Exploring Native American Children's Literature

Native American Diversity

• 500 different tribes
• Each tribe is represented by distinct lifestyles, traditions, religions, symbols and folklore.
• Children's literature has inaccurately depicted Native American people and cultures.

History of Children's Literature
Early 1900s

History of Children's Literature
1920-1940

History of Children's Literature
1940-1970

History of Children's Literature
1970-2000

History of Children's Literature
2000-Present

Is this book Native?

“No human culture is inaccessible to someone who makes the effort to understand, to learn, to inhabit another world”

Cultural Misrepresentation

Historical Inaccuracy & Sensitivity

Book Selection Considerations

• Do not marginalize the literature.
• Ensure the cultural accuracy.
• Ensure the historical accuracy.
• Avoid any prejudices, stereotypes, derogatory names or outdated information.

Good: Hiawatha and the Peacemaker

Bad: This First Thanksgiving Day

Untitled Slide

Caldwell-Woods, N. & Mitten, L.A. (1991). Selective biography and guide for “I” is not for Indian: The portrayal of Native Americans in books for young people. Atlanta: American Library Association.
Native American Children’s Literature. (2008). Children’s Literature Review, 130, 123- 187.
Reese, D. (1999). Authenticity & Sensitivity: Goals for writing and reviewing books with Native American themes. School Library Journal, 11, 36-37.
Reese, D. (2008). Native voices. School Library Journal, 11, 53-60.
Russell, D.L. (2005). Native American picture books of change: The art of historic children’s editions. The Lion and the Unicorn, 29 [1], 133-135.
Stewart, M. P. (2002). Judging authors by the color of their skin? Quality Native American children’s literature. MELUS, 27, 179-196.