Middle Grade: 2024 New Releases

This book list contains middle grade books published in 2024, exploring a wide variety of genres and issues that will strengthen classroom and library collections. In The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, readers are transported to a nineteenth-century lighthouse on Lake Superior to follow a French-Ojibwe orphan in her search for belonging, while Stealing Little Moon examines the harrowing legacy of residential schools through the true story of one of their victims. Check out these books and many more in the list below.

Book cover of Indigenous Cultures Today

Indigenous Cultures Today: Protecting Native Families and Practicing Cultural Traditions

Author

Cayla Bellanger DeGroat (White Earth Band of Ojibwe)

Summary

On June 15, 2023, Native American Nations celebrated a victory. The Supreme Court of the United States decided to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), first passed in 1978, which helps stop Native children from being taken from their homes. The US government had taken Native children away from their loved ones before, forcing them to go to boarding schools or to be adopted by non-Native families. But Native American peoples have always shown great strength and courage when it comes to protecting their children and loved ones. Learn how advocates for Native American rights are protecting their families and educating children about their cultural traditions—including languages, religions, ceremonies, and values.

Book cover of Native Mascots, Myths and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes

Native Mascots, Myths and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes

Author

Cayla Bellanger DeGroat (White Earth Band of Ojibwe)

Summary

Representation takes many forms, from who is elected or appointed to positions in government to the characters and images used in movies, books, and sport teams. However, not all representation is the same: negative stereotypes and language affect how we view and treat one another, and inaccurate portrayals of Native cultures are extremely hurtful. In North America, there is a long history of unfair representation of Native Americans, including harmful mascots, racist place names, and incorrect media depictions. By learning more about the dangers of misrepresentation, we can move toward a more just, equitable future for everyone.

Book cover of We Shall Not Be Denied: A Timeline of Voting Rights and Suppression in America

We Shall Not Be Denied: A Timeline of Voting Rights and Suppression in America

Author

Cayla Bellanger DeGroat (White Earth Band of Ojibwe)

Summary

Throughout the history of the US, many Americans from underrepresented groups have fought, suffered, or died for the right to vote. Their hard work and courage has allowed many to gain the right to vote. But challenges remain and affect many voters. In this book, learn more about voting and understand why the right to vote is important. Even if you are not old enough to vote, you can make a difference. Get informed about our country’s leaders, make your voice heard, and spread the word about the importance of voting!

Book cover of Buffalo Dreamer

Buffalo Dreamer

Author

Violet Duncan (Cree/Taino)

Illustrator

Eloy Bida (descendant of Indigenous people in Brazil)

Summary

Summer and her family always spend relaxed summers in Alberta, Canada, on the reservation where her mom’s family lives. But this year is turning out to be an eye-opening one: first, Summer beginst to dream of the real-life residential schools that tore Native children from their families, and then she learns that unmarked children’s graves have been discovered at the school her grandpa attended as a child. Now more folks are speaking up about their harrowing experiences at these places, including her grandfather. When the town holds a rally, Summer is proud to take part to acknowledge the painful past and speak of her hopes for the future, and anxious to find someone who can fill her in on the source of her unsettling dreams.

Book cover of The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry

Author

Anna Rose Johnson (Sault Ste Marie Chippewa)

Summary

Selena Lucy Landry (named for a ship, as every sailor’s child should be) has been frightened of the water ever since she lost her father at sea. But with no one else to care for her, she’s sent to foster with the Martins—a large Anishinaabe family living on a lighthouse in the middle of stormy Lake Superior. Although Lucy struggles to fit in with the Martins, life at the lighthouse has one major advantage: It’s near the site of a famous shipwreck, a shipwreck that went down with a treasure her father wanted more than anything. If Lucy can find that treasure—a priceless ruby necklace—won’t it be like having Papa back again, just a little bit? But someone else is hunting for the treasure, too. And as the lighthouse company becomes increasingly skeptical that the Martins can juggle Lucy and their duties, Lucy and the Martin children will need to find the necklace quickly—or they may not have a home at all.

