November is Native American Heritage Month! Native American Heritage Month evolved from the efforts of various individuals at the turn of the 20th century who tried to get a day of recognition for Native Americans. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a resolution that appointed November as Native American Heritage Month.
Historically, Native people have been silenced and their stories set aside, hidden, or drowned out. The #NoDAPL movement and the fight against racist portrayals for sports mascots brought Native American voices to the forefront of the news last year, but the issues that the community still have to deal with shouldn’t be brushed aside. This is why it’s especially important to continue to read stories about Native characters, by Native voices which brings us to some exciting news: last month, we brought back to print a special 40th Anniversary edition of Simon J. Ortiz’s beloved children’s book The People Shall Continue, which traces the history of Native and Indigenous people in North America. It includes updated illustrations by Sharol Graves and a new afterword by the author. It’s also available in a Spanish translation which you can purchase here.
To celebrate Lee & Low’s release of The People Shall Continue, we’re giving away a special limited edition poster! Enter your school, library, or bookstore information here to request a FREE copy of our poster and the Teacher’s Guide for The People Shall Continue.
Also check out the book trailer below:
Further Reading for Native American Heritage Month
10 Children’s Books by Native Writers
Filling in More of the Story: Modern-Day Narratives of Native Americans
The Miseducation of Native American Students
Further Resources for Native American Heritage Month
Resources and Kid Lit About American Indians from School Library Journal
Tips for Choosing Culturally Appropriate Books & Resources About Native Americans from Colorin Colorado
American Indians in Children’s Literature
Classroom lessons from the National Museum of the American Indian
Collections for Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Collection
Native American English Collection Grades PreK-2
Native American English Collection
Bebop Native American Spanish Grades PreK-2
Bebop Native American English Grades PreK-2
Native American English Collection Grades 3-6
