

Understanding Native American Culture
This book, written by Don L. Coyhis, provides an excellent overview of Native Americans as a whole. Don't let this book's length define its worth. Its 115 pages are jam-packed with knowledge, background, and insight for both professionals and Native Americans without a traditional Native upbringing.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Written by Native American author Sherman Alexie, this novel is a semi-autobiographical novel suited for both adults and young adults. It follows a fourteen-year-old boy named Junior, who leaves his struggling reservation school to attend a wealthy, all-white high school twenty miles away. The story explores his struggle with identity and belonging as he tries to balance life between two very different worlds.

The Firekeeper’s Daughter
This novel, written by Native American author Angeline Boulley, is a bestselling novel recommended for both adults and young adults. It tells the story of Daunis Fontaine, a young woman of mixed Native heritage who witnesses her friend’s murder and becomes entangled in a gripping investigation filled with suspense and mystery. The novel earned widespread acclaim, becoming a New York Times bestseller and winning the 2022 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Young Adult Novel.

Notable Native People
This book, written by Adrienne Keene, is an illustrated collection that highlights the lives and perspectives of fifty influential Indigenous figures from across history. Through vivid artwork and engaging storytelling, the book celebrates the achievements and legacies of these remarkable individuals. It is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in learning more about Native American history and culture.

Indian America
Indian America by Eagle Walking Turtle serves as a literary guide to the diverse world of Indigenous peoples across the United States. The book introduces readers to the locations of more than 300 tribal nations, their traditions and ceremonies, and significant historical sites. It is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of tribal histories and cultures.

It Takes a Village
This book by Leonard and Peter Alexander recounts the history of Hillburn, New York, a small village shaped by the effects of segregation on its children. The book tells the powerful story of Thomas Ulysses Alexander and Thurgood Marshall, whose efforts brought about lasting change and redefined the community’s future.

The Legend of the Cape May Diamond
This book by Trinka Hakes Noble delves into the history of the Delaware Bay, telling how fragments of quartz rock were shaped over millennia into the sparkling “diamonds” treasured by beach visitors. The book’s illustrations also feature real members of New Jersey’s Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe, adding authenticity and cultural depth to the story.
Special thanks to Lewis Fragoso for many of these recommendations!

