American Indian Youth Literature Award · 2026

The 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award

Buffalo Dreamer won the 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award. Browse it alongside all 5 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner · Middle Grade
Buffalo Dreamer
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2024

Buffalo Dreamer

By Violet Duncan

Dreams reveal a haunting past as unmarked graves are discovered. Can Summer uncover the truth?

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2024)American Indian Youth Literature Award (2026)
128 pages· 20,079 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,351 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Summer's peaceful summers in Alberta are shattered by vivid dreams of fleeing a residential school. When unmarked graves are found at her grandfather's old school, the community's painful history resurfaces. As survivors, including her grandfather, share their stories, Summer is determined to honor her heritage and confront the past. At a town rally, she seeks answers to her dreams and hopes for healing. Will she uncover the truth behind her visions and help her community reclaim their history?
2026 Honor Books
Raven's Ribbons
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Raven's Ribbons

By Tasha Spillett, Daniel Ramirez (Illustrator)

A boy's wish for a ribbon skirt challenges tradition at a round dance.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2026)
32 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 177 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Raven adores the vibrant round dances, where music and movement create magic. His heart yearns for a ribbon skirt, a dream his grandmother finds unusual for a boy. As the next dance approaches, will tradition bend to embrace new expressions of identity? Discover how a community learns that even long-held customs can evolve beautifully, celebrating self-expression and acceptance.
Braided Roots
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Braided Roots

By Pasha Westbrook, Madelyn Goodnight (Illustrator)

A father's braiding reveals ancestral strength and love's enduring bond.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2026)
40 pages· 496 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 137 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: As her father braids her hair, a young girl learns of their ancestors' resilience on the Trail of Tears. This tender tale intertwines history and love, celebrating familial bonds and enduring strength.
Outfoxed
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Outfoxed

By Elise McMullen-Ciotti

A girl and her new friend hunt a poacher to save a baby fox.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2026)
256 pages· 52,543 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 36 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Skye rescues an injured baby fox, Kitkat, and vows to find the poacher responsible. With her Park Ranger cousin's help, she meets Ivy, a quiet girl who joins the mission. As their friendship grows, they face the challenge of uncovering the poacher's identity. Can they protect Kitkat and return him safely to the wild? This adventure tests their courage and determination, revealing the power of friendship and justice.
The Ribbon Skirt
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

The Ribbon Skirt

By Cameron Mukwa

A two-spirit child seeks acceptance by crafting a ribbon skirt for a powwow.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2026)
192 pages· 3,206 words· Est. 36 min read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 858 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Ten-year-old Anang, a two-spirit and nonbinary child, dreams of creating a ribbon skirt for a powwow, defying tradition and societal expectations. As Anang embarks on this heartfelt journey, they seek guidance from family, friends, and nature itself. Will Anang find the courage to express their true self and wear the skirt with pride? Discover a tale of identity, community, and self-discovery in this vibrant graphic novel.
The Summer of the Bone Horses
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2025

The Summer of the Bone Horses

By Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Steph Littlebird (Illustrator)

A child's summer with grandparents turns unforgettable amid unexpected challenges.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2026)
64 pages· 6,301 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 122 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Eddie dreads his first summer away from his parents, staying with his grandparents on the Rosebud Reservation. But as he rides horses, fishes, and helps in the garden, he discovers the joys of family and tradition. When his grandfather faces a health crisis, Eddie must rise to the occasion, learning the true meaning of responsibility and love. Will this summer change him forever?
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