Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Darcie Little Badger returns with a powerful prequel to Elatsoe. In Sheine Lende, traditional Lipan Apache knowledge is the key to a supernatural rescue mission. By blending ghost-raising and fairy rings with real-world issues of Indigenous sovereignty and displacement, this 4-star fantasy offers a unique, compelling look at cultural preservation. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes adventure and mythology grounded in authentic Indigenous perspectives.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is an authentic and heartwarming celebration of modern Cherokee culture and year-round gratitude. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, the book follows a family through the four seasons, emphasizing that Cherokee traditions are living and evolving. It’s an excellent resource for classrooms, especially during Indigenous Peoples’ Day, for teaching about heritage and community.
Treuer’s Where the Wolves Don’t Die beautifully blends culture, mystery, and emotion. Through Ezra’s journey of loss and rediscovery, readers witness the resilience of Indigenous identity and the unbreakable bond of family. A vivid exploration of grief, injustice, and renewal, this novel encourages empathy and reflection while celebrating Ojibwe traditions.
Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language.
A haunting, beautifully written novel about loss, identity, and the generational echoes of silence. The Berry Pickers intertwines two lives shaped by one disappearance, revealing the hidden costs of prejudice and the resilience of love. A powerful reflection on truth, family, and the price of secrets left buried.