Special Collections

Thunder Boy Jr.

Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that's all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn't mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he's done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder.But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name...a name that is sure to light up the sky.National Book Award-winner Sherman Alexie's lyrical text and Caldecott Honor-winner Yuyi Morales's striking and beautiful illustrations celebrate the special relationship between father and son.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

The Adventures of Spider

Presents six tales about Spider, including those which explain how he got a thin waist and a bald head and why he lives in ceilings and dark corners.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

When Clay Sings

Based on the original pottery of the ancient Anasazi, Mogollon, Hohokam and Mimbres cultures, the writer imagines the reasons for the making of the pottery and its creation.

A beautifully-illustrated prose poem for preschool through grade 3 and older readers. These few words convey much about the role of pottery in the Southwestern Native-American culture.

Winner of the Caldecott Honor

Date Added: 05/16/2023

The Wampanoag

If you're a history buff and want to find out what America was like before European explorers arrived, read this enthralling series on American Indians.

Filled with true tales of traditions and history, tragedy and triumph, each book focuses on a distinct group of American Indians and explores what their life was like before, during, and after Europeans arrived on the continent.

Complete with images and explanations of how different peoples made their homes, food, and clothes, as well as led their groups, played games, and schooled their young, the books take the reader through to modern times, exploring current culture and identity.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

The Goat In The Rug

Geraldine is a goat, and Glenmae, a Navajo weaver. One day, Glenmae decides to weave Geraldine into a rug. First Geraldine is clipped. Then her wool is spun into fine, strong yarn. Finally, Glenmae weaves the wool on her loom. They reader learns, along with Geraldine, about the care and pride involved in the weaving of a Navajo rug -- and about cooperation between friends.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

Deb Haaland

As a child of two military parents, Deb Haaland moved around a lot when she was young before finally settling in Albuquerque to be near family. But she persisted, studying hard and eventually earning a law degree. An enrolled member of the Pueblo Laguna nation, Deb was one of the first two Native American women to be elected to Congress, where she represented New Mexico’s 1st District. In 2021, when the Senate confirmed her as President Biden’s secretary of the interior, she became the first Native American in history to become a cabinet secretary. She continues to break barriers and inspire future generations to dream of greater opportunities.

In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Laurel Goodluck, readers learn about the amazing life of Deb Haaland–and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Deb Haaland’s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

The firekeeper's daughter

Eighteen-year-old Daunis has always felt like an outsider with her mixed heritage, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. When she witnesses a murder, she reluctantly agrees to be part of a covert FBI operation into a series of drug-related deaths. But secretly she pursues her own investigation, tracking down the culprits with her knowledge of traditional medicine.But the deceptions - and deaths - keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home. Now Daunis must decide what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she'll go to protect her community, even if it tears apart the only world she's ever known.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Firekeeper's Daughter

Keep the Secret. Live the Lie. Earn your Truth.

For fans of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange comes a ground-breaking YA thriller about a Native American teen who must root out the corruption in her community

Eighteen-year-old Daunis’s mixed heritage has always made her feel like an outsider, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. When she witnesses a shocking murder, she reluctantly agrees to be part of a covert FBI operation into a series of drug-related deaths. But the deceptions – and deaths – keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home. Now Daunis must decide what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go to protect her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.

A New York Times Best Seller

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Hija del guardián del fuego

Una premiada y aclamada novela sobre el racismo que pronto llegará a Netflix.Uno de los mejores libros juveniles de todos los tiempos según el New York Times. Como miembro extraoficial de su tribu nativa americana, chica birracial y producto de un escándalo, Daunis Fontaine nunca encajó del todo. Sueña con dejar su pasado atrás, empezar de cero y estudiar medicina, pero una tragedia la fuerza a cuidar de su frágil madre en la reserva ojibwe y poner su futuro en espera. Lo único positivo es conocer a Jamie, pero siente que es un chico que oculta algo... Un día presencia un asesinato que la sitúa en el centro de una investigación criminal. Una droga letal amenaza su comunidad y Daunis confía en que sus conocimientos de química y medicina tradicional le ayuden a dar con el responsable. Pero la búsqueda de la verdad es cruel: Daunis deberá aprender qué significa ser una mujer ojibwe fuerte y hasta dónde es capaz de arriesgar para proteger a su gente. Best seller #1 del New York Times Mejor libro YA de Amazon en 2021 Premios Printz y Morris 2021 de la American Library Association Angeline Boulley, miembro de la tribu Sault Ste. Marie de indios chippewa, es una narradora que escribe sobre su comunidad ojibwe en Míchigan. Ha trabajado como directora de la Oficina de Educación India, en el Departamento de Educación de Estados Unidos, para mejorar la escolarización de los niños indígenas.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Warrior girl unearthed

