#IndigenousReads: New Perspectives on Indigenous People of North America in Children’s Literature
It is around this time of year when Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and images of native or indigenous people and pilgrims come to mind. Although this is the classic Thanksgiving scene, it has slowly been becoming the norm that this depiction is not true or acceptable. In fact, many depictions of indigenous people in children’s literature are inaccurate, stereotypical and thus, harmful./p>
With this shift in thinking, there has been a push in children’s literature to provide a larger voice to indigenous writers and illustrators. In our social media age, this effort to provide a more diverse range of voices has been accompanied by hashtags such as #WeNeedDiverseBooks and #IndigenousReads. Below you will find just a sample of children’s picture books that have been recommended by American Indians in Children’s Literature, an excellent resource on Native American representation in children’s literature both past and present ( https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/).
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.
At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre
At the mountain's base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family -- loving, weaving, cooking, and singing. The strength in their song sustains them through trials on the ground and in the sky, as they wait for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war.
You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel
An evocative picture book intended to foster reconciliation among children and encourage them to show each other love and support.
A Day with Yayah by Nicola Campbell, illustrated by Julie Flett
On an outing in Nicola Valley, British Columbia, a Native American family forages for herbs and mushrooms while the grandmother passes down her language and knowledge to her young grandchildren. Includes glossary.
First Laugh—Welcome, Baby! by Nancy Bo Flood
In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story? The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyone--from Baby's nima (mom) to nadi (big sister) to cheii (grandfather)--tries to elicit the joyous sound from Baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter includes information about other cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu) and aquiqa (Muslim).
With this shift in thinking, there has been a push in children’s literature to provide a larger voice to indigenous writers and illustrators. In our social media age, this effort to provide a more diverse range of voices has been accompanied by hashtags such as #WeNeedDiverseBooks and #IndigenousReads. Below you will find just a sample of children’s picture books that have been recommended by American Indians in Children’s Literature, an excellent resource on Native American representation in children’s literature both past and present ( https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/).
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.
At the mountain's base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family -- loving, weaving, cooking, and singing. The strength in their song sustains them through trials on the ground and in the sky, as they wait for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war.
An evocative picture book intended to foster reconciliation among children and encourage them to show each other love and support.
On an outing in Nicola Valley, British Columbia, a Native American family forages for herbs and mushrooms while the grandmother passes down her language and knowledge to her young grandchildren. Includes glossary.
In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story? The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyone--from Baby's nima (mom) to nadi (big sister) to cheii (grandfather)--tries to elicit the joyous sound from Baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter includes information about other cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu) and aquiqa (Muslim).
- Melissa Nemitz, West Windsor
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