Francesca Mellin is the Head Librarian at The Pike School in Andover
In these turbulent times, I find myself looking for silver linings and “small wins” wherever I can. I am encouraged by the increasing number of Native folks serving in Congress and the recent commitment by a professional football team to change an offensive team name. The number of books published by Native creators is on the rise, and recognition of problematic narratives is generating much-needed conversation. Just in time for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12, here is a selection of recent picture books that reflect a wide array of Native perspectives, identities, and activism.
Identity:
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. Specificity and universality blend magnificently in this exploration of Native pride and resilience.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. Specificity and universality blend magnificently in this exploration of Native pride and resilience.
Bowwow Powwow
by Brenda Child, translation by Gordon Jourdain, illustrated by Jonathan Thunder. Luminous digital illustrations provide a vivid backdrop for Windy Girl’s dream of powwows past (with a canine twist). Text in English and Ojibwa
by Brenda Child, translation by Gordon Jourdain, illustrated by Jonathan Thunder. Luminous digital illustrations provide a vivid backdrop for Windy Girl’s dream of powwows past (with a canine twist). Text in English and Ojibwa
The Girl and the Wolf
by Katherena Vermette, illustrated by Julie Flett. A lost little girl (in a red dress) finds a wise and unexpected mentor in the form of a grey wolf. Inspired by traditional stories.
by Katherena Vermette, illustrated by Julie Flett. A lost little girl (in a red dress) finds a wise and unexpected mentor in the form of a grey wolf. Inspired by traditional stories.
Sharing Our World: Animals of the Native Northwest Coast,
published by nativenorthwest.com. Written and illustrated by a collaboration of First Nations and Native artists from Pacific Northwest communities. Brief text, supported by bold illustrations, provides Native-focused information on a wide array of wildlife. A wonderful addition to non-fiction animal collections.
published by nativenorthwest.com. Written and illustrated by a collaboration of First Nations and Native artists from Pacific Northwest communities. Brief text, supported by bold illustrations, provides Native-focused information on a wide array of wildlife. A wonderful addition to non-fiction animal collections.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac. Skilfully incorporating seasons, language, identity, history, and culture, Sorell and Lessac create an instant child-centered classic that celebrates gratitude and mindfulness.
by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac. Skilfully incorporating seasons, language, identity, history, and culture, Sorell and Lessac create an instant child-centered classic that celebrates gratitude and mindfulness.
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story
by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes. An illustrated biography of a brave Marine’s key World War II mission that sensitively incorporates the history of Indian boarding schools
by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes. An illustrated biography of a brave Marine’s key World War II mission that sensitively incorporates the history of Indian boarding schools
Equity and Justice:
We Are Water Protectors
by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade. A young Anishinaabi narrator describes the call to environmental action at Standing Rock. Aspects of Anishinaabe and Ojibwe culture are included in the stunning watercolor illustrations.
We Are Water Protectors
by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade. A young Anishinaabi narrator describes the call to environmental action at Standing Rock. Aspects of Anishinaabe and Ojibwe culture are included in the stunning watercolor illustrations.
“Fall in Line, Holden!”
by Daniel W. Vandever. Rhyming text and bold, simple illustrations about conformity and resistance can be enjoyed and discussed on several levels.
by Daniel W. Vandever. Rhyming text and bold, simple illustrations about conformity and resistance can be enjoyed and discussed on several levels.
The People Shall Continue (40th anniversary edition) by Simon J. Ortiz, illustrated by Sharol Graves. Originally published in 1977, this illustrated non-fiction text provides a necessary perspective on United States history.