptions of different traditions celebrated by Jenna’s culture.
3. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac
“Otsaliheliga” is a Cherokee word used to express gratitude. This story illustrates how the Cherokee community expresses gratitude for one another throughout the seasons of each year as they celebrate their culture and traditional rituals. This book is written in both Cherokee and English and includes an informative glossary at the end.
4. Berry Magic by Teri Sloat, illustrated by Teri Sloat and Betty Huffmon
This story is a folktale about how berries came to grow in the tundra in Alaska. It centers around Anana, a girl who is Eskimo, collecting berries with women in her village. The illustrations beautifully depict the tundra and wildlife in Alaska. Throughout the story, a few Yupik words are used. At the end of the book, it also includes a yummy recipe for Akutaq, an Eskimo treat that uses berries, so that readers can make their own.
Check out any of these books? Let us know your favorite by tagging us @HerCampusSJSU!