Book cover of Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of American Indian Residential Schools

Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of American Indian Residential Schools

Author

Dan SaSuWeh Jones (Ponca)

Summary

Little Moon There Are No Stars Tonight was four years old when armed federal agents showed up at her home and took her from her family. Under the authority of the government, she was sent away to a boarding school specifically created to strip her of her Ponca culture and teach her the ways of white society. Little Moon was one of thousands of Indigenous children forced to attend these schools across America and give up everything they’d ever known: family, friends, toys, clothing, food, customs, even their language. This book examines the miseducation and mistreatment of Indigenous kids, while celebrating their strength, resiliency, and courage—and the ultimate failure of the United States government to erase them.

Book cover of Lei and the Invisible Island

Lei and the Invisible Island

Author

Malia Maunakea (Native Hawaiian)

Summary

This sequel follows Lei after the events of Lei and the Fire Goddess. Lei is exhausted after saving Kaipo—her best friend and ancestral guardian—from the traps of Pele the Fire Goddess, and saving her Tūtū’s house from being destroyed by lava. But rest is not on the horizon for Lei because Kaipo’s aumakua pendant is missing. If they don’t retrieve it, Kaipo will disintegrate. Lei and Kaipo team up with a talking bat and fashionista Kaukahi to retrieve Kaipo’s pendant before it’s too late. The journey, however, takes them to an invisible island where they discover a threat greater than the lost pendant: evil spirits who are out for blood.

Book cover of Anang and the Ribbon Skirt

Anang and the Ribbon Skirt

Author

Cameron Mukwa (Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa)

Summary

Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing typically worn by women in the Anishinaabe tradition, for an upcoming powwow. Anang is two-spirit and nonbinary and doesn’t know what others will think of them wearing a ribbon skirt, but they’re determined to follow their heart’s desire. Anang sets off to gather the materials needed to make the skirt and turns to those around them—their family, their human and turtle friends, the crows, and even the lake itself—for help. And maybe Anang will even find a new confidence within themself along the way.

Book cover of Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School

Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School

Author

Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe)

Illustrator

Tara Audibert (Wolastoqey)

Summary

In this fourth book of the Jo Jo Makoons series, Jo Jo and her classmates are excited that the Elders’ Tribal Center has changed the rules for the talent show to invite the whole tribe to perform. But the rules have also changed in Jo Jo’s classroom, where instead of their teacher, they have a substitute. Since Jo Jo has a knack for being helpful, she puts her mind to helping her classmates decide on their talents—but can she manage to follow the substitute teacher’s rules?

Book cover of Red Bird Danced

Red Bird Danced

Author

Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe)

Illustrator

Carla Joseph (Cree)

Summary

Ariel and Tomah have lived in the city’s intertribal housing complex all their lives. But for both of them, this Dagwaagin (Autumn) season is different than any before. As the seasons change and the cold of winter gives way to spring’s promise, Ariel and Tomah begin to change too as they learn to share the rhythms and stories they carry within themselves.

Book cover of Find Her

Find Her

Author

Ginger Reno (Cherokee Nation)

Summary

Five years, three months, and twelve days—that’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing. She’s one of over five hundred Native Americans missing in Oklahoma alone. Wren refuses to give up her search, and an opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt—on purpose. With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask the abuser. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother’s case.

Book cover of Blue Stars, Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem

Blue Stars, Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem

Author

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation) and Kekla Magoon

Illustrator

Molly Murakami

Summary

When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs, while introvert Maya misses her parents and just wants some space to herself. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes. Riley is savvy with people; Maya is a whiz with gadgets. In no time, this dazzling duo is off to save the day!

Book cover of On a Wing and a Tear

On a Wing and a Tear

Author

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation)

Summary

Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since their families moved in together. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree. A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out. Together, they all set off on a road trip—facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery—on the way to the historic game.

Book cover of Tana Cooks With Care

Tana Cooks With Care

Author

Stacy Wells (Choctaw Nation)

Illustrator

Maria Gabriela Gama

Summary

It’s time for the second-grade school play, and everyone gets a part! There’s just one problem. Tana’s good friend Ana is nervous about auditioning. As Tana looks for ways to help her friend, she cooks to show that she cares. Will she find the winning recipe to keeping Ana calm and confident?

Book cover of A Little Bit Super

A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems

Author

Brian Young (Navajo)

Summary

The kids in this collection of short stories each have a minor superpower they’re learning to live with. One can shape-shift—but only part of her body, and only on Mondays—another can always tell whether an avocado is perfectly ripe, and another can hear the thoughts of the animals in the pet store! Each kid learns to “own” their unique power that contributes to their individuality, allows them to find their place in the world, and shows them a potential they might not have otherwise imagined. Includes a short story by Brian Young (Navajo).

