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Best Children's Native American Books

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. "The line between dramatic monologue, verse novel, and standup comedy gets unequivocally-and hilariously and triumphantly-bent in this novel. "Nimbly blends sharp with unapologetic emotion....fluid narration deftly mingles raw feelings with funny, sardonic insight. "Alexie's humor and prose are easygoing and well suited to his young audience. "Fierce observations and sharp sense of humor...hilarious language.
Reviews
"Brought the feeling of living on a reservation with little hope of a better life, showing feelings through cartoons into prospective."
"An excellent book for teenage & young adults living difficult lives."
"I highly recommend this book!"
"I knew nothing about growing up as a native American, and was delighted with the perspectives, humor, sadness and plot turns."
"Great book club selection!"
"then, at the urging of a weird old white teacher, the narrator (arnold "junior" spirit) transfers to an all-white school in a nearby farming town. but, otherwise, the feelings of not fitting in, of trying to wrestle with that "affinity" issue, is not only universal to teenagers, it is -- imho -- the top-priority of youth culture these days (as i'll argue in the book i'm writing right now). i also think it's a fun and insightful read for parents and youth workers, because it speaks to this in-between, universal outcast sense that so many teenagers live with."
"When Arnold makes the decision to attend an elite, all white high school and break through the barriers so heavily imposed upon him and other young people growing up in his immediate society, the young man has the opportunity to finally prove himself, both academically and socially (pursuing an education, intermixing with his white classmates, joining the basketball team, befriending Penelope, one of the prettiest and most popular girls at school). This transcends every cultural and racial barrier."
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Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two
But now Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. At 16, he enlists in the U.S. Marines during World War II and is trained as a code talker, using his native language to radio battlefield information and commands in a code that was kept secret until 1969. Rooted in his Navajo consciousness and traditions even in dealing with fear, loneliness, and the horrors of the battlefield, Ned tells of his experiences in Hawaii, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Reviews
"I bought this book along with code talker by Chester nez."
"Would have been better if it had been half as long."
"My son read this for an assignment and really liked it!"
"I bought this for my 11-year-old son who loves reading historical books."
"interesting book."
"Very informative and gave great insight to their role in the war."
"A rather long plain vanilla diatribe of the war in the Pacific without any particular new or engaging moments or character development that we haven't learned already form better books."
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He expects disaster when he transfers from the reservation school to the rich, white school in Reardan, but soon finds himself making friends with both geeky and popular students and starting on the basketball team. Arnold Spirit, a goofy-looking dork with a decent jumpshot, spends his time lamenting life on the "poor-ass" Spokane Indian reservation, drawing cartoons (which accompany, and often provide more insight than, the narrative), and, along with his aptly named pal Rowdy, laughing those laughs over anything and nothing that affix best friends so intricately together. He weathers the typical teenage indignations and triumphs like a champ but soon faces far more trying ordeals as his home life begins to crumble and decay amidst the suffocating mire of alcoholism on the reservation.
Reviews
"Brought the feeling of living on a reservation with little hope of a better life, showing feelings through cartoons into prospective."
"An excellent book for teenage & young adults living difficult lives."
"I highly recommend this book!"
"I knew nothing about growing up as a native American, and was delighted with the perspectives, humor, sadness and plot turns."
"Great book club selection!"
"then, at the urging of a weird old white teacher, the narrator (arnold "junior" spirit) transfers to an all-white school in a nearby farming town. but, otherwise, the feelings of not fitting in, of trying to wrestle with that "affinity" issue, is not only universal to teenagers, it is -- imho -- the top-priority of youth culture these days (as i'll argue in the book i'm writing right now). i also think it's a fun and insightful read for parents and youth workers, because it speaks to this in-between, universal outcast sense that so many teenagers live with."
"When Arnold makes the decision to attend an elite, all white high school and break through the barriers so heavily imposed upon him and other young people growing up in his immediate society, the young man has the opportunity to finally prove himself, both academically and socially (pursuing an education, intermixing with his white classmates, joining the basketball team, befriending Penelope, one of the prettiest and most popular girls at school). This transcends every cultural and racial barrier."
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Best Children's Multicultural Story Books

