100 Indigenous Books

Starting in 2017, I decided to increase my understanding of Native peoples by reading 100 books by indigenous authors.

I set no limits on time, genre, age level, or tribe.

However I would like to prioritize enrolled tribal member #ownvoices and Great Lakes Native stories.  I also plan to buy 50 books by indigenous authors, and donate those we don’t keep to local schools and libraries that need better indigenous representation.

Since this is a massive undertaking, this page will help me track the books I purchase, read, and review.

  • Books are listed by author in alphabetical order.
  • If I read more than one book by an author, they are in order of purchase.
  • If there is an illustrator, I’ve listed them next to the book.
  • More information was available about some authors than others.
  • The links by the author’s name are the sources of the information about their indigenous heritage or tribal enrollment.
  • If I’ve reviewed a book, you can click the title to read my review.

Alexie, Sherman – Spokane and Coeur d’Alene

Bruchac, Joseph – mixed heritage, of Abeneki descent

  • The Warriors
    Purchased 3/17, read 4/17, reviewed 5/17
  • Codetalker
    Purchased 3/17

Erdrich, Louise – mixed heritage, member of the Turtle Mountain band of Chippewa

  • The Birchbark House
    Purchased 3/17, read 5/17

Gansworth, Eric – Haudenosaunee, enrolled member of the Onondaga Nation

  • If I Ever Get Out of Here
    Purchased 2/17, read 3/17

Gray Smith, Monique – mixed heritage Cree & Lakota descent

  • My Heart Fills With Happiness, illustrated by Julie Flett
    Purchased 2/17, read 3/17

Herrington, John B. – enrolled Chickasaw

LaBoucane-Benson, Patti – Métis woman, Native Counseling Services of Alberta Director

  • The Outside Circle, illustrated by Kelly Mellings
    Requested as prize 4/17, received and read 4/17, reviewed 4/17

Leitich-Smith, Cynthia – member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

  • Jingle Dancer, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
    Purchased 2/17, read (with kids) 3/17
  • Indian Shoes, illustrated by Jim Madsen
    Purchased 2/17, read 3/17
  • Rain is Not My Indian Name
    Purchased 3/17

Ortiz, Simon – Acoma Pueblo Indian

  • The People Shall Continue, illustrated by Sharol Graves
    Purchased 4/17, read 4/17

Swamp, Jake – Chief, Akwesasne Mohawk (another source)

  • Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message, illustrated by Erwin Printup (Cayuga/Tuscarora)
    Purchased 4/17, reread 4/17 (previously borrowed)

Van Camp, Richard – member of the Dogrib (Tlicho) Nation

  • We Sang You Home, illustrated by Julie Flett
    Purchased 2/17, read 3/17

Various – different authors from different tribes

  • Do All Indians Live in Tipis?  Questions and Answers from the National Museum of the American Indian
    Purchased 3/17, read 4/17 and 5/17

Purchased: 17/50

Read: 12/100

Reviewed: 4/25

If you have reading suggestions, would like to send me a book meeting the above criteria to read and review, or have further information about an author or book listed here, you can leave a comment here or contact me directly.

Last Updated: May 4th, 2017.