Juvenile Book Lists

Like most Lakota Sioux boys, Slow yearns for the special vision or manly deed that will inspire his permanent, adult name. Encouraged by splendid stories of his father's bravery, wisdom and leadership, Slow focuses his energy on becoming a warrior. Friends gradually begin to associate his name with careful deliberation. When the moment of his manhood arrives, Slow rides heroically against Crow warriors, earning the name Tatan'ka Iyota'ke (translated, on the final page, as Sitting Bull).

When his grandfather falls ill during their annual beaver hunt, a Carrier Indian boy in Canada must go for help. Based on a true episode.

Wily trickster Coyote is having his friends over for a little solstice get-together in the woods when a little girl comes by unexpectedly. She leads the friends through the snowy woods to the mall -- a place they had never seen before. The trickster goes crazy with glee as he shops with abandon, only to discover that filling a shopping cart with goodies is not quite the same thing as actually paying for them. The trickster is tricked and goes back to his cabin in the woods -- somewhat subdued -- though nothing can keep Coyote down for long.

When Allashua disobeys her parents and goes fishing on the sea ice, she has to use her wits to escape and to further trick the Qallupilluit when she promises to bring her brothers and sisters back to them.

Written by an American who has lived in Iqaluit, and illustrated by a native of Igloolik on Baffin Island, this is a nice addition to literature about the North. The illustrations are cheerful and appealing. The story portrays a strong heroine using her intelligence to survive.

A Walk on the Tundra follows Inuujaq, a little girl who travels with her grandmother onto the tundra. There, Inuujaq learns that these tough little plants are much more important to Inuit than she originally believed.

Canadian author David Bouchard reworks Canada's oldest and most well-known carol, The Huron Carol. The art of Moses Beaver, from the fly-in reserve of Summer Beaver, Ontario (Nikinamik), resonates and awakens an awareness that is at once exciting and empowering, a way for all people to understand the birth of Christ from an Aboriginal worldview. The pride of the north, Susan Aglukark, interprets, for the first time, the revered carol.

"Acclaimed Inuit storyteller Michael Kusugak weaves a tapestry of tales about 10-year-old Agatha and her accidental heroism in the high Arctic of 1958" Cf. Our choice, 1998-1999.

Describes the summer of Larry Loyie with his family before he is forcibly taken to a government-sponsored residential school.

The children of Repulse Bay make baseball bats out of the first six trees delivered there in 1955.

In this tale set in northern Manitoba and told in English and Cree, brothers Joe and Cody go searching for the ateek (caribou) and become part of a magical adventure.

"Maxwell Newhouse, folk artist extraordinaire, has created a unique counting book. The premise is simple. He invites children to count with him from ten crunching caribou down to one lonely moose, by finding other northern animals - from seals to wolves to snowy owls - as they turn the pages. But as the animals appear, so does the snow, until it's a character too, obliterating light and dark, sky and earth."--pub. desc.

Eagle Feather: An Honour is one of popular children's picture books by Ojibwa artist and writer Ferguson Plain. In this story about a young boy and his Mishomis (grandfather), the author presents the reader with a moving story that explains the significance of the eagle feather in Ojibwe culture. The young boy grows up listening to his grandfather's teaching and stories. The boy learns about plants as medicines, camping, traditional songs, values, and lessons from the environment. As summer approaches, the boy's grandmother completes his Powwow outfit. When Powwow time arrives, the boy wants to remain by his grandfather's bedside instead of dancing at the Powwow. But grandfather encourages the boy to dance at the Powwow. During the Powwow, the boy is called to come forward and receive the honour of an Eagle Feather. Grandfather's gift acknowledges his grandson's accomplishments

Describes the qualities to consider in selecting the perfect rock for play and pleasure.

While spending time with his grandfather Nolin discovers his Métis heritage and the importance that Elders have as role models. He conquers a childs apprehension at learning new things and forms a special bond with his grandparents

One winter afternoon, Joe and Cody went ice fishing with their papa, their mama, and Cody’s little black dog, Ootsie. It was the perfect day to fish. The sky was clear, and the sun made the snow sparkle like diamonds.Brothers Joe and Cody are spending a chilly winter afternoon ice fishing with their parents. Cody is helping Papa fish, while Mama and Joe doze in the sled. Suddenly the sled dogs sit up and sniff. A fox is across the lake, her fur as bright as flames. The sled dogs give chase, pulling Mama and Joe along on a wild ride.

