Native American Storytime
In addition to, or as an alternative to Thanksgiving storytimes, focus on authentic Native American Indigenous stories. For a craft project, check out this list of meaningful crafts suggested by a Native person: Crafts for Native American Heritage Month That Honor and Respect (littlecooksreadingbooks.com).
Alexie, Sherman. Thunder Boy Jr. At first, a boy doesn’t like his name but learns to love it and what it represents.
Goade, Michaela. Berry Song. While gathering berries with her grandmother, a little girl learns to sing to the land.
Maillard, Keven Noble. Fry Bread. This story celebrates the Native American food fry bread.
Minnema, Cheryl. Hungry Johnny. Johnny’s stomach is growling but he must wait to eat until after the Ojibwe prayer at the community feast.
Robertson, David. On the Trapline. While with his grandfather, he repeats “Is this your trapline?” while learning about traditional hunting.
Smith, Monique Gray. My Heart Fills with Happiness. Native children describe things that make them happy, such as singing and drumming.
Sockabasin, Allen J. Thanks to the Animals. Baby Zoo Sap falls off the family bobsled but is protected by the animals until his father returns for him.
Sorrell, Traci. Powwow Day. River is ill and can only watch the dances on Powwow day, but she realizes that the dances revitalize her.
Tahe, Rose Ann. First Laugh: Welcome, Baby! A Navajo baby is welcomed into the extended family.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool