Notable Native People

English with tribal affiliations. MG & Up History Colonialism Historical Figures Indigenous Voices Adrienne Keene & Ciara Sana summary I recognize that y’all might not believe me when I say that I’ve been looking forward to this arriving for weeks. Peeking into the mailbox with my fingers crossed that this beautiful book would be waiting…

Run, Little Chaski! An Inka Trail Adventure

English & Quechua 4-8 years Inka Culture Peruvian History Peruvian Authors Kindness Social-Emotional Learning Language Quechua Mariana Llanos & Mariana Ruiz Johnson summary Little Chaski is about to begin his first day as a royal messenger! After receiving some advice from other Chaskis (messengers) he goes to the Queen for his task. He receives a…

Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh This Is How I Know

Anishinaabemowin & English 4+ Indigenous Voices Anishinaabe Culture Family Nature Seasons Intergenerational Stories Bilingual Books Brittany Luby & Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley summary Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh This is How I Know is a beautiful bilingual book with colorful illustrations and a plethora of Anishinaabe knowledge about the seasons and nature. The story follows a child and…

Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-be Best Friend

English, Michif & Ojibwe 6-10 Ojibwe Culture Friendship Social-Emotional Learning Family Self-Esteem Dawn Quigley & Tara Audibert summary I wish that early chapter books were like this when I was young. Jo Jo Makoons is spunky, self-assured, and ready to tell everyone that she has it all figured out. Jo Jo knoooows she needs more…

Indigenous #OwnVoices Roundup

English; Nłe7kepmxcín, & Halq’emeylem (Stand Like a Cedar); Ojibwe (It’s a Mitig!); Inuktitut (Grandfather Bowhead, How I Survived & I Am Loved); Rocky Cree (Pīsim) 4 years & up Indigenous Voices Coastal & Interior Salish Identity First Nations Inuit Identity Own Voices Indigenous Culture & Identity Nature & Animals SEL & Mindfulness Family, Foster Care…

#Read5WithUs for World Read Aloud Day

Have you heard of the Million Word Gap? The million word gap addresses the disparity between children that are read to at a young age, and children that are not. In fact, a 2014 NAEYC article states that “Children’s vocabulary skills are linked to their economic backgrounds. By 3 years of age, there is a 30 million…

Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer

Written By: Suzie Napayok-Short Illustrated by: Tamara Campeau For Ages: 6-12 years Language: English & Inuktitut (glossary, pronunciation guide & tips included) Topics Covered: Nature, First Nations, Indigenous Voices, Family, Own Voices. Summary: This hefty book is a really unique mix of family history and nature knowledge, following a young girl named Akuluk visiting her…

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border

Written by: Mitali Perkins Illustrated by: Sara Palacios For ages: 3-8 years Language: English & some Spanish Topics Covered: Family, Immigration, Border Patrol, POC-Centric Narratives, Latinx, Mexican-American, Culture & Traditions, Love, Growing Up, Global Community. Summary: Even though this is a story centering around Christmas, we felt the need to share it sooner rather than waiting for December to come around! This…

Canadian Women: Now + Then

Written by: Elizabeth MacLeod Illustrated by: Maïa Faddoul For ages: 8 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: History, Biography, Canadian Women, Indigenous Voices, First Nations, Women in STEM, Women in Sports, Feminism, Journalism.  Summary:  Happy International Women’s Day! Today is a fantastic day to honor those past and present who have changed the world, and Canadian Women: Now + Then is…

IntersectionAllies: we make room for all

Written by: Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi Illustrated by: Ashley Seil Smith For ages: 6 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Intersectionality (as you may have already guessed), diversity, solidarity, activism, identity, activism, disability, protest. Summary:  This book is incredible! Written in an accessible way, the reader is introduced to a group of friends that have unique intersections of…