2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winners & Honor Books

2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Young Adult

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2023

Rez Ball

By Byron Graves

A young athlete must lead his team to victory to honor his brother's legacy.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2024)American Indian Youth Literature Award (2024)

368 pages· 79,624 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,041 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Tre Brun dreams of leading his high school basketball team to their first state championship, stepping into the shoes of his late brother, Jaxon. With the weight of his Ojibwe community's hopes and the pressure of not failing on or off the court, Tre faces a pivotal season. As he navigates friendships and budding feelings for Khiana, he must decide if he can fulfill Jaxon's dreams and keep their story alive. Will Tre rise to the challenge and become the hero his community needs, or will the pressure prove too much?

2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Picture Book

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2022

Forever Cousins

By Laurel Goodluck, Jonathan Nelson (Illustrator)

Can friendship endure when distance separates best-friend cousins?

American Indian Youth Literature Award (2024)

32 pages· 740 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Kara and Amanda, best-friend cousins, face a challenge when Kara moves back to the Rez. As they reunite at a family gathering, both fear the other has moved on. Will their bond withstand the distance? This heartfelt tale explores the enduring power of friendship and family amidst the backdrop of the 1950s Indian Relocation Act's lasting effects. Discover how love and connection can bridge any gap.

2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Middle Grade

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

We Still Belong

By Christine Day

A girl's plans unravel, leading her to discover her true place in her community.

American Indian Youth Literature Award (2024)

256 pages· 37,824 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,357 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Wesley faces a challenging Indigenous Peoples’ Day when her poem's reception and tribal enrollment issues leave her questioning her identity. As her plans for the school dance falter, she finds solace and strength at an intertribal powwow. With her family's support, Wesley embarks on a journey to embrace her unique place within her Native community. Will she find the courage to express herself and feel truly connected? Discover how Wesley navigates cultural identity and belonging in this heartfelt tale.

2024 Honor Books

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Rock Your Mocs

By Laurel Goodluck, Madelyn Goodnight (Illustrator)

Celebrate Native pride and tradition by stepping out in moccasins, embracing heritage and unity.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

32 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 282 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Join children from diverse Native Nations as they celebrate Rock Your Mocs Day, a vibrant expression of cultural pride and tradition. With moccasins as symbols of art and heritage, they step out with style and unity. Discover the joy and power of embracing identity and the intertribal pride that connects them. What stories do these moccasins tell, and how do they unite communities across the nation? Dive into a colorful journey of tradition and pride, and learn more about the significance of this special day that extends beyond November 15.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Remember

By Joy Harjo, Michaela Goade (Illustrator)

Reflect on your place in the world and the connections that bind us all.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2023)American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

40 pages· 163 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,469 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 'Remember,' young readers are invited to explore their connection to the world. Through Joy Harjo's evocative poem and Michaela Goade's vibrant illustrations, discover the ties to family, nature, and heritage. What stories do the stars hold? How does the dawn's light shape our lives? This picture book is a celebration of life and our shared human journey.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

Contenders

By Traci Sorell, Arigon Starr (Illustrator)

Two Native baseball players defy media rivalry and racism to make history in the 1911 World Series.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

48 pages· 1,622 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 259 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1911, John Meyers and Charles Bender, two Native American baseball players, face off in a historic World Series. Raised on reservations, they battle media-fueled rivalry and stadium racism. Despite these challenges, their shared dedication to the sport and Native representation propels them to break barriers and achieve greatness. As they navigate prejudice, their story becomes a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams. Will they overcome the odds and redefine their legacy in baseball history?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2023

Mascot

By Charles Waters, Traci Sorell

A school mascot sparks a heated debate, challenging students to confront identity and tradition.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2024)

256 pages· 22,878 words· Est. 3 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,245 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Rye, Virginia, a school assignment ignites a fierce debate over a potentially racist mascot. Six diverse middle schoolers find themselves at the heart of the controversy, each grappling with their beliefs and the community's divided stance. As tensions rise, they must navigate identity, tradition, and the courage to advocate for change. Will they unite to challenge the status quo, or will the conflict tear them apart? This novel in verse explores the power of young voices in the fight for justice, inspiring readers to question and engage with the world around them.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2023

