Though parts of our nation still celebrate Columbus Day, here at The Everymom, we are committed to honoring Native and Indigenous People and their diverse cultures by marking October 13 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We encourage parents to start a conversation with little ones that center on this country’s first inhabitants and acknowledges the painful truth of our intertwined story. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my relatively short time as a parent, it’s that books are a wonderful entry point into discussing tough topics with kids. They’re the foundation we lay today so that tomorrow, even our smallest children can approach the world with a humble heart and open mind.
To begin the work of reframing the narrative for kids, we’ve compiled a list of 20 beautiful picture books that offer a window into the lives of Indigenous people. They are great to read this Indigenous Peoples’ Day and every day.
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20 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Books to Read With Kids
From stories of intergenerational love to rich historical accounts of notable Native American figures, the picture books listed below are excellent conversation starters for your kiddos this Indigenous People’s Day.
Editor’s Note: All shopping below links to Bookshop.org, an online store supporting local, independent bookstores.
Fry Bread is an award-winning picture book that centers around the love and warmth of family and food—all the while exploring what it means to grow up Native.
By bestselling Cherokee author Traci Sorell, this contemporary indigenous picture book offers a glance into the seasonal traditions of the Cherokee community.
This book centers on a child of Muscogee and Ojibway descent, as she yearns to dance the traditional Jingle Dance of her people. The story is a powerful reflection on family, culture, and the traditions that tie generations together.
We Are Water Protectors follows the story of a young Native child as she fights alongside her family and friends to save the Earth’s water from human negligence and harm.
This lyrical picture book celebrates intergenerational love and acceptance among indigenous communities—starting with a traditional dance.
A recipient of the Caldecott Medal for extraordinary children’s books, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses depicts the life of a young Native girl through bold, vibrant illustrations.
In this lyrical story, 12 Native American children discuss laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native American life with one powerful message—we are still here!
When Lila begins a new school, she finds herself the focus of her classmates’ ridicule—all because she doesn’t look like them. This heartwarming story follows Lila on her path to discovering a sense of pride in her Native identity.
Celebrating the bonds between two indigenous communities, Firefly Season teaches children that familial bonds cannot be overcome by any distance.
A lyrical bedtime poem, Sweetest Kulu was written by Celine Kalluk, a renowned Inuit throat singer, and describes how Inuit culture views a beloved baby’s entry into the world.
From the backyards of our houses to Disney World, This Land teaches about the history of American land and the indigenous people who have called it home throughout history.
Sweet, heartwarming, and sure to enchant, A Day With Yayah accompanies a First Nation family as they forage for herbs alongside their grandmother, all the while picking up bits of their family’s history and culture.
This book is delightful, imaginative, and full of heart. It’s a celebration of tradition and history and a love letter to the Ojibwe people. The book includes an Ojibwe translation as well.
Including a glossary of Cree animal names, We all Play celebrates the connection between children and the natural world.
Widely praised by big names such as Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and the American Indian Library Association, Birdsong is a celebration of love and friendship by Cree-Métis writer and illustrator Julie Flett.
When We Are Kind asks children to consider how they give and receive kindness in their life, while centering Native American and indigenous families in its storytelling.
Based on a bestselling memoir titled Fatty Legs, this picture book makes a moving true story digestible for young readers. It’s a tale of would-be assimilation and triumph as an 8-year-old holds tight to her Native identity—despite the world’s efforts to erase it.
Celebrate the lives and stories of notable Native American scientists, athletes, artists, and more with bestselling Cherokee author Adrienne Keene.
Awarded by the American Indian Library Association and a New York Times best seller, this sweet story follows an expectant mother preparing for her baby’s arrival as she lovingly incorporates her Native traditions.
From Native American professional dancer Ria Thundercloud comes the true story of her journey to the stage, and how it helped her reclaim her indigenous roots.
Lizzie Goodman, Contributing Writer
Lizzie is an editor and writer specializing in pregnancy, child development, and parenting. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters in a funny old house filled with books.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
