Editor’s Picks: 6 Books to Deepen Your Students’ Understanding of Native American Heritage

This book is a beautifully adapted version of the Thanksgiving Address, still spoken at ceremonial and governmental gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations, that reflects on their traditions of greeting each morning with gratitude for all living things.

Why We Love It: A great way to teach gratitude to your students, this book also includes a basic Mohawk version of the message to help you give kids a sense of the Iroquoian language today.

As the daughter of a Seminole woman and a white man, Betty Mae Jumper faced extreme discrimination as a child, but she persisted to earn a quality education that developed her skills as a nurse, journalist, alligator wrestler, community activist, and ultimately, the first female elected leader of the Seminole Nation.

Why We Love It: This biography of her fascinating life is great way to introduce your students to one of the twentieth century’s influential Native American leaders.

In this moving fictional story, fourth-grader Danny Bigtree discovers what it means to take pride in his heritage and keep cultural traditions a part of his family’s life in the city after they move away from the Mohawk reservation where he was raised.

Why We Love It: This book is a powerful take on overcoming bullying and stereotypes, plus it’s a great way to show your students Native American heritage in a modern light.

This historical fiction novel explores a crucial part of American history through the eyes of Ned Begay, a young Navajo man recruited to become a Marine during World War II and one of the courageous code talkers who saved countless American lives.

Why We Love It: This book is an engaging way to help your students learn more about Native American veterans throughout American history.

Engage your students in a coming-of-age story that examines Lewis "Shoe" Blake’s experiences navigating his home life on the Tuscarora Indian reservation and his school life as the only Native kid in his classes.

Why We Love It: A poignant look at the struggles of poverty, this book also discusses developing friendships, the power of cultural memories, and the joy of rock 'n' roll.