16-year-old Perry Firekeeper-Birch has every intention of quitting her internship. Being stuck in a museum was never part of her lazy summer plans, but her no-nonsense Aunt Daunis had other ideas. Everything changes when Perry meets 'Warrior Girl', a Native American ancestor whose bones are locked away in the local university's archives. Perry's rebellious spark becomes a righteous blaze, and she will do whatever it takes to bring 'Warrior Girl' home - where she belongs. Taking matters into her own hands, she plots a daring heist with a bunch of misfits. But this uncovers much bigger secrets that Perry and her friends must set right - before their ancestors are lost forever.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Warrior Girl Unearthed

#1 New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper's Daughter Angeline Boulley takes us back to Sugar Island in this high-stakes thriller about the power of discovering your stolen history.

Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is—the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won't ever take her far from home, and she wouldn't have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything.

In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot—will not—stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever.Sometimes, the truth shouldn't stay buried.

New York Times Bestseller

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Warrior Girl Unearthed

#1 New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley takes us back into the world of Firekeeper's Daughter in this high-stakes mystery about the power of discovering your stolen history. SOMETIMES THE TRUTH SHOULDN'T STAY BURIED Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is — the laid-back twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Whilst her overachieving sister works away at an internship, Perry&’s holiday plans mostly involve doing absolutely nothing. But her carefree summer is brought to an abrupt end when she meets &‘Warrior Girl&’, a Native American ancestor whose stolen remains are being kept in the archives of a local university. Perry&’s rebellious spark becomes a righteous blaze and she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her home. She calls on the help of a small group of friends and allies, including her twin sister and a charming new boy in town. But the plan is not without danger: indigenous women are disappearing at an alarming rate and when one of their group goes missing, it&’s down to Perry to make things right. Old rivalries, sibling secrets and botched heists cannot — will not — stop her from solving the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Between Earth and Sky

Through the guidance of his uncle and the retelling of various Native American legends, a young boy learns that everything living and inanimate has its place, should be considered sacred, and given respect..

Date Added: 05/16/2023

Code Talker

"Readers who choose the book for the attraction of Navajo code talking and the heat of battle will come away with more than they ever expected to find."--Booklist, starred review Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years. But now Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspiring. This deeply affecting novel honors all of those young men, like Ned, who dared to serve, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians.An ALA Best Book for Young Adults"Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring..."--School Library JournalFrom the Trade Paperback edition.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

The First Strawberries

A quarrel between the first man and the first woman is reconciled when the Sun causes strawberries to grow out of the earth. Image descriptions present.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

The Great Ball Game

NIMAC-sourced textbook

Bat, who has both wings and teeth, plays an important part in a game between the Birds and the Animals to decide which group is better.

Lexile Measure: 520L

Date Added: 05/16/2023

Rez Dogs

From the U.S.'s foremost indigenous children's author comes a middle grade verse novel set during the COVID-19 pandemic, about a Wabanaki girl's quarantine on her grandparents' reservation and the local dog that becomes her best friend.

Malian loves spending time with her grandparents at their home on a Wabanaki reservation. She’s there for a visit when, suddenly, all travel shuts down. There’s a new virus making people sick, and Malian will have to stay with her grandparents for the duration. Everyone is worried about the pandemic, but Malian knows how to keep her family and community safe: She protects her grandparents, and they protect her. She doesn’t go outside to play with friends, she helps her grandparents use video chat, and she listens to and learns from their stories. And when Malsum, one of the dogs living on the rez, shows up at their door, Malian’s family knows that he’ll protect them too.

Told in verse inspired by oral storytelling, this novel about the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the ways Malian’s community has cared for one another through plagues of the past, and how they keep caring for one another today.

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Two Roads

A boy discovers his Native American heritage in this Depression-era tale of identity and friendship by the author of Code Talker

It's 1932, and twelve-year-old Cal Black and his Pop have been riding the rails for years after losing their farm in the Great Depression.

Cal likes being a "knight of the road" with Pop, even if they're broke. But then Pop has to go to Washington, DC--some of his fellow veterans are marching for their government checks, and Pop wants to make sure he gets his due--and Cal can't go with him.

So Pop tells Cal something he never knew before: Pop is actually a Creek Indian, which means Cal is too. And Pop has decided to send Cal to a government boarding school for Native Americans in Oklahoma called the Challagi School. At school, the other Creek boys quickly take Cal under their wings.

Even in the harsh, miserable conditions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school, he begins to learn about his people's history and heritage. He learns their language and customs. And most of all, he learns how to find strength in a group of friends who have nothing beyond each other.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

Chasing Redbird

It started out as an ordinary summer. But the minute thirteen-year-old Zinny covered the old, overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family's house, she realized that things were about to change.

Right from the start, Zinny knew that uncovering the trail would be more than just a summer project. It was her chance to finally make people notice her, and to have a place she could call her very own. But more than that, Zinny knew that the trail somehow held the key to all kinds of questions. And that -- the only way to understand her family, her Aunt Jessie's death, and herself, was to find out where it went.

From the author of the Newbery Medal-winning Walk Two Moons, here is an intricately woven tale of a young girl who sets out in search of her place in the world -- and discovers it in her own backyard.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Maria Tallchief!In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief--and how she persisted.  Maria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Maria Tallchief's footsteps and make a difference! And don&’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted! Praise for She Persisted: Maria Tallchief: "A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --Publishers Weekly "Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --Kirkus Reviews

Date Added: 05/16/2023

She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Wilma Mankiller!The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Traci Sorell, readers learn about the amazing life of Wilma Mankiller--and how she persisted.  Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Wilma Mankiller's footsteps and make a difference! And don&’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted!

Date Added: 10/22/2023

Two Tribes

In her poignant debut graphic novel inspired by her own life, Emily Bowen Cohen embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes.

Mia is still getting used to living with her mom and stepfather, and to the new role their Jewish identity plays in their home. Feeling out of place at home and at her Jewish day school, Mia finds herself thinking more and more about her Muscogee father, who lives with his new family in Oklahoma. Her mother doesn’t want to talk about him, but Mia can’t help but feel like she’s missing a part of herself without him in her life.

Soon, Mia makes a plan to use the gifts from her bat mitzvah to take a bus to Oklahoma—without telling her mom—to visit her dad and find the connection to her Muscogee side she knows is just as important as her Jewish side.

This graphic novel by Muscogee-Jewish writer and artist Emily Bowen Cohen is perfect for fans of American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. It is published by Heartdrum, an imprint that centers stories about contemporary Indigenous young people.

Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.

Date Added: 10/26/2023

Turquoise Boy

A retelling of a Navajo Indian legend in which Turquoise Boy searches for something that will make the Navajo people's lives easier. Includes a brief history of the Navajo people and their customs.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

Soft Rain

In Soft Rain, a 9-year-old Cherokee girl finds herself in the same situation as Sweet Leaf as soldiers arrive one day to take her and her mother to walk the Trail of Tears, leaving the rest of her family behind. It all begins when Soft Rain's teacher reads a letter stating that as of May 23, 1838, all Cherokee people are to leave their land and move to what many Cherokees called "the land of darkness". . . the west. Soft Rain is confident that her family will not have to move, because they have just planted corn for the next harvest. Because Soft Rain knows some of the white man's language, she soon learns that they must travel across rivers, valleys, and mountains. On the journey, she is forced to eat the white man's food and sees many of her people die. Her courage and hope are restored when she is reunited with her father, a leader on the Trail, chosen to bring her people safely to their new land.

Date Added: 05/16/2023

The Bear Who Stole the Chinook

NIMAC-sourced textbook

Date Added: 05/16/2023