Warrior Girl Unearthed

By Angeline Boulley · Firekeeper's Daughter series

A young woman uncovers secrets and fights to reclaim her tribe's stolen history amidst rising danger.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2023)American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

396 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 32,467 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Perry Firekeeper-Birch, the laidback twin and best fisher on Sugar Island, faces a chilling mystery as missing Indigenous women and a murder investigation hit close to home. With grave robbers threatening her Anishinaabe tribe's legacy, Perry must unravel secrets and confront old rivalries. Can she and her allies, including her ambitious twin and a principled newcomer, uncover the truth before it's too late? Dive into a world of high-stakes heists, family secrets, and a quest for justice where the past refuses to stay buried.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Maria Tallchief

By Christine Day, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator), Gillian Flint (Illustrator) · She Persisted series

A dancer defies expectations to become America's first prima ballerina.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

80 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 245 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Maria Tallchief dreams of dancing but faces pressure to change her Osage name to succeed. Refusing to conform, she dances her way to becoming America's first prima ballerina. Discover how Maria's determination and talent create iconic ballets and inspire future generations. Will her legacy encourage others to follow their dreams against the odds? Explore her journey in this inspiring tale of persistence and triumph.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2022

Wilma Mankiller

By Traci Sorell, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator), Gillian Flint (Illustrator) · She Persisted series

A woman fights for Native rights and becomes a trailblazing leader.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

96 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 139 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Wilma Mankiller, a descendant of Cherokee ancestors, faces displacement and injustice. As she grows, she dedicates herself to reclaiming Native rights and instilling cultural pride. Rising against the odds, she becomes the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Discover her inspiring journey and learn how she persisted in this engaging chapter book. With illustrations and practical ways to make a difference, this story invites young readers to follow in her footsteps and explore the power of resilience. Dive into a tale of courage and leadership that continues to inspire generations.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Berry Song

By Michaela Goade

A girl and her grandmother gather nature's gifts, deepening their bond with the earth.

Caldecott Honor (2023)American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

40 pages· 347 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,241 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On a remote island, a young girl and her grandmother collect nature's treasures—salmon, herring eggs, and a bounty of berries. As they sing to the land, it sings back, weaving a song of connection and gratitude. Through the changing seasons, they nurture a profound bond with the earth and their ancestors. Will their journey inspire others to listen to the land's wisdom? Discover the beauty and harmony that unite generations in this luminous tale of kinship and nature's gifts.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Deb Haaland

By Laurel Goodluck, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator), Gillian Flint (Illustrator) · She Persisted series

Discover how Deb Haaland broke barriers and made history in politics.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

96 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 111 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Deb Haaland, a child of military parents, moved frequently before settling in Albuquerque. Despite challenges, she earned a law degree and became one of the first Native American women in Congress. In 2021, she made history as the first Native American cabinet secretary. This inspiring biography reveals her journey of persistence and triumph, encouraging young readers to dream big and make a difference.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Heroes of the Water Monster

By Brian Young · The Water Monster series

Two young Navajo heroes and a water monster face a legendary threat stealing their world's water.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

384 pages· 84,370 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 207 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Edward and Nathan, two young Navajo, must protect Dew, a water monster, as they face a legendary threat. With Dew's sister Yitoo's guidance, they confront a powerful enemy stealing water from their land. Can they overcome past wounds and inner fears to save their world from disaster?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Eagle Drums

By Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson

A young hunter faces a deadly choice from an eagle god on a perilous mountain journey.

Newbery Honor (2024)American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)

256 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,151 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a land where tradition and survival intertwine, a young hunter ascends a treacherous mountain to gather obsidian, the site of his brothers' demise. Confronted by the formidable eagle god Savik, he must choose between following the god or facing the same fate as his siblings. This journey leads him to the realm of eagle gods, unveiling profound truths about nature, heritage, and the bonds of community. Discover the origins of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a tale of music, dance, and enduring tradition, in a story where myth and reality merge.

The 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award

Rez Ball

Forever Cousins

We Still Belong

Rock Your Mocs

Remember

Contenders

Mascot

Warrior Girl Unearthed

Maria Tallchief

Wilma Mankiller

Berry Song

Deb Haaland

Heroes of the Water Monster

Eagle Drums

American Indian Youth Literature Award Winners by Year

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