Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation)

From luminaries of the past, like nineteenth-century sculptor Edmonia Lewis—the first Black and Native American female artist to achieve international fame—to contemporary figures like Jessie Little Doe Baird, the linguist who revived the Wampanoag language, Notable Native People celebrates the lives, stories, and achievements of various Indigenous leaders. It also provides accessible primers on important issues, from the legacy of colonialism to land and water rights. An indispensable read for anyone seeking to learn more about Native American histories and cultures, this powerful collection will educate and inspire readers of all ages.

In an American culture that often overlooks Native people, this beautiful book shines a spotlight on 50 remarkable Indigenous leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers spanning generations. We are still here, and these stories tell our collective stories.

Read More

Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer (Choctaw Nation)

When Bertram Robert (B.B.) Dunn joins his fellow Choctaw friends to enlist in the U.S. army during the Great War, he is met in the trenches of France with a duty only his native Choctaw tongue can fulfill. Meanwhile, war correspondent Matthew Teller—B.B.’s uncle—seeks to tell the untold stories of American Indian infantrymen, aiming to spread truth in the face of entrenched stereotypes and prejudices. As the Allies build toward the greatest offensive drive of the war, the American forces find themselves thwarted by an enemy who intercepts their messages and knows their every move, and they must answer a difficult question: can the solution come from a people who their own government stripped of their lands, culture, and language?

At a time when Native people weren’t U.S. citizens, they still went to war for the United States. This fictional narrative is based on real events overlooked in US history: the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I, who played an important role in the war efforts.

Read More

Patricia Cutright (Cheyenne River Sioux)

Native women have filled their communities with strength and leadership, both historically and as modern-day warriors. The twelve Native American and First Nations women featured in this book overcame unimaginable hardships—racial and gender discrimination, abuse, and extreme poverty—only to rise to great heights in the fields of politics, science, education, and community activism. The impressive accomplishments of these dynamic women provide inspiration for all. Their determination and courage reflect the essence of the traditional Cheyenne saying: “A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground.”

This look at contemporary Native women honoring their culture and heritage is a powerful reminder of Native resilience and determination to become leaders in their respective fields.

Read More

Anton Treuer (White Earth Nation)

An essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from “Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?” to “Why is it called a ‘traditional Indian fry bread taco’?“ to “What’s it like for natives who don’t look native?” to “Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?”, and beyond, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask does exactly what its title says for young readers. Tough, difficult, and nuanced questions are addressed with a gentle hand.

Read More