Ordinary People Change the World Gift Set (Ordinary People Change World)
Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos answer that question, one great role model at a time. And now you can buy the first four—Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Albert Einstein—together in a wonderfully designed slipcase that includes an exclusive, autographed print, suitable for framing. Christopher Eliopoulos began his illustration career as a letterer for Marvel, and has worked on thousands of comics, including Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Pet Avengers, and Cow Boy, all of which he wrote and illustrated.
Reviews
"These books also have important character building lessons and are overall great books for kids."
"My 3, almost 4 year old, also loves them!"
"She likes how they are fun to read and talk about when they were kids too."
"I love history myself and will purchased this series for my grandchildren."
"A must for any child in your family, even my 13 year old loves them."
"Came in excellent condition."
"Love these books, my 5 year old listens intently and they prompt her to ask lots of good questions."
"These are my favorite books for children."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Comics & Graphic Novels

Hulk: Planet Hulk (Incredible Hulk (1999-2007))
Collecting Incredible Hulk Vol. Monsters and heroes... and the Incredible Hulk!
Reviews
"I picked this up actually thinking it was the future imperfect story line but quickly learned it was not."
"If you loved the cartoon this is worth a read!"
"After I finished I got World War Hulk because I wanted more."
"This e-comic anthology is complete including minor related stories."
"Fun read - collection of the Planet Hulk comics...no wonder he was "ticked" when he made it back to Earth."
"Great story line."
"This is a must read for those who like dark stories."
"With out trying to give away to much about the story you find out that when hulk arrives on the planet he entered some kind of "power draining portal" which left him much much weaker. Anyway over the course of the story we meet another very powerful hero from the marvel universe that has also been weakened and trapped on this world. The hulk eventually makes friends with some fellow slaves and goes on to do some great things on this new world, but ill let you read about that on your own."
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Best Children's Asian & Asian American Books

The Dot
With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark — and follow where it takes us. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark.
Reviews
"My first grade class loved this book!"
"It's such a inspiring book!"
"This story is amazing."
"Great story!"
"A fantastic book and super price!"
"My grandchild is creative but struggling with her interest in reading."
"The Dot gives reluctant artists confidence to take a risk and draw, create and, more importantly, love what was created!"
"It masquerades as a children's book, though it has been read and been life affecting for this 58 year old guy time and time again."
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Best Children's African-American Story Books

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. Perfect for exploring together at bedtime or for children to browse independently, a gorgeous invitation for children of all backgrounds, and especially for black girls, to learn about black women who were pioneers. "If you want your young reader to have some insight into the role that black women played in the history of this country, this is the perfect gift. "This appealing book reminds young readers that every great leader began as a little leader, taking their first steps towards something big.
Reviews
"The delightful illustrations replete with a short biography of 40 trail blazing black women who made great contributions in every sphere: academia; art, economics; entertainment; film; letters; science; social causes and space travel. Oprah Winfrey, known for her long running talk show and her recent acquisition of Weight Watchers as well as her own magazine and TV channel and a plethora of social products such as a school for girls in Africa is also in this book."
"Fortunately, she loves the pictures and it's the ONLY book she brings to me at bedtime for not only the photos but it's long for a small baby so we haven't said "The end" yet."
"It's about short stories (snipets) about strong black women who were leaders in their field many years ago and how their many contributions helped shape this country."
"Thank you Vashti Harrison for making a book that represents strong and bold black woman!"
"I didn’t get to fully review the book, but it was captivated and kept turning pages to the point you thought I bought it for myself."
"i think it is utterly important for white kids to learn about how black people have contributed to our culture."
"This is just a darling book."
"This book is everything!"
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Best Children's Hispanic & Latino Books

Esperanza Rising (McDougal Littell Library)
But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Praise for Esperanza Rising : *“Told in a lyrical, fairy tale-like style .
Reviews
"I bought this book as Kindle+Audible (Whispersync), but ended up mostly listening to the audio, as I found the narration by Trini Alvarado excellent, and adding a lot to the atmosphere, with pronunciation of Spanish names etc with the right accent."
"Arrived in a timely manner and was as described in product description."
"Arrived on time and as advertised."
"We would've never chosen this book had it not been required reading for my 10 year old son."
"A library patrons' favorite."
"Glad I got to read this book."
"Good book for preteen ages."
"I love this book."
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