November is a time for gratitude and gathering, but it also hosts two vital awareness campaigns: Native American Heritage Month and Family Literacy Month. For organizations like Operation Xcel, this convergence offers a powerful opportunity to promote reading and cultural appreciation at home. By intentionally choosing books by Indigenous authors this month, families can simultaneously boost literacy skills and learn to celebrate the richness of Native American and First Nations cultures.

The Power of Inclusive Reading

Family literacy involves parents, caregivers, and children reading together, sharing stories, and connecting reading to daily life. It is the foundation for a child's educational success and overall well-being (National Center for Families Learning, 2024).

When families prioritize reading books from diverse perspectives, they cultivate empathy and provide a more accurate view of the world. For Native American Heritage Month, this means seeking out stories written and illustrated by Indigenous creators. Choosing these "own voices" titles directly combats harmful stereotypes and historical erasure (American Indians in Children's Literature, 2023).

As the U.S. Poet Laureate Emerita Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation) writes, a good story helps us "remember who we are" (2021). Sharing these authentic narratives within the family unit transforms a passive observance into an active, intergenerational learning experience.

Reading Recommendations for All Ages

Incorporating books by Indigenous authors into your family reading time is easy. Here are a few recommended titles, organized by age group, to begin your inclusive literacy journey this November:

For Young Children (Picture Books)

• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation): This award-winning book uses the versatile food of fry bread to explore what it means to be Native American—from food and family to history and tradition (Maillard, 2019).
• We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation): Readers follow a contemporary Cherokee family as they express gratitude throughout the year, introducing the concept of otsaliheliga (we are grateful) (Sorell, 2018).
• We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (Anishinaabe/Métis): A beautiful, timely call to action inspired by Indigenous movements to protect our natural resources, celebrating the sacredness of water (Lindstrom, 2020).

For Middle Grade Readers (Ages 8-12)

• The Barren Grounds (The Misewa Saga, Book 1) by David A. Robertson (Cree Nation): An exciting Narnia-inspired fantasy that follows two Indigenous foster children who discover a portal to another world (Robertson, 2020).
• Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac (Nulhegan Abenaki): Told in verse, this story follows a young Wabanaki girl quarantined with her grandparents on the reservation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she learns about her ancestors and finds community (Bruchac, 2021).

For Young Adult & Adult Readers (Ages 14+)

• Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians): A gripping thriller about an 18-year-old Ojibwe girl who witnesses a murder and goes undercover to expose a dangerous drug ring in her community (Boulley, 2021).
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation): While not exclusively YA, this book is essential reading for families. As a botanist and mother, Kimmerer blends scientific observation with Indigenous teachings on how to live harmoniously with the Earth (Kimmerer, 2013).

How Your Family Can Connect Heritage and Literacy

Make this November a truly enriching Family Literacy Month with these simple steps:

1. Read Together: For picture books, read with expression and talk about the illustrations. For novels, consider reading the same book and discussing it as a family (a "Family Book Club").
2. Look for the Creator's Nation: When choosing a book, check the author's biography to find out their nation or tribal affiliation (e.g., Cherokee, Muscogee, Ojibwe). This is a crucial step in recognizing tribal sovereignty and distinct cultures.
3. Explore the Back Matter: Many Indigenous-authored children's books include a glossary of terms in a Native language or an author's note with historical context. Use these sections to extend the learning.
4. Connect to History: Use a map to locate the traditional lands of the tribe featured in the book (Sorell & Lessac, 2018). Discuss the difference between historical narratives and contemporary Native life.

By embracing diverse literature, Operation Xcel families can foster strong literacy skills while honoring the vibrant, enduring heritage of the first peoples of this land.
 

References 

American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL). (2023). Evaluating literature for Native American Heritage Month. Retrieved from 
           https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2023/

Boulley, A. (2021). Firekeeper’s daughter. Henry Holt and Company.

Bruchac, J. (2021). Rez dogs. Dial Books.

Harjo, J. (2021). Poet Warrior: A memoir. W. W. Norton & Company.

Kimmerer, R. W. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. Milkweed Editions.

Lindstrom, C. (2020). We are water protectors. Illustrated by M. Goade. Roaring Brook Press.

Maillard, K. N. (2019). Fry bread: A Native American family story. Illustrated by J. Martinez-Neal. Roaring Brook Press.

National Center for Families Learning. (2024). What is family literacy? Retrieved from https://familieslearning.org/family-literacy/

Robertson, D. A. (2020). The barren grounds (The Misewa Saga, Book 1). Puffin Canada.

Sorell, T. (2018). We are grateful: Otsaliheliga. Illustrated by F. Lessac. Charlesbridge.