Introduction

Spring

9780063076792

Heartdrum, 2024

Andrea L. Rogers (Cherokee)

Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)

This story shares the simple beauty and warmth of community coming together for a spring wild onion feast. From the first signs of spring to the warmth and joy of coming together, this story shines a light on the joys of community and tradition.

Kirkus: “Serves up a delicious story, rich in culture and community, that will bring readers back for more.”

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Booklist: “This picture book’s simple story and appealing illustrations introduce the lives of Cherokee children and their families today.”

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This guide, created by Heartdrum, includes discussion questions for When We Gather and other titles from Native authors.

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Summer

9781493081608

Muddy Boots, 2024

Sherri Maret (Choctaw)

Thomas Hilley

You can sing this book to the tune of the traditional “12 days of Christmas” which makes storytime extra fun! It’s a fun twist to a familiar song to bring all year long! See also: Twelve Days of Winter and Twelve Days of Autumn.

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Late Summer/early Fall

9781773068466

Groundwood Books, 2023

Brittany Luby (Anishinaabe)

Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Anishinaabe)

Written in both Anishinaabemowin and English, this story follows the life cycle of a mnoomin (wild rice) seed. From seed to harvest, the reader learns about the importance of mnoomin in Anishinaabe life and is a sweet introduction to important ecology lessons from an Indigenous perspective.

Winner, Blueberry Award, 2023; Runner-up, Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, 2023; Commended, Green Earth Book Award, 2024; Commended, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, CCBC Choices, 2024

The Horn Book: “Luby’s reverent text… describes the traditional method of harvesting what grows… Pawis-Steckley’s vibrant color palette captures the hues of sunlight throughout the story as well as the lush flora and fauna and the warmth of the human interactions.”

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Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database: “Rhythmic, poetic, and informative narrative nonfiction at its finest.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials: “Beautifully rendered, this Anishinaabemowin and English bilingual book is a visual and narrative gift to young readers eager to explore Indigenous culture and ecology.”

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Late summer/early fall

9781772274653

Inhabit Media, 2023

Ceporah Mearns (Inuit) & Jeremy Debicki

Tindur Peturs

Berry picking is hard work! However, all that work and weather is worth it for two young girls because they get to enjoy time with their ningiuq, their grandma (and get buckets of berries too!). While the main storyline takes place in early fall, other seasonal activities they did while waiting for berry picking, such as fishing and digging for clams, are also described. The charming illustrations and integrated Inuit language make this a fun read for all!

Bookstagang Best of 2023 Picture Book Awards; Best Books for Kids and Teens

Books BC (Indigenous Books for Schools): “The authors share a wholesome look at a contemporary Inuit family participating in traditional activities… The simple, descriptive language keeps the story flowing, while embedded Inuit words are explained in the glossary. The colourful illustrations provide a detailed glimpse into traditional food-gathering activities and the land and plant life through spring, summer, and fall. This resource supports Social Studies and Science learning, seasons, connection to land, family, and the Far North.”

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This guide, created by Inhabit Media, includes information about the book, discussion questions, and extension activities.

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Fall

9781580897723

Charlesbridge, 2018

Traci Sorell (Cherokee)

Frané Lessac

Starting with the Cherokee New Year in Fall, this book is a celebration of gratitude across all seasons and from a Cherokee perspective. History and Cherokee language are intertwined to make this a beautiful telling of contemporary Cherokee life and what to be grateful for all year long.

2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; 2019 Sibert Honor Book; 2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book; 2019 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book; 2019 Reading the West Picture Book Award; NPR’s Guide To 2018’s Great Reads; 2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI); Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018; School Library Journal Best Books of 2018; 2018 JLG selection

Kirkus: “A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude.”

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School Library Journal: “This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing.”

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Booklist: “Lessac’s folkloric illustrations in bright gouache colors stand in pleasing contrast to the book’s contemporary feel and setting. The text reads like poetry but has a gentle instructional dimension to it.”

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This guide, created by Charlesbridge, includes pre and post-reading discussion prompts and activities.

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This literacy set, created by The Curriculum Corner, includes task cards, discussion questions, and extension activities.

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This guide, created by SEL Dallas, includes pre and post-reading questions and creative extension activities.

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Fall/Thanksgiving

9781623542900

Charlesbridge, 2022

Danielle Hill Greendeer (Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Citizen), Alexis Bunten (Yu’pik/Unangan), & Anthony Perry
(Chickasaw)

Garry Meeches Sr. (Anishinaabe)

In a wonderful attempt to create a new default narrative, this story recounts the first Thanksgiving narrative from the Native American Perspective. In order to create this picture book, the authors worked with Wampanoag historians and culture keepers to present a more historically accurate representation of this day. By centering the story on intergenerational storytelling and the three sisters, this book puts a whole new, refreshing, and needed telling of the first Thanksgiving.

2022 New England Book Award for Best Children’s Book; 2023 CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers Award

Kirkus: “A much-needed Thanksgiving retelling that centers the Wampanoag people.”

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School Library Journal: “Overall, this story is a good addition for the historical knowledge of the first Thanksgiving from
the Wampanoag viewpoint.”

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The Horn Book: “A team of Native creators provides an illuminating look at what the Wampanoag called Keepunumuk, or “the time of harvest,” highlighting that the Pilgrims’ survival was largely due to the assistance offered by the Indigenous people who lived on the land.”

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Publishers Weekly: “The creators’ poetic prose sensitively conveys the First Peoples’ lived history and foreshadows historical hardships to come. Meeches’s delicate brushstrokes, paired with bold swathes of earthen toned acrylic, add vibrancy.”

