Vertical Files
- Subject HeadingsThe majority of our vertical files are organized according to our classification system and are catalogued. Some of the vertical files are organized alphabetically by subject. The following Word document can help you locate these items.
Xwi7xwa Library Guide
Indigenous Children's Literature Research Guide QR Code
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Indigenous Children's Literature
Over the last decade there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Indigenous writers, illustrators, and publishers in the children's book world. While the numbers of books published about and by Indigenous people are still low (the Cooperative Children's Book Centre's figures show that only 2% of books in 2022 contained significant Indigenous representation, while only 2% of titles were written by Indigenous authors) this research guides aims to highlight the great work currently being done in both children's and young adult publishing. We hope it will offer a useful introduction to Indigenous children's and young adult literature, as well as Indigenous children's authors, illustrators, and critics.
Selected New Works
Phoenix Gets Greater
written by Marty Wilson
illustrated by Megan Kyak-Monteith
I Sang You Down from the Stars
written by Tasha Spillett-Sumner
illustrated by Michaela Goade
The Secret Pocket
written by Peggy Janicki
illustrated by Carrielynn Victor
Walking Together
written by Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall and Louise Zimanyi
illustrated by Emily Kewageshig
The Barren Grounds
written by David A. Robertson
Giju's Gift
written by Brandon Mitchell
illustrated by Veronika Barinova and Britt Wilson
Weird Rules to Follow
written by Kim Spencer
A Blanket of Butterflies
written by Richard Van Camp
illustrated by Scott B. Henderson, Donovan Yaciuk and Nickolej Villiger
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
written by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Monique Gray Smith
illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
Sky Wolf's Call: the Gift of Indigenous Knowledge
written by Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger
Features Organizations and Initiatives
- Strong Nations
Indigenous publisher and retailer based in Nanaimo, BC. Alongside book publishing and distribution, their website offers resources designed to support teachers and schools. These include lesson plans as well as a site navigation option which allows readers to browse titles recommended by provincial and national education committees.
Indigenous Children's Literature Bibliographies
- First Nation Communities READ Award Nominated Titles 2023-2024
First Nation Communities READ Award celebrates and promotes the importance of Indigenous literature across Canada, encourages family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, as well as intergenerational knowledge transmission. The nominees are chosen by a jury of librarians from First Nation Public libraries across Ontario. - Indigenous History Booklist 2023
Created in 2023 by the Canadian Children's Book Centre for Indigenous History Month this list features books by indigenous authors for all ages. - American Indians in Children's Literature's Best Books of 2022
AICL features annual round-ups of the best books of the last year, such as the 2022 collection shared here. These lists are compiled by Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo), Dr. Jean Mendoza. American Indians in Children's Literature is the site of ongoing, in-depth critique of Indigenous representation in children's literature. - From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books Educators' Resource 2021
This Educators’ Resource is compiles books written and/or illustrated by Indigenous Peoples from across Canada. In addition to providing children's book recommendations, there are also questions and activities to guide and support the teaching. - Indigenous #KidLitWomen Guide 2018
By critic Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo). Created as part of the March 2018 #KidLitWomen campaign as a way to uphold and amplify the voices of Indigenous women writers in children's publishing. - #IndigenousReads by Indigenous Writers: A Children's Reading List 2017
This 2017 resource, created by The Conscious Kid Library, American Indian's in Children's Literature, and Brooklyn Children's Museum focusses on picture books and board books for younger readers. - Native American Children's Literature Recommended Reading List 2016
Curated by Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo) and produced in 2016, this resource offers a collection of recommended reads organised by age range, as well as ten ways to make a difference and improve #NativeReads representation in your school, library, or local community. - Must Read Indigenous Childrens' Book List 2016
Muskrat is an online Indigenous arts and culture magazine. Their 2016 list of Indigenous Children's Books features several familiar titles alongside works which are a little less well-known.
