Books About North America · 246 titles considered

The Best North America Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about north america? 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.

Firekeeper's Daughter
Graphic Nov.
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About North America

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 · 354,151 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Firekeeper's Daughter

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

494 pages· 130,001 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 210,751 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Daunis Fontaine, caught between her hometown and Ojibwe roots, faces a life-altering choice after witnessing a murder. Drawn into an FBI probe of a dangerous drug, she must navigate hidden truths and old wounds. As deception and danger escalate, Daunis must decide how far she'll go to protect her community and embrace her identity as an Anishinaabe kwe. Will she uncover the truth before it destroys everything she holds dear?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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

320 pages· 44,681 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 288,124 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Marrow Thieves

In a world where dreams are stolen, survival means staying hidden.

234 pages· 65,500 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 46,102 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change, Indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, the key to restoring lost dreams. Frenchie and his group journey north, evading capture. Unbeknownst to them, one among them holds the secret to ending the nightmare. Can they survive long enough to uncover it?
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 · 4,592 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Code Talker

A Navajo youth becomes a secret weapon in WWII, using an unbreakable code.

231 pages· 53,166 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 19,285 ratings
$20.80Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Ned Begay, eager to serve in WWII, joins the Marines as a Navajo Code Talker. Tasked with a top-secret mission, he uses his native language to send unbreakable messages across the Pacific. From Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, Ned faces intense battles, his role crucial yet hidden from the world. As he navigates the horrors of war, he grapples with the weight of his secret contribution, one that remains classified long after the conflict ends. How will this experience shape him, and what will he sacrifice for his country?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2001

Touching Spirit Bear

By Ben Mikaelsen · Book #1 in the Spirit Bear series

A violent teen faces a life-changing encounter with a mystical bear on a remote island.

241 pages· 56,072 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 37,404 ratings
$21.80Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Summary: Cole Matthews, consumed by anger, faces a choice: prison or a year of Circle Justice on an Alaskan island. After a brutal attack by a legendary Spirit Bear, Cole's survival hinges on confronting his inner demons. Can he transform his rage into redemption, or will his past consume him? As he battles the wilderness and his own soul, Cole's journey raises questions about responsibility, healing, and the power of forgiveness. Will the island's isolation and the bear's mysterious presence lead to his salvation, or is it too late for change?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

110 pages· 18,014 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 247,528 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl in Chicago, dreams of escaping her run-down neighborhood and defying low expectations. Through vivid vignettes, she explores identity, hope, and self-discovery. Will she find her place in a world of harsh beauty and harsh realities? Discover her journey of empowerment and resilience in this coming-of-age classic.
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2002

Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed

A young girl discovers unexpected bravery when faced with danger.

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.7/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings
$11.89Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Sacagawea yearns to prove her bravery like her brother, but she's barred from joining the boys' hunt. While gathering wood with her grandmother, an encounter with a rattlesnake challenges her courage in unexpected ways. Can she find her own path to bravery?
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 1991

Ten Little Rabbits

Count along with rabbits exploring Native American traditions.

24 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 483 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Join a group of playful rabbits as they embark on a journey through Native American traditions, from rain dances to smoke signals. This counting adventure invites young readers to explore cultural customs while learning to count from one to ten. Will these rabbits leave you counting them instead of sheep at bedtime? Discover the vibrant world of tradition and numbers in this delightful tale.
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North America Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about north america for the youngest readers and listeners.

Little You

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Celebrate the boundless potential of every child in this tender board book.

The People Shall Continue

Ages 1–8 · 1977

A timeless tale of resilience and unity amid land usurpation and cultural survival.

Good Night Great Lakes

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Explore the wonders of the Great Lakes through a soothing bedtime journey.

Good Night Niagara Falls

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover Niagara Falls' wonders through a child's eyes.

View all north america board books
Browse by age

North America Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about north america for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Legend of the Lady Slipper

Ages 4–7 · 1999

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

Métis Like Me

Ages 3–7 · 2024

A child reconnects with their Métis heritage, discovering the joy of culture and community.

My Powerful Hair

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl grows her hair long, reclaiming her heritage and honoring her ancestors.

The Legend of Mackinac Island

Ages 6–9 · 1999

A turtle and friends embark on a journey to discover new lands and forge lasting bonds.

Keepunumuk

Ages 3–7 · 2022

Discover the untold story of the first Thanksgiving through the eyes of the Wampanoag tribe.

Grandmother's Dreamcatcher

Ages 4–8 · 1998

Kimmy battles nightmares with her grandmother's dreamcatcher magic.

Powwow Day

Ages 4–8 · 2022

River longs to dance at the powwow but illness holds her back. Can community heal her spirit?

Rainbow Crow

Ages 3–7 · 1989

A crow sacrifices beauty and song to bring fire to the forest.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Ages 4–8 · 1983

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

Berry Song

Ages 4–8 · 2022

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

The Star People

Ages 1–8 · 2003

Lost in a prairie fire, two siblings seek a way home under mysterious dancing stars.

We Are Still Here!

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Twelve kids reveal Native American struggles and triumphs, declaring: We are still here!

Browse by age

North America Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about north america for developing and independent readers.

The Year of Miss Agnes

Ages 8–12 · 2000

A young girl navigates her life in a small Alaskan village with the help of a new teacher.

Coyote vs. Dingo

Ages 6–8 · 2022

Coyote vs. Dingo: Who emerges victorious in this wild showdown?

Gift Horse

Ages 6–9 · 1999

A boy's courage is tested when his beloved horse is stolen by enemies.

The Porcupine Year

Ages 8–12 · 2008

A young girl embarks on a perilous journey, discovering resilience and wisdom from the land and spirits.

Ancestor Approved

Ages 9–12 · 2021

At a vibrant powwow, young heroes discover family, mystery, and their own stories.

Golden Sun

Ages 7–11 · 2010

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

The Star That Always Stays
Sale price
$1799

The Star That Always Stays

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl must hide her heritage in a new city, risking her identity for acceptance.

Crossing Bok Chitto

Ages 8–11 · 2006

A secret river crossing unites two cultures in a daring escape.

Paddle-To-The-Sea (Turtleback School & Library)

Ages 8–11

January's Sparrow

Ages 6–12 · 2009

A family flees slavery, but a mysterious package threatens their newfound freedom.

I Can Make This Promise

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Indian No More
Sale price
$1895

Indian No More

Ages 9–12 · 2019

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

Keep exploring
Books about angerBooks about braveryBooks about climate changeBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about coping with deathBooks about dreamsBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuseBooks about juvenile delinquency

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