Since the signing of a presidential proclamation in 2021 by President Joe Biden, every second Monday of October marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, a national holiday meant to celebrate, honor, and reflect on the thriving Indigenous and native communities worldwide. You may notice that it coincides with Columbus Day, which has actively fallen out of favor to re-shift focus on the culture and history of Indigenous peoples that called this land home long before him.
Access Books Bay Area believes in the importance of diverse books written by diverse authors and we have curated a list of “own stories” books, which mean they are also written by indigenous authors. These books give students with indigenous heritage (which much of our Latinx population here in CA can claim) both a voice and a model of people like them as authors and illustrators creating beautiful books and compelling stories. Join us in honoring the native peoples of this country with our children and others with these five books:
Ages 4-8
Kapaemahu tells the Hawaiian tale of four Mahu, or people with dual female and male spirit, as they bring science and healing practices to Hawaii. In return, the people of Hawaii imbued four boulders with their powers that still stand today. This beautifully illustrated story celebrates Hawaii’s rich history and culture.
By Belen Medina
Ages 4 - 8
Follow Lorena Ramírez, a “proud daughter of the Rarámuri” as she competes in a sixty-mile race through the deserts of Mexico! Outpacing others in her flowy, traditional skirt and rubber sandals, she shows the world just how far perseverance will take you.
By Dawn Quigley
Ages 6-10
Jojo uses her spunk and creativity after a snowstorm shuts down her Ojibwe reservation to organize her community’s very own winter Olympic games! Sprinkled with fun illustrations and Ojibwe language, this book emphasizes indigenous culture while reminding readers to find joy in the unexpected.
By Christine Day
Ages 8 - 12
Seventh grader Wesley, was excited to ask her crush to the school dance and share her poem on Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the school, but is hurt when things don’t go as planned. She finds herself struggling to find her place, however is grounded by family and friends after attending the intertribal powwow. We Still Belong highlights feelings of identity, loss, and the importance of generational wisdom our community can bring.
By Elden Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger
Ages 11+
Authors Elden Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger retell the history of the United States, Mexico, and Canada told from an Indigenous perspective. Unshakably honest in delivery, What the Eagle Sees weaves an incredibly stark picture of how the past informs the present. A must-have addition to any bookshelf, this novel implores us to rethink the foundational history of North America and what its future could look like.
All of these educational books can be found at Linden Tree Bookstore, a Bay Area family-run children’s bookstore with a highly curated selection of books reflecting a diverse range of voices.
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