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It is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month! Therefore, students can have a full month of learning about diverse cultures and traditions. To do this, it will be great to use five picture books for American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage month!
This powerful story shows how people can work together to help heal feelings, emotions, and hardships.
When a little girl asks her grandfather to say something in Cree, he explains how his language was taken away. However, it happened when he was a little boy. Sadly, this happened to so many people from the impact of the residential school system. Unfortunately, this system separated young Indigenous children from their families. The little girl recognizes this pain and sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. Through this, the grandfather will also be reunited with his culture.
A picture book for American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month to teach about protecting Earth!
People must work together to protect Earth and its limited resources. Thus, this lyrical picture book shows how Indigenous-led movements across North America sought to protect Earth’s water. Unfortunately, Earth’s most sacred resource was at great risk for harm and corruption. Therefore, when a black snake threatens to destroy Earth by poisoning water, a young girl takes a stand. She will not give up until people hear her cry and protect the water.
Lila is so excited to start at a new school and make friends! Sadly, on her first day, a boy points and shouts, “A crow! A crow!” He did this since her hair resembles the hair of a crow. Unfortunately, no one stuck up for Lila. Instead, they whispered and laughed. When she has to go back to school the next day, she keeps her hair covered. However, the boy continues to pick on her. Between her dark skin and eyes, Lila hides under a turtleneck, glasses, and a hat. Lila grows sadder and lonelier while adjusting to her new school. Thankfully, a magical encounter with a crow shows Lila how beautiful she is. Thankfully, she learns to embrace who she really is.
Check out this picture book unit to teach using Lila and the Crow!
Children can learn so much from their grandparents! In this beautiful story, a grandmother passes down everything she knows about plant life and the natural world. This knowledge is shared during a nature-filled outing to find herbs and mushrooms. Truly a beautiful story that will remind readers to be thankful!
I Sang You Down from the Stars
This beautiful book strongly depicts the loving bond between mother and child. While waiting for delivery, a mother-to-be puts together a sacred bundle. Inside it, there is a white feather, cedar and sage, and a stone from the river. Spiritually, this will offer the baby strength and connection to tradition, family, and community. Thankfully, mother and child will always have a special bond with these items.
These five picture books for American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month will allow students to learn about diverse cultures. Additionally, they will help teach the histories of indigenous people. Truly, students will learn why it is so important to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Need more book suggestions?
Check out my Indigenous Peoples’ book list on Bookshop.org.
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