Debbie Reese
Recommended Books
Debbie Reese is tribally enrolled at Nambé Pueblo, a federally recognized sovereign tribal nation in northern New Mexico. A former school teacher and assistant professor in American Indian Studies, her blog, American Indians in Children's Literature, is widely read by educators and writers in the U.S. and Canada.
11 books on the list
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In this triumphant picture book autobiography, readers will learn about Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas. Despite facing doubts about her appearance, who she loved, and where she came from, Davids persevered and used her big voice to make history. Beautifully illustrated and filled with inspiring messages, this book teaches readers about the power of using their own voice and the importance of being seen and heard. Back matter includes additional information about Ho-Chunk culture and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids herself.
Debbie Reese
2023-01-18T16:22:23.000Z"The Water Walker" tells the incredible story of Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe grandmother who walks the Great Lakes and numerous rivers and lakes to raise awareness for the importance of protecting water for future generations. Along with other women, men, and youth, she overcomes countless challenges and invites us all to take responsibility for protecting our planet and the giver of life - water.
Debbie Reese
2022-04-23T16:01:48.000ZRobert E. Lee and Me
A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause
Explore the lasting impact of the Confederate legacy with Ty Seidule's Robert E. Lee and Me. Through a unique blend of personal reflection and historical analysis, Seidule challenges the myth that the Civil War was fought for honorable reasons and highlights the true goal of the Confederacy: the subjugation and enslavement of Black Americans. As a retired brigadier general and professor of history, Seidule brings a soldier's perspective to this complex and divisive topic. With insight and compassion, he seeks to understand why the facts of the Civil War remain buried beneath layers of myth and misinformation, and why they continue to divide our country today.
Debbie Reese
2022-04-11T20:38:00.000ZRecommended by
Nancy PearlDo All Indians Live in Tipis?
Questions and Answers from the National Museum of the American Indian
Discover the truth about Native American customs, culture, and history with experts from the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Debunking common myths in this illustrated guide, readers will find answers to nearly 100 questions, from the truth about kachina dolls to whether all Indians live in tipis. Gain insight into Native American identity, ceremony and ritual, sovereignty, and more, including short essays written mostly by Native Americans themselves.
Debbie Reese
2021-08-27T12:34:48.000ZFollow young Josie as she prepares to fulfill her dream of dancing at the upcoming powwow. With the help of her family, she gathers all the essential pieces necessary for her debut performance - a dress, shawl, cape, leggings, moccasins, and her spirit name. The powwow circle is a welcoming space where Josie's nervousness melts away, and the love of her community fuels her dance to honor her ancestors. This Ojibwe girl's coming-of-age story, highlighted by the author's own daughter's experience at powwow, is beautifully complemented by elegant artwork that captures the essence of Mother Earth and traditions linking Josie to generations past and yet to come.
Debbie Reese
2021-05-04T23:41:24.000ZExperience the powerful story of a Native American family, their struggles in the government boarding schools, and a young man's journey to become an artist while balancing multiple worlds. "Apple" (Skin to the Core) by Eric Gansworth is a beautiful and heartbreaking ode to the author's family and Native people everywhere, told through powerful verse and imagery that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Debbie Reese
2021-02-18T09:18:51.000Z"We Are Water Protectors" is a bold and lyrical picture book that issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption. Written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade, it is inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America. The book highlights the importance of water as the first medicine that affects and connects us all. It tells the story of a young water protector who takes a stand against a black snake threatening to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water.
Debbie Reese
2021-01-25T18:04:38.000ZRecommended by
Simon SmithAn inspiring bilingual picture book biography of Julio C. Tello, a brave Indigenous boy who discovered his life's passion for exploring Peru's ancient cultures. With nothing to fear, even when exploring burial grounds, Tello devoted his medical skills to uncovering the rich history of his ancestors. His discoveries led to a new understanding of Peru's Indigenous cultures, and he became a national icon, inspiring pride in his country's heritage. A true hero and a remarkable journey, captured in the pages of this beautiful book.
Debbie Reese
2021-01-25T17:05:19.000ZIndigenous peoples have always made the most of nature’s gifts, celebrating local foods that are home-tested and sustainable. In "Original Local," sixty pioneering recipes are presented, along with profiles of people making a difference in tribal communities. From wild rice to fish, bison, and venison, this book showcases the role of traditional foods in cultural and economic survival. Learn from a broad range of regional tribes and try out innovative recipes like Ramp Kimchi and Manoomin Lasagna. Get inspired to make better use of the foods all around us and honor the storied heritage they represent.
Debbie Reese
2020-07-20T22:00:21.000ZThe Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis