Books About Native Americans · 411 titles considered

The Best Native Americans Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Diversity Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about native americans? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Native Americans

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 · 355,071 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.
Firekeeper's Daughter
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Firekeeper's Daughter

By Angeline Boulley

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

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2022)Michael L. Printz Award (2022)
494 pages· 130,001 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 212,346 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?
Jasper Jones
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

Jasper Jones

By Craig Silvey

A secret discovery binds two boys in a town gripped by fear and suspicion.

Michael L. Printz Honor (2012)
320 pages· 109,123 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 44,140 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Charlie Bucktin's quiet life shatters when Jasper Jones, the town outcast, seeks his help one fateful night. Drawn into a web of secrets and lies, Charlie must navigate a community rife with fear and suspicion. As he struggles with his own family tensions and budding romance, Charlie faces the daunting challenge of uncovering the truth. Can he hold onto the secrets that threaten to unravel everything he knows? In a summer where everything changes, Charlie learns the heavy burden of truth and the courage it takes to bear it.
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 Goodreads · 288,706 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.
The Marrow Thieves
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Marrow Thieves

By Cherie Dimaline · Book #1 in the The Marrow Thieves series

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

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2018)
234 pages· 65,500 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 46,421 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?
Walk Two Moons
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1994

Walk Two Moons

By Sharon Creech · Book #1 in the Walk Two Moons series

A girl's journey reveals secrets and a quest to find her missing mother.

Newbery Medal (1995)FCBG Children’s Book Award (1995)
288 pages· 51,335 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 175,729 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Salamanca embarks on a road trip with her quirky grandparents, sharing the mysterious tale of Phoebe Winterbottom, whose mother vanished. As Sal spins Phoebe's story, her own longing for her missing mother surfaces. Will this journey unravel the truth behind both disappearances? Dive into a tale where humor meets heartache, and every mile brings new revelations.
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 Goodreads · 4,621 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?
Code Talker
Sale price
$2394
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Code Talker

By Joseph Bruchac

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

231 pages· 53,166 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 19,436 ratings
$25.20Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
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?
Touching Spirit Bear
Sale price
$2071
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 Goodreads · 37,566 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?
Julie of the Wolves
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1972

Julie of the Wolves

By Jean Craighead George, John Schoenherr (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Julie of the Wolves series

A girl lost in the Alaskan wilderness must choose between her human past and a new life with wolves.

Newbery Medal (1973)
176 pages· 35,999 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 62,013 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Miyax, known as Julie to her friend, escapes a dangerous village life only to find herself lost in the Alaskan tundra. Accepted by a wolf pack, she learns their ways to survive. As she grows to love her new family, Miyax faces a heart-wrenching choice: return to civilization or embrace her life with the wolves. Torn between her Eskimo heritage and the modern world, which path will she choose? This gripping tale of survival and identity explores the bonds between humans and nature.
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Native Americans Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about native americans for the youngest readers and listeners.

This Little Explorer
Series
Sale price
$799

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

Ten Little Rabbits
Sale price
$899

Ten Little Rabbits

Ages 2–4 · 1991

Count along with rabbits exploring Native American traditions.

Little You
Sale price
$1295

Little You

Ages 0–3 · 2013

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

The People Shall Continue
Sale price
$1095

The People Shall Continue

Ages 1–8 · 1977

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

The Three Snow Bears
Sale price
$1499

The Three Snow Bears

Ages 0–3 · 2007

A snowy twist on Goldilocks with Arctic animals in vibrant Inuit attire.

A Northern Alphabet
Sale price
$899

A Northern Alphabet

Ages 0–3 · 1989

Discover the northern wonders from A to Z in a vibrant alphabet journey.

Nibi Is Water
Sale price
$1095

Nibi Is Water

Ages 1–2 · 2020

Discover the journey of water and our duty to cherish it.

View all native americans board books
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Native Americans Picture Books

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

Where Wonder Grows
Sale price
$2095

Where Wonder Grows

Ages 4–7 · 2022

Discover nature's secrets with a curious grandmother and her granddaughters.

Remember
Sale price
$1899

Remember

Ages 4–8 · 2023

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

Métis Like Me
Sale price
$1899

Métis Like Me

Ages 3–7 · 2024

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

My Powerful Hair
Sale price
$1899

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
Sale price
$1795

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
Sale price
$1899

Keepunumuk

Ages 3–7 · 2022

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

Powwow Day
Sale price
$1799

Powwow Day

Ages 4–8 · 2022

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

Still This Love Goes On
Sale price
$1895

Still This Love Goes On

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A heartfelt journey of longing and reunion through Indigenous traditions and community.

Rainbow Crow
Sale price
$899

Rainbow Crow

Ages 3–7 · 1989

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

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Native Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about native americans for developing and independent readers.

The Year of Miss Agnes
Sale price
$699

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.

Gift Horse
Sale price
$1099

Gift Horse

Ages 6–9 · 1999

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

The Porcupine Year
#3 in Series
Sale price
$799

The Porcupine Year

Ages 8–12 · 2008

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

Eagle Drums
Sale price
$1899

Eagle Drums

Ages 8–12 · 2023

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

Grasping Mysteries
Sale price
$899

Grasping Mysteries

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Discover the untold stories of seven women who transformed science and math.

We Still Belong
Sale price
$1899

We Still Belong

Ages 8–12 · 2023

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

The Stone Child
Series
Sale price
$1799

The Stone Child

Ages 10–13 · 2022

Morgan races to save her brother's soul, facing perilous woods and mysterious creatures.

Ancestor Approved
Sale price
$799

Ancestor Approved

Ages 9–12 · 2021

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

Golden Sun
#5 in Series
Sale price
$799

Golden Sun

Ages 7–11 · 2010

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

Nightshade
#13 in Series
Sale price
$899

Nightshade

Ages 10–15 · 2020

Teen spy battles a new threat to London, risking everything against a shadowy enemy.

View all native americans chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about survival storiesBooks about angerBooks about being lostBooks about climate changeBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about coping with deathBooks about dreamsBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse