Rez Ball

Debut novelist, Byron Gtaves, tells the story of Tre Brun who finds solace and purpose on the basketball court of the Red Lake Reservation high school team, despite grappling with the persistent ache of losing his older brother, Jaxon, to tragedy. When Jaxon’s former teammates extend a hand of camaraderie, Tre views this opportunity as a chance to honor his Ojibwe heritage and pursue his ambition of leading his team to their inaugural state championship.

Winner of the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award and the William C. Morris Debut Award from the American Library Association.

Threads: Zlata’s Ukrainian Shirt

Threads is an inspiring picture book about a girl’s survival of the 1930s Ukrainian Famine-Genocide, messaging hope, pride for one’s heritage, and context for today’s War in Ukraine.

We Still Belong

Wesley’s hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and asking her crush to the dance) go all wrong-until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at the intertribal powwow.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Traditions & Celebrations)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about celebrating! The second Monday in October is a day to honor Native American people, their histories, and cultures. People mark the day with food, dancing, and songs. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

Cross My Heart And Never Lie

In this fresh, sensitive, diary style graphic novel, 12-year-old Tuva’s questions about becoming a teenager are confusing, so when her first crush turns out to be on another girl, it feels absolutely wonderful—so why does it become so complicated?

My Grandfather’s Song

Long ago, Grandfather came to a new land. Fish swam in the water, birds chirped in the sky, monkeys played in the trees. And in this wilderness, with his own two hands, Grandfather built a house. It wasn’t easy. But the land gave him what he needed. And it became his home. Decades later, his grandson will have all he needs: a head full of memories, two capable hands, and the heart to appreciate family, nature and home. This picturebook creates a warm symphony of conservation and the sacred bond between grandparent and child, perfect for baby showers, birthdays and family celebrations.

This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.

Pardalita

Sixteen-year-old Raquel is living in a small town in Portugal, where she must learn to navigate the angst that often comes with being a teenager: her parent’s are divorced, her mother is always working and she doesn’t like her father’s new wife. After being suspended for cursing at a school aide, Raquel meets Pardalita, a gifted artist and senior at her school. As the two girls get to know each other Raquel soon falls in love.

Come Closer, Tatita

This moving tale introduces the youngest picture book audience to a girl who misses her grandmother, whom she calls Tata or Tatita, as is traditional in many Spanish-speaking cultures and yearns to spend time with her. But Tatita is not here any more. The spare, striking illustrations make it ambiguous whether the girl misses her tata because she lives in a faraway place, is ill, or has passed on. Yet this gorgeous, deceptively simple book’s ending makes it clear that no matter what, your tatita lives in your heart, and you can always hold her in your memory.

Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, And Changemakers From Past And Present

A beautifully illustrated collection of true stories that celebrates 50 notable American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. Learn about the lives and contributions of Indigenous artists, activists, scientists, athletes and other change makers.