Native American Heritage Month Recommendations for Kids from the Teen Reading Ambassadors
The New York Public Library's Teen Reading Ambassadors internship program brings together 10th–12th grade students to help further the Library's mission to inspire lifelong learning in others, particularly young children. Ambassadors work at NYPL After School programs across the city providing tutoring and literacy enrichment activities to children ages 6–12. They also show children the joy of reading by connecting them with engaging books from the Library’s collections!
November is Native American Heritage Month and the Teen Reading Ambassadors have chosen books for kids featuring Indigenous authors, illustrators and narratives. From stories about nature and the history of Indigenous peoples to space adventures and bilingual picture books, there's something for everyone in the reading recommendations below!
Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know
written by Brittany Luby and illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Ages 4–7
Recommended by Mollie K., Jerome Park LibraryThe picture book Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know by Brittany Luby is about a girl and her grandmother observing nature to find out what season it is. This story is written in both Anishinaabemowin, an Indigenous language, and English. Learn how to observe the world around you in a beautiful way, just like the main character, and maybe pick up some Anishinaabemowin as you read! The book features beautiful illustrations with a lot of color that sheds light onto a culture that many don’t get to see often. Its large, easy-to-understand text makes this book great for children ages 4-7. Definitely pick this up the next time you are in the Children’s section!
When We Are Kind
written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Karen C., Seward Park LibraryPeople often preach to others to have good morals and treat others the way you want to be treated. Kindness and respect towards others is a way to not only allow others to feel good about themselves, but also create a safe environment for everyone to feel comfortable in and bring positivity into this world. The book When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith teaches children to have kindness and respect towards everyone with all different kinds of backgrounds and identities. The book shows examples of how we all can make kind gestures and how we can make someone’s day just by doing these small actions. When we are being kind, we receive that same kindness, in return. This book not only shows the audience how to be kind to others but also how to be kind to yourself and the whole world. When you are kind, you are joyful!
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac
Ages 6–9
Recommended by Lina L, Harlem LibraryHave you ever thought about the history of Native Americans? Well, you can learn more about it in this book We Are Still Here! by Traci Sorell. In her book, she shares the truth behind the different struggles that Native Americans have faced and their continued persistence to secure equal rights for their people. Read this useful 39-page book based on presentations from students like you to become an expert on the history of Native Americans in America!
Mission to Space
by John Herrington
Ages 5–9
Recommended by Pamela M., Harlem LibraryJohn Herrington is a commander and a Chickasaw. He trains for his mission to space and gets ready to fly to the International Space Station. The long-awaited day was full of celebration and happiness. It’s a great experience that involves a lot of space walking and astronaut’s tools to protect them from the sun and gravity. Read to find out about John Herrington’s experience in space and for how long he stayed. You also get to learn some Chickasaw language and the importance of their culture!
Birdsong
by Julie Flett
Ages 5–8
Recommended by Alicia N., Bronx Library CenterWouldn’t you hate the feeling of moving away from your only friends and family and leaving all your memories behind? No one would ever understand the struggles of moving and how it would affect you. You’ll hear everyone say “don’t worry you will get used to everything. You are going to make new friends.” But perhaps it might not be that bad. That is the experience of Katherena, the character in Julie Flett’s picture book, Birdsong.
Unexpectedly, Agnes, her new next door neighbor, welcomes her. Katherena begins to visit Agnes often. Together they make art and listen to the nice sounds of nature: birds chirping, seagulls flying, geese, etc. But Katherna notices that Agnes is getting very weak. Still they talk, sing, write, and think together. What will Katherena do without Agnes? Read to find out more about their special relationship.
We Are Water Protectors
written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade
Ages 5–8
Recommended by Evie M., Bronx Library CenterWater was the first medicine. In this beautifully illustrated story, We Are Water Protectors, a young water protector describes the importance of water to her people, and how water connects them to all the creatures of the world, and the Earth itself. But something threatens nature: a dark snake that will poison the water, land, and all the plants and animals around it. Join this young water protector and fight against the dark snake. Stand up for all the creatures that can’t speak for themselves, and along the way, become a water protector yourself! Use this book as an early reader’s introduction to the conservation movement, and the importance of honoring nature.