Many years ago, by a lake in Northern Canada, there was a young girl named Marie. She spoke French and she spoke Cree, but it was her wordless understanding with a special goose that would change her life.

While spending a week with her grandmother who, like her is a Chippewa Indian, Kimmy learns to make a dreamcatcher which allows the sleeper to have only sweet dreams.

Fox is howling, crying, for he lost his leg to Bear, all the people wanted to help Fox, but didn't know what to do. Raven is called upon to help retrieve his leg. Will Raven succeed in the quest for Fox's leg?

To discover your totem is to discover yourself. There are as many totems as there are species of birds, beasts or fish. And how not? Are we not all different?

Highlighting the traditional way of life of Canada's Inuit people, I is for Inuksuk is a visual masterpiece from award-winning artist Mary Wallace. Each letter of the word "inuksuk" is represented in an acrostic poem by another Inuktitut word, which, together with Wallace's original paintings, creates a wondrous overview of life in the Arctic. Dramatic full-color illustrations begin each section and readers will delight in seeing how words are written in Inuktitut symbols (one of the official languages of Nunavut). Turn the page to find that the author delves further into the meaning of each Inuktitut word by showing how it is connected with the people and natural environment. Here, Wallace showcases her love and expertise of the Arctic landscape and culture in small vignettes and simple, easy-to-read text. Themes such as Arctic clothing, animals, and travel are explored. For added enjoyment, readers can look for the inuksuit hidden in each section, then turn to the final page in the book to find additional information on the different types of inuksuit and the messages they give. Also included is a pronunciation guide to help readers sound out Inuktitut words.

Celina is a young Mohawk girl who moves to her mother's home reserve. She is teased by her classmates who tell her that she is not Mohawk and does not belong because she has blond hair and blue eyes. Celina starts to believe her classmates and decides not to dance at an upcoming Pow Wow. But her great-grandmother helps Celina understand that being Mohawk is not about how she looks but about what she feels in her heart. When the drumming starts at the Pow Wow, Celina decides to dance after all. A beautifully illustrated story, I Like Who I Am explores issues of bullying and belonging as Celina looks for acceptance in her new community.

Jenna, a member of the Muscogee, or Creek, Nation, borrows jingles from the dresses of several friends and relatives so that she can perform the jingle dance at the powwow. Includes a note about the jingle dance tradition and its regalia.

Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses and his grandfather reminisce about the young boy's birth, his first horse, and an exciting horse race.

On a beautiful Arctic morning when Kumak and his family go ice fishing, Kumak hooks what seems like an enormous fish, and the entire village gets involved.

The Legend of the Buffalo Stone is based on the history of the Blackfoot people—specifically their dependence on the buffalo and how they hunted the great animals on foot before horses were brought to North America—and is retold with the permission and under the advisement of a First Nations scholar and member of the Blackfoot nation.

"Tess has visited her grandmother many times without really being aware of the garden. But today they step outside the door and Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden. And if you take care of the plants that are growing, if you learn about them -- understanding when they flower, when they give fruit, and when to leave them alone -- you will always find something to nourish you. This gentle story demonstrates the First Nations' tradition of taking care of Mother Earth.

This picture book is a small glimpse, from A to Z, of some of the sights and sounds of the Michif language and its speakers. The language of the Métis, Michif is a combination of French and Cree with a trace of other regional languages. Once spoken by thousands of people across the prairies of Canada and the northern United States, Michif is now so little spoken that it might disappear within a generation. This alphabet book is part of a resurgence to celebrate and preserve the traditions of the Métis people. Here Michif and English words combine with images from Métis culture to introduce all generations to the unique Michif language.

"Long Powwow Nights" takes you on a wonderful journey, honoring these mystical dancers who keep their traditions alive through dance and song. In its poetic verses, David Bouchard skillfully narrates the story of a mother's dedication to her roots and her efforts to impress upon her child the importance of culture and identity.

Internationally revered Native American artist, Leonard Paul, brings the story alive with his beautiful renditions of powwow dancers, warriors, and stunning landscape.

