Children's books by and about Indigenous peoples
9 hand-picked books from the Bookbear catalogue tagged “Indigenous”, with Indian authors first. Each one has an age range, a short description, a heads-up on any sensitive topics and a link to buy in India.
-
Earth Tales: Folklore about India's Nature, Wildlife and Environment
by The Centre for Contemporary Folklore
Ages 8–14Indian author
A big illustrated collection of folk tales from every Indian state and union territory, many from tribal communities, where mountains, forests and animals are characters too. Each tale comes with its regional story and folk-art illustrations.
-
It Takes a Tribe: True Stories of 25 Tribal Heroes Who Changed India
by Ramendra Kumar
Ages 9–14Indian author
Twenty-five true stories of tribal freedom fighters, forest guardians, athletes and leaders, from Birsa Munda and Rani Gaidinliu to Mary Kom and Poorna Malavath.
-
Shin-chi's Canoe
by Nicola I. Campbell
Ages 5–8
Shi-shi-etko's little brother Shin-chi arrives at residential school. Their one comfort is a tiny canoe he carries as a reminder of home. Based on the author's family experience. Tender and essential.
-
Fatty Legs
by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Ages 7–10
Eight-year-old Olemaun (Margaret) is determined to learn to read — despite a cruel nun at the residential school who gives her ugly grey stockings to break her spirit. Based on a true story. Powerful.
Heads-up: Child abuse & neglect, Racism & discrimination
-
My Heart Fills With Happiness
by Monique Gray Smith
Ages 3–6✈️ Import only (pricey)
A lyrical picture book celebrating the small things that fill an Indigenous child's heart — the smell of bannock, warm sun on your face, holding hands with a grandparent. Gentle and joyful.
-
We Are Water Protectors
by Carole Lindstrom
Ages 5–9
Inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America, a young water protector stands against a black snake threatening her people's water. Caldecott Medal winner.
-
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard
Ages 4–8
A lyrical celebration of fry bread as it brings together generations of a Native American family — with a closing note on the diversity of Native nations today. Sibert Medal winner.
-
Rez Dogs
by Joseph Bruchac
Ages 10–14
Stranded with her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation during the pandemic, Malian finds comfort in the stray dogs and the stories her grandparents tell, in this quiet verse novel.
Heads-up: Racism & discrimination
-
The Sign of the Beaver
by Elizabeth George Speare
Ages 9–12✈️ Import only (pricey)
Left alone in the Maine wilderness in 1768 while his father goes for the rest of the family, young Matt must learn to survive — with crucial help from a Penobscot boy his own age. Newbery Honor.
