Stories of Native Americans: Past and Present

Ghost Hawk by Susan Cooper
At the end of a winter-long journey into manhood, Little Hawk returns to find his village decimated by a white man's plague and soon, despite a fresh start, Little Hawk dies violently but his spirit remains trapped, seeing how his world changes.

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
After being taught in a boarding school run by whites that Navajo is a useless language, Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers, sending messages during World War II in their native tongue.

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen
From his 1776 Pennsylvania homestead, thirteen-year-old Samuel, who is a highly-skilled woodsman, sets out toward New York City to rescue his parents from the band of British soldiers and Native Americans who kidnapped them after slaughtering most of their community. Includes historical notes.

Bearstone by Will Hobbs
A troubled Indian boy goes to live with an elderly rancher whose caring ways help the boy become a man.

Cherokee Sister by Debbie Dadey
Because she is mistaken for an Indian, twelve-year-old Allie, a white girl, is forced to travel the Trail of Tears along with her best friend, a young Cherokee.

More Stories About Native Americans:
Adaline Falling Star by Mary Pope Osborne
Bear Dancer: The Story of a Ute Girl by Thelma Hatch Wyss
Bearwalker by Joseph Bruchac
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
Blood on the River, James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone
Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Sweetgrass Basket by Marlene Carvell
Trouble's Daughter: The Story of Susanne Hutchinson, Indian Captive by Katherine Kirkpatrick
The Winter People by Joseph Bruchac

We Remember . . .

With Memorial Day coming up this Monday, we spotlight books for children remembering the soldiers who fought during World War II . . .

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
After being taught in a boarding school run by whites that Navajo is a useless language, Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers, sending messages during World War II in their native tongue.

Jimmy's Stars by Mary Ann Rodman
In 1943, eleven-year-old Ellie is her brother Jimmy's "best girl," and when he leaves Pittsburgh just before Thanksgiving to fight in World War II, he promises he will return, asks her to leave the Christmas tree up until he does, and reminds her to "let the joy out."

Four Steps to Death by John Wilson
A young Russian boy is caught between a Russian soldier and a German tank officer as the bloodiest battle of World War II ravages his city.

Veteran's Day, Part 3

A few more books in honor of Veteran's Day -- this time chapter books . . .

Jump into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall
In 1945, thirteen-year-old Levi is sent to find the father he has not seen in three years, going from Chicago, to segregated North Carolina, and finally to Pendleton, Oregon, where he learns that his father's unit, the all-Black 555th paratrooper battalion, will never see combat but finally has a mission.

Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata
A young soldier in Vietnam bonds with his bomb-sniffing dog.

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
After being taught in a boarding school run by whites that Navajo is a useless language, Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers, sending messages during World War II in their native tongue.

Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
Eager to enlist, fifteen-year-old Charley has a change of heart after experiencing both the physical horrors and mental anguish of Civil War combat.