The book is accompanied by a CD, which includes music by internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter, Buffy Sainte- Marie.

A child living in the Arctic learns that a mother's love is unconditional.

"In this contemporary story drawn from animal legends and folklore, a raven man teaches two young boys to respect nature. Bold colour and perspective suit the sense of mystery and magic" Cf. Our choice, 2000.

Mingan, My Village is a collection of 15 faces and 15 poems written by young Innu. Given a platform to be heard, the children chose to transport readers far away from the difficulties and problems related to their realities to see the beauty that surrounds them in nature.

In the first of three linked stories, a young boy and his grandfather set out in a birchbark canoe early one spring morning. Together, they discover the peaceful beauty of the lake. In the second story, the sun rises high in the summer sky as they climb a rocky cliff for a bird's-eye view of the land. And, finally, as an autumn night descends, they venture into the woods. Under the patient and gentle guidance of his grandfather, the boy gradually comes to respect the ways of nature and to understand his own place in the world.

The story of Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters is a very old Mi’kmaq legend. It happens in the North Sky as the stars that show the story of Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters move around Tatapn, the North Star. The Mi’kmaq know that the sky is just the same as the earth, only up above and older. All through the year, as the stars and planets travel through the sky, the Mi’kmaq watch the story of Muin and the hunters as it unfolds before their eyes.

From one polar bear walking along the edge of a huge ice floe to millions of berries ready for picking, My Arctic 1, 2, 3 takes young readers on a counting tour in the Far North. With the rich Arctic environment as a background, this classic not only provides small children with opportunities to practice their counting skills, it introduces them to the extraordinary animals that make the Far North their home.

Describes, in rhyming text and illustrations, the many different ways fathers and sons interact with one another.

A moose cow feeds, protects, and teaches her calf from the time of his birth until he is a yearling and must begin to live on his own.

"There are as many Creation stories as there are First Nations in North America. This is a Creation story as dreamed and shared by Order of Canada recipient and Métis author David Bouchard.
In true Métis fashion and in the traditional way of story telling, Bouchard introduces readers to Sky World, Earth People,Raven, Turtle Island and one clear vision as to how two-leggeds (humankind) came to be.
As in so many of his award-winning books, Bouchard carefully selects the best in visual and musical Aboriginal artists to accompany his tellings. In this book, readers will experience the passion and talents of Cherokee artist Brigitte Lopez and Lumbee/Tuscarora singer-songwriter Jana Mashonee.
This is more than the sharing of story, pride and culture. It is a celebration of international Aboriginal success at all levels in word, image and sound. '--pub. desc.

Why is Porcupine having such a bad day? All he wants to do is to sleep but his forest friends won't let him.
Includes text in Ojibwe

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Courage: Bear - Mukwa

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Honesty: Big Foot - Kitchi-Sabe

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Humility: Mouse - Waawaabigoonoojii

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Love: Eagle - Migizi

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Respect: Buffalo - Bishikee

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Truth: Turtle - Mizheekay

Based on the Anishinabek Seven Grandfathers Teaching of Wisdom: Beaver - Ahmik

Raven, a Pacific Coast Indian trickster, sets out to find the sun.

The images and text in this book are the work of First Nations and Native artists from communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Through their art and words, each artist has shared the importance of their personal and cultural relationship to the natural world.

"In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school. She spends her last days at home treasuring the beauty of her world - the dancing sunlight, the tall grass, each shiny rock, the tadpoles in the creek, her grandfather's paddle song. Her mother, father and grandmother, each in turn, share valuable teachings that they want her to remember. And so Shi-shi-etko carefully gathers her memories for safekeeping."--pub. desc.

When they arrive at school, Shi-shi-etko reminds Shinchi, her six-year-old brother, that they can only use their English names and that they can't speak to each other. For Shinchi, life becomes an endless cycle of church mass, school, and work, punctuated by skimpy meals. He finds solace at the river, clutching a tiny cedar canoe, a gift from his father, and dreaming of the day when the salmon return to the river.

John Cloud, a Mohawk boy, lives in upstate New York, but he goes to visit his father who is working on the Empire State Building.

Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits -- the Northern Lights -- dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder.

