A Native American Perspective on Books
Two years ago during our P.E.A.C.E. retreat, we met Kellie Cunningham-Bliss, who provided us with a presentation about her personal journey and on her life and perspective as a Native American. Kellie has been in the field of early childhood education for many years as a teacher and author of articles, regarding her native culture, injustice, and stereotypes.
As an educator and advocate for her people, Kellie shared some valuable information regarding children’s books for Native Americans that have many errors and promote the destruction of Native ways and values. Here are some book recommendations as well as titles we should avoid:
Don’t pick these books!
- Brother Eagle and Sister Sky by Susan Jeffers
- Ten Little Rabbits by Virginia Grossman
- Hiawatha (Disney version), Little Golden Book
- Raven by Gerald McDermott (illustrations are not authentic to the culture, the story is ok)
- Arrow of the Sun by Gerald McDermott (a Pueblo tale)
Do pick these books!
- We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
- Journey of the Freckled Indian by Alyssa Landon
- Sharing our World: Animals of the Native Northwest Coast
- We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
- We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (written in American and Cherokee alphabets)
