Honoring California Native Voices this Native American Heritage Month: 8 Essential Reads

At Redbud, we’re passionate about uplifting Native voices and sharing stories from Indigenous authors across Turtle Island. This month, we’re excited to spotlight some of our favorite books by Native American authors who are either Indigenous to California or have called it home for many years.

Here’s a curated list of recommended reads for all ages—from picture books for little ones to thought-provoking novels and educational resources for teachers. These books encourage readers to connect with California Native culture, history, and perspectives in meaningful ways.

1. Toddler-Pre-K: Coyote at the Big Time by Lyn Risling (Hupa/Yurok/Karuk)

Introduce the youngest readers to Indigenous culture with Coyote at the Big Time. Written and illustrated by one of our favorite artists Lyn Risling, this picture book brings California Native characters and traditions to life through vibrant illustrations and gentle storytelling. Risling's art highlights traditional designs, making it a wonderful early introduction to Northern California’s Indigenous culture.

2. Grades K-3: Waa’aka’: The Bird Who Fell in Love with the Sun by Cindi Alvitre (Tongva/Gabrielino)

Waa’aka’ introduces young readers to an ancient Tongva creation story from Southern California. It tells the journey of Waa'aka', a beautiful bird who grows selfish out of his obsession for Tamet, the sun. The story weaves in themes of place, community, and vanity. Enhanced by Carly Lake’s vibrant illustrations, this book retells one of California's oldest stories, offering a captivating and culturally rich tale for children.

3. Grades 4-6: When the Mission Bells Rang by Judith Scott, in consultation with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Judith Scott’s When the Mission Bells Rang is a great way to open a lesson on the history and impact of California’s mission period from an Indigenous perspective, which is often missing from standard curriculum. This book offers readers an engaging way to learn about the disruptive nature of Spanish Missions during California’s early colonization, not just for the people, but for the animals who have also been on the land since time immemorial. Pair this book with a lesson on Native resistance and resilience, created in partnership with California Native peoples and the National Museum of the American Indian!

4. Grades 7-9: Tribal Sovereignty: The Right to Self-Rule by Gary Robinson (Choctaw/Cherokee)

An accessible introduction to the concept of Tribal sovereignty, Gary Robinson’s book gives middle and high school students a foundation for understanding Native governance and the right to self-determination. This title is an excellent resource for classroom use. Educators interested in a classroom set can reach out directly to Gary Robinson at TribalEyePro@gmail.com. Robinson, who resides on the Santa Ynez Reservation in Southern California with his Chumash wife, is dedicated to making these important resources accessible to teachers.

5. Grades 10-12: Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (Cheyenne)

Celebrated author Tommy Orange’s Wandering Stars takes older students on a journey through time as complex narratives address issues with forced assimilation, contemporary Native identity, urban Indigenous life, and the layered experiences of historical trauma. This title is an inspiring choice for young adults ready for a more nuanced exploration of Native themes connecting the past and the present.

6. Graphic Novel: My Sisters by Chag Lowry (Yurok/Maidu/Achumawi) and Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva)

One of our favorite graphic novels, this story honors the special relationship Indigenous basket weavers have with their ancestral homelands in California. With bold art and powerful storytelling, My Sisters is perfect for visual learners and readers looking for a unique, graphic exploration of California Native culture. Be sure to check out the accompanying Curriculum Guide written by Chag’s wife, Rebecca Haff-Lowry!

7. Teacher Education: On Indian Ground: California edited by Joely Proudfit (Luiseño/Payómkawichum, Tongva) and Nicole Quinderro Myers‐Lim (Pomo)

This book serves as an essential tool for educators, offering insights from Native Californian scholars on integrating Indigenous history and culture into the classroom. With practical guidance for incorporating accurate and respectful Native representation, it’s an invaluable resource for teaching Native American perspectives throughout Native American Heritage Month and well beyond.

8. Pre-order Now! I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience by Brook Thompson (Yurok/Karuk)

A forthcoming book highlighting traditional ecological knowledge and the resilience of California’s Native communities, I Love Salmon and Lampreys follows a young girl passionate about science and dedicated to protecting local ecosystems. This children’s book will be a great resource for those interested in teaching environmental stewardship from a Native perspective. For a sneak peak into Thompson’s work, watch this short YouTube video sponsored by the California Academy of Sciences.

Support Native-Owned Bookstores

This Native American Heritage Month, consider supporting Native-owned bookstores or purchasing directly from authors whenever possible. Buying directly through Native-owned businesses not only supports Indigenous authors but also strengthens the communities and cultural heritage they represent.

FEATURED BOOKSTORE: Quiet Quail Books

Quiet Quail Books is a small, California Native-owned, one-woman operation! This passion project by NDN Book Nerd’s Carolann Duro (Maara’yam/Kumeyaay) has been popping up at powwows and community events across Southern California. Not local? No worries! You can still experience the magic of Quiet Quail by pre-ordering a seasonal mystery box filled with adorable stickers, bookmarks, and, of course, Carolann's handpicked book of the season! Don’t forget to follow this inspiring small business on social media at @quietquailbooks!

More Native-authored Books:

To see a complete list of recommended titles, check out California Indian Education for All’s curated “Native Ways of Knowing” book list. Happy reading!