Books About Native American Culture

The Best Native American Culture Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about native american culture? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Golden Sun
#5 in Series
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Forever Cousins
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Native American Culture

Island of the Blue Dolphins
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Newbery Medal (1961)
177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,644 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1994
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

A Native American teen seeks a new future at an all-white high school.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2008)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2007)Odyssey Award (2009)
320 pages· 44,681 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 288,423 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Junior, a young cartoonist from the Spokane Indian Reservation, defies expectations by transferring to an all-white high school. As he navigates this new world, he faces cultural clashes and personal challenges. Will he find his place or be torn between two worlds? With humor and heart, Junior's journey explores identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
Meet Kaya
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2002

Meet Kaya

By Janet Shaw, Bill Farnsworth (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the American Girl: Kaya series

A race leads to unexpected consequences and a lasting nickname.

70 pages· 11,389 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,611 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Paperback
Summary: Kaya dreams of racing her mare, Steps High, despite her father's warnings. When a boy's taunt pushes her to race, she loses sight of her brothers, leading to a mistake that earns her an unforgettable nickname. Set in 1764 among the Nez Perce, Kaya learns that pride can bring unforeseen challenges. Will she find a way to redeem herself and protect her family?
The Legend of the Lady Slipper
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1999

The Legend of the Lady Slipper

By Lise Lunge-Larsen, Margi Preus, Andrea Arroyo (Illustrator)

A girl listens to nature's whispers to save her people from a deadly disease.

32 pages· 1,077 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 138 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the northern woods, a young girl faces a deadly disease threatening her people. Guided by the whispers of snow and the dance of northern lights, her courage transforms loss into beauty, giving rise to the lady slipper flower. Can her bravery change fate and save her family?
The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1983

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

By Tomie dePaola

A young girl sacrifices to save her tribe, birthing Texas's bluebonnets.

32 pages· 924 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,037 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the heart of Texas, a young Comanche girl named She-Who-Is-Alone faces a daunting choice. As her tribe struggles, she must decide whether to make a profound sacrifice. Her decision could change the fate of her people and the landscape forever, giving rise to the legendary bluebonnets. Will her courage be enough to bring hope and renewal? Discover the origins of Texas's beloved state flower in this timeless tale of bravery and selflessness.
Golden Sun
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2010

Golden Sun

By Whitney Sanderson, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Horse Diaries series

A horse's journey reveals its true calling when a friend's life hangs in the balance.

160 pages· 13,484 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 618 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1790 Oregon, Golden Sun, a chestnut Appaloosa, journeys with Little Turtle, a Nez Perce boy, gathering healing plants. When Little Turtle's friend falls gravely ill, Golden Sun must uncover his true purpose. Can this horse's unique perspective change the course of events? Discover a tale of friendship, courage, and destiny, told through the eyes of a remarkable horse. This story blends history and heart, inviting readers to explore the bond between a boy and his horse in a time of need. Will Golden Sun's newfound calling be enough to save a life?
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 · 7,140 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?
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code

By Joseph Bruchac, Liz Amini-Holmes (Illustrator)

A young Navajo boy is forced to attend a boarding school where he is forbidden to speak his native language, but later uses it to help the US military during World War II.

32 pages· 1,423 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 559 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Chester Nez, once told to abandon his Navajo roots, finds his language crucial in WWII. Recruited by the US Marines, he and fellow Navajo men craft an unbreakable code. Can the language he was urged to forget become the key to victory? This gripping tale explores the power of heritage and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1988

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

By Tomie dePaola

A young artist seeks to capture the sunset's colors in a legendary quest.

40 pages· 908 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,008 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A young boy in the Plains has a vision to paint the sunset's pure colors. As he grows, he becomes the tribe's painter, yet struggles to capture the sky's beauty. With a white buckskin canvas and vibrant paints, his quest to fulfill his dream unfolds. Will he succeed in creating the masterpiece revealed in his vision? Discover the enchanting legend of the Indian Paintbrush, where art and nature intertwine in a tale of perseverance and inspiration.
Forever Cousins
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 · 417 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.
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Native American Culture Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about native american culture for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Gift of the Sacred Dog
Sale price
$899

The Gift of the Sacred Dog

Ages 5–8 · 1980

A boy's prayer summons mystical creatures to aid his people.

Turkey Hunting
Series
Sale price
$2893

Turkey Hunting

Ages 9–11 · 2010

Master turkey hunting with essential skills and conservation insights.

Wings of an Eagle
Sale price
$1999

Wings of an Eagle

Ages 4–8 · 2024

An orphan's dream defies odds to reach Olympic glory.

Little Runner of the Longhouse
#2 in Series
Sale price
$399

Little Runner of the Longhouse

Ages 5–8 · 1962

A clever boy devises a trick to join the big boys' games.

The Legend of Scarface
Sale price
$700

The Legend of Scarface

Ages 5–8 · 1920

A brave journeys to the Sun's realm for love.

View all native american culture picture books
Browse by age

Native American Culture Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about native american culture for developing and independent readers.

Who Was Maria Tallchief?
Series
Sale price
$699

Who Was Maria Tallchief?

Ages 8–11 · 2002

The life story of a Native American ballerina who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s.

Rez Dogs
Sale price
$1799

Rez Dogs

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl learns her heritage and protects her family during a pandemic lockdown.

Jo Jo Makoons
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Jo Jo Makoons

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A young girl navigates friendship challenges on her Ojibwe reservation, fearing her best friend may drift away.

The Legend of Jimmy Spoon
Series
Sale price
$999

The Legend of Jimmy Spoon

Ages 8–12 · 1990

A boy's quest for adventure leads him to an unexpected new life.

Kaya and Lone Dog
#4 in Series
Sale price
$695

Kaya and Lone Dog

Ages 8–10 · 2002

A girl seeks solace and trust from a mysterious stray dog.

Mandie and the Cherokee Legend
#2 in Series
Sale price
$599

Mandie and the Cherokee Legend

Ages 9–12 · 1983

Gold discovery tests friendships and beliefs.

Mandie and the Midnight Journey
#13 in Series
Sale price
$599

Mandie and the Midnight Journey

Ages 9–12 · 1989

A girl plans to escape when a new stepbrother arrives.

Skeleton Man
#1 in Series
Sale price
$999

Skeleton Man

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A girl faces a terrifying legend as her parents vanish mysteriously.

Salt
Sale price
$999

Salt

Ages 10–14 · 2013

Two friends face divided loyalties as war threatens their land and friendship.

Sing Down the Moon
Sale price
$999

Sing Down the Moon

Ages 8–12 · 1970

A young girl narrates her tribe's harrowing forced march to Fort Sumner.

Eagle Song
Sale price
$699

Eagle Song

Ages 7–10 · 1997

A boy faces bullying in a new city, seeking courage from his heritage.

View all native american culture chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about coping with deathBooks about race relationsBooks about self-relianceBooks about social classesBooks about survival stories

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