Book cover of Little By Little (You Can Change the World)

Little by Little: You Can Change the World

Author

Sonya Misipawistik Ballantyne (Cree Nation)

Illustrator

Rhael McGregor (Métis) and Toben Raciot

Summary

Michael might be young, but he’s got a big heart and a strong sense of right and wrong. He knows it’s right to help people when they need it—but what can he do when so many people need help? When Michael finds out about an upcoming youth conference, he sees his chance. But when he gets to the conference, he’s the youngest person there! And the speaker on stage is saying things about his community that aren’t true. Will Michael be brave enough to use his voice to stand up for what he knows is right?

Book cover of The Case of the Pilfered Pin (A Mighty Muskrats Mystery)

The Case of the Pilfered Pin: A Mighty Muskrats Mystery

Author

Michael Hutchinson (Swampy Cree from Misipawistik Cree Nation)

Summary

The Windy Lake First Nation’s lands have been shared with cottagers for fifty years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends. The only thing that can prove the boundary is a steel surveyor’s pin with the borders of the Windy Lake reserve etched into its head. When the Mighty Muskrats hear that the pin was stolen years ago—and that it is connected to their grandpa’s mysterious past—they make it their mission to find the missing pin and prove that the land belongs to their people. But the mystery gets tense when Grandpa himself becomes a suspect.

Book cover of Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors: Stories from the Kamloops Indian Residential School

Author

Agnes Jack (Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation)

Summary

This book features written testimonials from thirty-two individuals who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The school was one of many infamous residential schools that operated from 1893 to 1979. The storytellers remember and share with us their stolen time at the school.

Book cover of Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival

Author

Trina Rathgeber (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation)

Illustrator

Alina Pete (Little Pine First Nation) Jillian Dolan

Summary

In 1944, thirteen-year-old Ilse Schweder got lost in a snowstorm while checking her family’s trapline in northern Canada. This book tells the harrowing story of how a young Indigenous girl defies the odds and endures nine days alone in the unforgiving barrens. Ilse faces many challenges, including freezing temperatures, wild animals, snow blindness and frostbite. With no food or supplies, she relies on Traditional Indigenous Knowledge passed down from her family and uses her connection to the land and animals, wilderness skills, and resilience to find her way home.

Book cover of The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage

The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage

Author

David A. Robertson (Norway House Cree)

Summary

Eleven-year-old Alex Robinson is a talented hockey player, but his life changes when his family relocates to the city for his father’s new job. Alex doesn’t feel like he fits in at school because his fellow classmates don’t understand his Indigenous culture. Alex is misunderstood, and he gets in trouble when he shows a simple gesture to his teacher, which is meant to be a sign of respect. When Alex joins his local hockey team, the Kodiaks, he’s undeniably one of the best players, but his Indigenous heritage is a target for bullying. While balancing wanting to fit in with embracing his identity, Alex must learn to trust that his teammates will stick up for him against other teams and their antagonistic comments.

Book cover of The Sleeping Giant (The Misewa Saga, Vol. Five)

The Sleeping Giant: The Misewa Saga, Vol. 5

Author

David A. Robertson (Norway House Cree)

Summary

In this fifth book in the Indigenous fantasy series The Misewa Saga, Eli, Morgan and Emily embark on their most dangerous mission yet, to save the kidnapped animal beings of Ministik. But before they can reach the heavily guarded Land of the Sleeping Giant, Eli must rally more help, not just from old friends, but from surprising new allies. And he must rely on a new way to travel: on the back of the leader of the Bird Warriors himself, Pip. Together they will journey across the North Country, on a mission to reconnect the Bird Warriors, as well as confront old enemies. But even as he must fight for his life—and the lives of his friends and new family—Eli must also come to terms with his newfound knowledge: What does it mean that he is only part human?

Conclusion

The 2024 middle grade titles included in this list are crucial additions for educators to include in their libraries and classrooms. In their pages, Native and non-Native students will have the opportunity to see and relate to Native characters in contemporary and fantastical settings, learn about Indigenous traditions and cultures, and understand the historical injustices that Native communities have faced, leading to poignant and rich discussions in schools and libraries.