Native Literacy Circles

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story (2019)

Written by: Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation, Mekusukey band)

Illustrated by: Juana Martinez-Neal

Kevin Noble Maillard weaves meaningful themes of Native American identity with a celebration of community and food.

SkySisters (2000)

Written by: Jan Bourdeau Waboose (Nishnawbe Ojibway from Northern Ontario)

Illustrated by: Brain Deines

Wisdom comes to two Ojibway sisters as they share a powerful night together watching the northern lights.

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series (2023)

Written by: Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation)

Illustrated by: Arigon Starr (Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma)

The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series. This picture book teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports.

Healer of the Water Monster (2021)

Written by: Brain Young (Navajo Nation)

Nathan, an 11-year-old Navajo boy, thinks summer at his grandmother's home on the reservation will be dull, but then a water monster from the Navajo creation story asks for his help restoring rain to the desert.

The Rez Detectives: Justice Served Cold (2021)

Written by: Steven Paul Judd (Kiowa and Choctaw) and Tvli Jacob (Choctaw Nation)

Illustrated by: M.K. Perker

This summer, Tasembo just wants to chill. But that's not an option when it's a scorching day on the reservation and the Ice Cream Man is a no-show. In an attempt to impress his crush by solving the mystery, Tasembo joins forces with his neighbor, Nuseka, and his dog, Billy Jack, to take on their first case as the Rez Dog Detectives. With twists around every concern, this case won't crack itself, but when you combine Nuseka's brains, Billy Jack's loyalty, and Tasembo's persistence, justice will be served. Cold, that is.