American Indian Youth Literature Award · 2020

The 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award

Bowwow Powwow, Indian No More and Unbroken won the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award. Browse them alongside all 5 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Picture Book
Bowwow Powwow
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2018

Bowwow Powwow

By Brenda J. Child, Jonathan Thunder (Illustrator), Gordon Jourdain (Translator)

A powwow transforms into a magical dance of dogs, sparking imagination and wonder.

American Indian Youth Literature Award (2020)
32 pages· 432 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.7/5 Goodreads · 891 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Windy Girl's imagination takes flight at a powwow, where her uncle's stories inspire a whimsical vision: a bowwow powwow with dogs as dancers. As she watches jingle dresses and listens to drums, Windy envisions a world where tails wag to the rhythm of tradition. Amidst the vibrant celebration, she dreams of a magical gathering where every paw and ear joins in the dance. What wonders will her imagination conjure next?
2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Middle Grade
Indian No More
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Indian No More

By Charlene Willing McManis, Traci Sorell

Regina's tribe is erased; she must find her identity in a new world.

American Indian Youth Literature Award (2020)
224 pages· 24,536 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,673 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1957, Regina Petit faces a new reality when her Umpqua tribe is declared nonexistent. Uprooted to Los Angeles, she navigates a world of racial tension and identity crisis. As her family struggles to adapt, Regina questions who she truly is—Indian, American, or both? With her grandmother's stories as her guide, Regina embarks on a journey of self-discovery amidst the challenges of the Civil Rights era. Can she reconcile her heritage with her new life, and will her family find a place to belong?
2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Young Adult
Unbroken
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Unbroken

By Sandra Smith · Book #5 in the Seed Savers series

In a future where growing food is illegal, rebels fight to reclaim lost freedoms.

American Indian Youth Literature Award (2020)
360 pages
4.8/5 Goodreads · 8 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where growing food is outlawed, Lily escapes captivity with Rose's help, hiding in Forest Park. Meanwhile, Jason and Monroe join Radicle, hacking to expose government secrets. As Independence Day nears, protests surge. Can they restore food rights and free media? Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Seed Savers.
2020 Honor Books
Fry Bread
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Fry Bread

By Kevin Noble Maillard, Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)

A poetic exploration of the significance of fry bread in Native American culture and identity.

American Indian Youth Literature Award Finalist (2020)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2020)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2020)
42 pages· 338 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 7,138 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 'Fry Bread,' a modern Native American family finds connection and identity through a simple yet profound tradition. As fry bread sizzles, it becomes more than food—it's a bridge across time, uniting generations and cultures. This evocative tale, told in verse, celebrates the blend of old and new, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of heritage and community. What stories and memories will fry bread uncover?
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2018

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

By Traci Sorell, Frané Lessac (Illustrator)

Experience a year of Cherokee celebrations and gratitude through the seasons.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2019)American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2020)Odyssey Honor (2020)Orbis Pictus Honor (2019)
32 pages· 421 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,745 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey through a Cherokee year, starting in fall and ending in summer, where each season brings unique celebrations and challenges. Discover the essence of gratitude, or 'otsaliheliga,' as the community embraces its traditions and modern life. This vibrant exploration offers a glimpse into the heart of Cherokee culture, complete with a glossary and the Cherokee syllabary. What lessons will each season reveal?
I Can Make This Promise
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

I Can Make This Promise

By Christine Day

A girl discovers hidden letters that unravel her family's secrets and her own identity.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2020)
272 pages· 42,368 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,258 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Edie stumbles upon mysterious letters and photos in her attic, revealing secrets about her Native American heritage. As she questions her family's past, Edie must navigate the truth about her identity. Can she trust her parents, who have kept this hidden for so long? Dive into Edie's journey of self-discovery and unravel the mystery of the woman who shares her name.
At the Mountain's Base
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

At the Mountain's Base

By Traci Sorell, Weshoyot Alvitre (Illustrator)

A family awaits a pilot's return, bound by song and tradition.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2020)
26 pages· 111 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,081 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a cabin beneath an old hickory tree, a Cherokee family weaves, cooks, and sings, their hearts tethered to the sky. As they await their loved one's return from war, their song becomes a lifeline, echoing the courage of women pilots who defy the odds. Will their strength and unity be enough to bring their pilot home safely? This tale honors the legacy of Native American service members, celebrating the roots that ground us and the dreams that help us soar.
Birdsong
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2019

Birdsong

By Julie Flett

A girl finds friendship and challenges in a new town as her elderly neighbor's health declines.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2020)American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2020)
48 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,810 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Katherena, feeling out of place in a new town, discovers a kindred spirit in Agnes, an elderly artist next door. Their shared love for art and nature blossoms into a deep friendship. As the seasons change, Katherena faces the heartache of Agnes's failing health. Can their bond withstand the test of time and loss? This poignant tale explores the beauty of intergenerational connections and the healing power of creativity.
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