HARLIE AND GRANDMA are doing chores around the house. While doing the chores, Grandma shares loving stories with Charlie on how to take care of Mother Earth.

"Clear illustrations accompany each letter and feature traditional aboriginal artifacts. A useful alphabet book for older children studying aboriginal culture" Cf. Our choice, 2003.

A young Metis girl helps her mother bake bannock for grandfather, who has diabetes. This is a lively and warm-hearted story that helps young readers understand diabetes and the importance of eating well.

Amanda Reid-Stevens, daughter of the legendary Haida artist Bill Reid, and award-winning illustrator Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas have written and illustrated a lovely, all-ages, full-colour, picture book. The Canoe He Called Loo Taas is the story of the creation of the 50-foot canoe Bill Reid designed that has become one of the Haida Nation’s most revered treasures. Loo Taas was the alternative mode of transportation for the 2010 Olympic torch. Elder Percy Williams was the official torchbearer.

The drums echo in the night, like the beating of the heart as the dancers join hands to do the round dance. It is a night of magic, a night of peace. It is a celebration of the spirits within and without, and if you dance the round dance, you will feel the magic too.

When Bear and Terrapin tell two small furry animals that they cannot compete in the important stickball game between the animals and the birds, the two are welcomed by the birds, who find a way for them to fly.

The fictional account of a young Sioux Indian, describing his childhood on the plains and his experiences at the Carlisle School, where he is sent to learn the ways of the white world.

When a lone hunter named Qaunngauvaniq takes a walk on the Arctic tundra in the spring, he meets oone of the tundara's more fearsome inabitants - a deadly tuurngaq.

A courageous hummingbird defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire. The illustrated story is supplemented by a natural and cultural history of hummingbirds, as well as an inspiring message from Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. Based on a South American indigenous story.

This is an Endearing Story of a young Aboriginal foster child who is given a special gift by his foster mother. Her gift of warmth and thoughtfulness helps her young foster children by encouraging self-esteem, acceptance and love. Written as a simple story, it speaks of a positive foster experience. The character of the foster mother advocates pride: "She told me that my background was Native and that it was a good thing to be."

An old woman adopts and raises a polar bear cub which grows up and provides for her even after she has had to send it away to save it from the jealous men of the village.

A young Native American boy is at the heart of this charming adventure that takes place nearly 200 years ago. The story centers around the busy fur trading post of Fort William on Lake Superior. In the winter, the boy's father guides voyagers into the northwest to trade furs. Those same voyagers paddle back to Fort William with their packs of furs, while another group comes in from Montreal bringing supplies. It’s a time of feasting, dancing, and trading stories around the campfire.

In this Algonquin Indian version of the Cinderella story, the Rough-Face Girl and her two beautiful but heartless sisters compete for the affections of the Invisible Being. This variation on the Cinderella tale takes place in an Algonquin village on the shores of Lake Ontario.

An illustrated introduction to Canada's Métis that describes their history and traditions and features bilingual text in English and Michif. Includes an audio CD.

"A young First Nations boy is preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy's Nokum - his beloved grandmother - guides him through the events of the day and helps him to understand what the singing and dancing are about. With Nokum by his side, the boy learns that he must find his own song - the song within his heart."--pub. desc.

"This story is about dreams, a physical and spiritual journey, rich colour and the mysterious nature of symbols like the 'light' and 'dark' sides of the moon. It tells how the Sweat Lodge was brought to the Anishinaabe people, and is one of many important teachings that influence their daily lives" Cf. Our choice, 1997-1998.

When Beaver challenges Turtle to a swimming race for ownership of the pond, Turtle outsmarts Beaver, and Beaver learns to share.

At the first whaling feast of the season, a young Inupiat boy learns about the importance of the bowhead whale to his people and their culture. Includes facts about the Inupiat and the bowhead whale.

Children in an urban school are curious about a classmate's new pair of moccasins. In answer to their questions, the boy describes in detail how his grandmother, or Kookum, made his moccasins.

The story of an Ojibway boy who, on hearing the call of a loon, remembers a story of long ago.

The story of Yamozha ties the Dene people to the land and to each other. Each region has variations of the same legends of Yamozha. This particular version comes from the Tłicho region and tells the story of how Yamozha shaped the land into what it is today