25 Stories For Young Readers With Native American Perspectives

Crack open these pages and get into stories that jump off the page and grab you. Perfect for young middle-grade readers, these books are packed with adventure and Indigenous voices front and center. Ready for a reading list that matters? Buckle up because it’s about to be unforgettable!

Jingle Dancer By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Jenna wants to jingle dance at the powwow but needs jingles first. A vibrant picture book that celebrates Muscogee traditions and perseverance. Recognized by NCSS and CBC in 2001, it presents cultural pride and storytelling that resonates with young readers in and out of classrooms.

The Birchbark House Series By Louise Erdrich

Forget what you think you know about 19th-century survival stories. Omakayas, an Ojibwe girl, doesn’t just endure—she thrives. Erdrich’s immersive storytelling rivals Little House on the Prairie, but with the Indigenous perspective, which was long overdue. This award-winning series belongs in every historical fiction lover’s collection.

Indian Shoes By Cynthia Leitich Smith

A celebrated collection recognized as an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, this book follows Ray Halfmoon and his grandpa through hilarious, heartfelt moments. With six short stories full of humor and soul, it’s great for reluctant readers who enjoy character-driven storytelling with cultural depth.

The True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie

What happens when a Native teen transfers to an all-white school? It is a National Book Award winner and a bestseller that gets into cultural tension and raw honesty. Doodles pack it with humor, while Junior’s journey leaves a lasting impact that’s anything but predictable or polite.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Recognized by the Young Adult Library Services, this emotional journey into healing and identity remains a favorite for middle schoolers facing hard truths. Life has other plans when grief strikes, and Rain, a budding photographer, finds herself dealing with emotions she’s not ready for. 

How I Became A Ghost By Tim Tingle

Set during the Choctaw Trail of Tears, this award-winning historical novel delivers a haunting yet hopeful journey through injustice and courage. It’s a powerful introduction to overlooked history. Becoming a ghost wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s where the moving story begins.

In The Footsteps Of Crazy Horse By Joseph Marshall III

Jimmy McClean’s road trip with his grandfather turns into an unforgettable lesson in Lakota history. Think history class, but without the boring parts. Recommended for kids who love adventure and real-life heroes, it was named a Notable Social Studies Trade Book.

I Can Make This Promise By Christine Day

There is a hidden box in the attic—a family secret waiting to be uncovered. Edie’s story is a heartfelt descent into Native identity and adoption, which earns it a spot on countless must-read lists. Fans of mystery and self-discovery won’t want to miss this one.

Rez Dogs By Joseph Bruchac

Told in verse, this quick but powerful novel blends past and present into a lyrical experience. A stray dog enters during isolation, forging an unlikely bond. Stranded on a Wabanaki reservation during the pandemic, a girl finds comfort where she least expects it.

Moccasin Thunder: American Indian Stories For Today, Edited By Lori Marie Carlson

With powerhouse authors contributing unapologetic, original voices, the anthology smashes expectations. From family bonds to identity struggles, these stories look into the lives of modern Indigenous teens. Say goodbye to outdated stereotypes—this collection is on every YA shelf for all the right reasons.

If I Ever Get Out Of Here By Eric Gansworth

This American Indian Youth Literature Award winner captures the highs and lows of adolescence with heart and humor. The Beatles’ obsession and reserved life collide in a whirlwind of unlikely friendships. Set in the 1970s, you’ll find this coming-of-age novel delivers nostalgia and nuance with every page.

The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel By Drew Hayden Taylor

Tiffany’s life is already chaotic, but things take a chilling turn when a mysterious stranger arrives. Gothic horror fans, this one is for you. A moody vampire story set on an Indigenous reserve? You’ve never read anything like it—dark and impossible to put down.

House Of Purple Cedar By Tim Tingle

Blending lyrical beauty with a deep sense of resilience, this award-winning novel is a masterclass in storytelling. History’s darkest corners come alive with courage and clarity. Rose stands at the heart of it all, a Choctaw girl whose strength shapes an unforgettable journey through pain and hope.

The Lesser Blessed By Richard Van Camp

Raw and undeniably human, this coming-of-age tale peels back the layers of trauma with gripping intensity. A Dogrib teen named Larry battles memories that shadow every step. Now a Canadian classic adapted for film, it carves a lasting space in the canon of Indigenous storytelling.

The Barren Grounds By David A. Robertson

Two Indigenous foster kids stumble into a wintry world straight out of legend. Think The Chronicles of Narnia, but infused with Cree mythology. This bestselling fantasy adventure is the first in The Misewa Saga, and yes, you’ll want the whole series.

Jo Jo Makoons Series By Dawn Quigley

Confident and full of big ideas, Jo Jo Makoons faces elementary school challenges with her cat, Mimi, by her side. She brings Ojibwe culture to life through humor and warmth, which is perfect for early chapter book readers. As a Charlotte Huck Honor Book, this series is a fresh standout.

The Sea In Winter By Christine Day

Is Maisie’s ballet dream over? Frustration and uncertainty cloud her path, but her Makah and Piscataway roots help her find strength. This poignant novel about healing and resilience was named a Kirkus Best Book, which makes it a must-read for those who love heartfelt contemporary stories.

Indian No More By Charlene Willing McManis And Traci Sorell

A Scott O’Dell Award winner, this historical novel unveils a rarely told chapter of Native history. In 1950s Los Angeles, Regina faces identity struggles and discrimination after the U.S. government declares her Umpqua tribe nonexistent. Forced to maneuver in an unfamiliar world, she clings to memories of home.

Eagle Drums By Nasugraq Rainey Hopson

A breathtaking retelling of an ancient Inupiaq legend, this story follows a boy who stumbles into a world of eagles, magic, and responsibility. Rich in mythology and adventure, this book has been praised for its evocative storytelling and is a must-read for young fantasy lovers.

Healer Of The Water Monster By Brian Young

Why did this novel earn a Newbery Honor? It masterfully captures Indigenous wisdom and personal growth. Nathan meets a struggling water monster from Dine mythology when he visits his grandmother’s home in Navajo country. Helping it heal, he discovers his strength and the power of traditional teachings.

Forever Cousins By Laurel Goodluck

Amanda and Kara’s friendship shifts when one moves away from the reservation, but distance can’t break their bond—it only proves how unshakable it truly is. Recognized by the American Indian Youth Literature Awards for its cultural significance, this heartfelt picture book beautifully explores enduring connections.

We Still Belong By Christine Day

Amid Indigenous Peoples’ Day preparations and middle school chaos, Wesley wrestles with self-doubt and her heritage. Her search for belonging becomes a deeply relatable journey of identity. Recognized as a Junior Library Guild selection, this contemporary novel delivers a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and cultural connection.

Hunting By Stars By Cherie Dimaline

A haunting, award-winning dystopian novel, Hunting by Stars grips from start to finish. French and his crew remain on the run to evade those who hunt Indigenous people for their bone marrow. The chilling sequel to The Marrow Thieves gets deeper into a world where survival is everything.

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories For Kids, Edited By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Have you ever been to a powwow? This lively collection of interwoven short stories captures its energy beautifully by featuring multiple Indigenous authors. This anthology was an ALA Notable Book and a powerful celebration of native culture and personal growth.

Elatsoe By Darcie Little Badger

In this genre-blending novel, Elatsoe can summon the dead, drawing her into a world where Indigenous wisdom meets the supernatural. A National Book Award finalist and an instant bestseller, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through mystery and heritage.