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These two guides, designed to reframe the story of Thanksgiving from an Indigenous perspective and teach students about Indigenous agricultural and ecological practices, provide lesson plans with instructional guidelines, activities and homework materials, and additional resources such as handouts, videos, and links to further reading.

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Winter

9781772270846

Inhabit Media; English edition, 2016

Susan Avingaq (Inuit) & Maren Vsetula

Charlene Chua

A grandma takes her two grandchildren out on the lake to jig for fish. All day long, grandma teaches them how to go about the day. From what clothes to wear and best tips for catching fish, grandma is full of advice! At the end of the day, the grandchildren are grateful for this day even though it is cold, hard work!

Best Books for Kids and Teens — The Canadian Children’s Book Centre, 2017

Kirkus: “It’s good fun to see this vigorous, involved Grandma leading the fishing expedition.”

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School Library Journal: “An endearing family tale that will introduce children to different perspectives while maintaining a
sense of intergenerational bonds.”

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Booklist: “Brightly colored full-page scenes exemplify the children’s fascination and clearly illustrate the tools they use on their adventure. A natural fit for a social studies classroom, but also a cheery tale of intergenerational family life.”

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This guide, created by Inhabit Media, includes discussion questions and extension activities.

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Winter

9781550746990

Inhabit Media; English edition, 2016

Jan Bourdeau Waboose (Ojibwe)

Brian Deines

Rooted in a sisterhood winter tradition, this story tells of winter walks to view the Northern Lights and connect with our ancestors. It is a beautiful story of appreciation for winter, winter’s silence, and time with family.

2005 First Nation Communities Read, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, Commended; 2001 CCBC Choices 2001, Canadian Library Association, Winner; 2001 Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, Skipping Stones Magazine, Commended; 2000 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award , Commended; 2000 Skipping Stones Honor Award, Winner

Booklist: “By book’s end, when the older sister renames the SkySpirits ‘SkySisters,’ it’s plain how the simple journey has drawn the sisters together.”

Quill & Quire: “Teachers responsible for units on winter… will appreciate SkySisters and find it a good companion for Ian Wallace’s A Winter’s Tale.”

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This guide, created by Meagan Dyck, includes course connections, lessons, and activities.

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Winter

9780593577813

Convergent Books, 2023

Kaitlin B. Curtice (Potawatomi)

Gloria Félix

From the name of the main character, Dani, a Potawatomi word meaning a special affection toward a daughter, this book is filled with specifics of what winter means to Potowatomi people but the story has relevance to all. Who doesn’t love the slower pace of winter that gives us all time to share stories and rest? At a time of year when so many think about the commercial “gifts” of winter holidays, this story celebrates the gifts of the earth and of the special gifts of winter. The illustrations are stunning, and the inclusion of Potawatomi words throughout the story is also especially beautiful.

This seek-and-find worksheet, created by Convergent Books, is a fun accompaniment to Winter’s Gifts.

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Winter/Christmas

9781939053305

7th Generation, 2010

Gary Robinson (Choctaw/Cherokee descent)

Jesse T. Hummingbird (Cherokee)

This book takes a fun approach to what Christmas Eve might be if we had Old Red Shirt instead of Santa Claus and takes the reader on an adventure with Old Red Shirt’s team of flying white buffalo to deliver frybread and more to houses with moccasins hung up with care! The vivid illustrations truly make this a magical retelling of a Christmas classic with an Indigenous twist.

Winner of the 2010 Moonbeam Award for Holiday Books

Bookworm for Kids: “This delightful and very amusing rewrite of the traditional ‘A Night Before Christmas’ is sure to be a hit with Native Americans and children everywhere as well as with people of all ages interested in Native customs and art.”

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Winter/Christmas

9781774883570

Tundra Books, 2024

Wab Kinew (Onigaming First Nation)

Erin Hill

Instead of spending the Christmas holiday in the city, a family travels back to the Rez to celebrate with Mooshom and Kookom (grandpa and grandma). Both the journey and the insight into the meaning of “home” are beautiful and make this possibly the best Christmas ever!

Kirkus: “The tender reunion with Kookom (Grandmother) and Mooshom (Grandfather) includes storytelling, sipping tea and eating bannock, singing, and giving gifts. Indigenous illustrator Hill’s cartoon art brings warmth and heart to Kinew’s simple narrative… The sense of cultural pride and holiday joy will resonate with many young readers and their families. A sweet window into Anishinaabe Christmas traditions.”

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School Library Journal: “A heartwarming and beautifully crafted book that shares the joy of Christmas through the lens of Anishinaabe culture.”

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Cycle of Seasons

9781582461922

Tricycle Press, 2007

Carla Messinger (Turtle Clan Lenape) & Susan Katz

David Kanietakeron Fadden (Akwesasne Mohawk)

Told through twin narratives of a traditional Lenape girl and contemporary Lenape girl, this story provides intergenerational connections between ancestors and between seasons. While, at times, it can feel like we are so different, finding connections, like the bloom of the Shadbush, makes our ancestors and their times feel closer than ever.

Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee 2008 List of Best Children’s Books;CCBC Choice 2008, Children’s Cooperative Book Center Award; 2008 Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts; Recommended to teachers by the National Museum of the American Indian; Recommended on National Public Radio; Featured in Kirkus Review’s BEA/ALA Big Book Guide 2007

Kirkus: “Across double-page illustrations, two Lenape Indian families engage in similar activities — an informational juxtaposing of the activities of a family from years past as they fish, garden, harvest and play alongside their contemporary counterparts. As the book moves from season to season, one narrative functions as the description for both side-by-side illustrations.”

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This guide, created by Lee & Low Books, includes background information about the Lenape people and their culture, key vocabulary, pre-reading questions, discussion questions, and interdisciplinary activities designed to integrate the book into other curriculum areas.

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