illustrations copyright©2025 by Steph Littlebird
Fierce Aunties!
Coming Soon: April 15, 2025
A joyful and vibrant celebration of what makes aunties so special, from Indigenous author and illustrator team Laurel Goodluck and Steph Littlebird inviting all kids to connect with the fierce aunties in their lives.
Who do you go to for advice and support? Or when you want an adventure and a little extra courage? Or when you need to find that warrior spirit inside you? Fierce aunties!
Aunties come in different shapes, sizes, and ages. They all have different laughs, skills, and stories. They might be your parents’ sisters, your older cousins, or even family friends. But there’s something they all have in common: They’re fierce, they love you, and they’ll help make everything better (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, April 15, 2025).
illustrations copyright©2025 by Jonathan Nelson
Yáadilá! Good Grief!
Now Available!
Bahe and Dezba are helping their grandmother, Nali, move from her sheep camp home to their house. The family is packing up, carrying heavy boxes, and settling into a new life together, which isn’t always easy. At every frustration, they throw up their hands and exclaim, “Yaadila!” Good grief!
Bahe sees that this big change is hardest for Nali. But he has a secret plan. Whatever can he be doing with a bucket of water, all that yarn, and Dezba’s dollhouse?
In this heartwarming and quintessentially Navajo (Diné) story, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and illustrator Jonathan Nelson (Diné) together show a big change for an Elder made easier with a creative gesture of love and care. Audience: Ages 4-8 (Heartdrum, Harper Collings, January 14, 2025).
illustrations copyright©2023 by Bridget George
Too Much, My Great BIG Native Family
A heartwarming and humorous picture called Too Much, My Great Big Native Family is vibrantly illustrated by Bridget George. When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much! But when Russell decides to venture on his own, he discovers that being alone isn’t the answer . . . and that, when he needs them most, his great, big, loving family knows how to be just enough (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, January 23, 2024).
illustrations copyright©2023 by Madelyn Goodnight
A 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book
Rock Your Mocs
In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins—and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month, and all year round!
We’re stepping out
and kicking it up.
Wearing beauty on their feet—
as art, as tradition,
with style, with pride—
kids from different Native Nations know
every day is a day to ROCK YOUR MOCS!
This book contains an author’s note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities! Rock Your Mocs Day has now been extended to a week in November, and during that week, kids from all over the United States join together to show pride in their heritage (Heartdrum, HarperCollins, January 31, 2024).
illustrations copyright©2023Alexandra Boiger & Gillian Flint
A 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book
She Persisted: Deb Haaland
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds–including Deb Haaland!
A 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Honor Book!
As a child of two military parents, Deb Haaland moved around a lot when she was young before finally settling in Albuquerque to be near family. But she persisted, studying hard and eventually earning a law degree. An enrolled member of the Pueblo Laguna nation, Deb was one of the first two Native American women to be elected to Congress, where she represented New Mexico’s 1st District. In 2021, when the Senate confirmed her as President Biden’s secretary of the interior, she became the first Native American in history to become a cabinet secretary. She continues to break barriers and inspire future generations to dream of greater opportunities.
In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Laurel Goodluck, readers learn about the amazing life of Deb Haaland–and how she persisted.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Deb Haaland’s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.
And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Maria Tallchief, Wilma Mankiller, Patsy Mink, and more! (Philomel Books, Random House, 2023).
illustrations copyright©2022 by Jonathan Nelson
A 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Best Picture Book Award
A Junior Library Guild Selection, 2022
An NCTE Charlotte Huck Honoree, 2022
Forever Cousins
Are we still best friends?
Kara and Amanda are best-friend cousins. Then Kara leaves the city to move back to the Rez. Will their friendship stay the same?
Kara and Amanda hate not being together. Then it's time for the family reunion on the Rez. Each girl worries that the other hasn't missed her. But once they reconnect, they realize that they are still forever cousins. This story highlights the ongoing impact of the 1950s Indian Relocation Act on Native families, even today, and reminds readers that the power of friendship and family can bridge any distance (Charlesbridge, 2022)
How to Purchase Books
Buy From Indigenous Book Stores: Birch Bark Books
Buy Local in Albuquerque: Bookworks, Books on the Bosque, Page One, & Barnes & Noble
Order Now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble|
Coming in2026
Stories are the Heart of the World, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt (Simon&Schuster Book for Young Readers, 2026)
New Announcements SOON!