Native American Stories That Should Be On Your Shelf

By Saron Hatsey

Native American History is immense, with numerous rich and diverse cultures, languages, and religions. However, nearly all of the written accounts from the past depicting people indigenous to the U.S. homogenize and belittle the experiences Indigenous peoples have batteling for generations. In recent history, however, the U.S. government has made some efforts at recognizing and honoring Indigenous Americans, including deeming the month of November as Native American Heritage Month, a month dedicated to recognizing the contributions, diversity, and history of the numerous Native American tribes in the United States. 

A great way to celebrate and recognize the voices of Native Americans this month (and every month!) is through literature. There are books across all genres and for all ages by Indigenous authors. Here are a few of my favorite books by Native American authors.  

A Snake Falls to Earth:

A captivating Indigenous-futurism novel by Darcy Little Badger, A Snake Falls to Earth follows Nina, a Lipan Apache girl in Texas who, after the passing of a family member, begins to believe there is something beyond her world, and Oli, a boy from a land of magic and where animals live in their true forms. When events from both worlds cause them to connect after hundreds of years, both characters grow and develop through the pains we’re all too familiar with today, like climate change or linguistic and cultural detachment. Little Badgers' use of folklore to depict these issues makes this book even more enticing and insightful. She also has numerous other books spanning multiple genres, all tying into indigenous futurism. They include Strangelands, a sci-fi graphic novel series, and Elatsoe, a murder-mystery fantasy that was named one of Times 100 best fantasy books of all time.

Crooked Hallelujah:

Kelli Jo Ford’s debut novel, Crooked Hallelujah, follows a mixed Cherokee mother named Justine, Justine's mother, Lula, Lula's mother, Granny, and Justine's daughter, Remey. The story focuses on the 4 generations of women, displaying their complex mother-daughter relationships and how they intersect with faith and identity. Switching between perspectives and timelines, we see this novel progress from the connection between Justine and her mother, Lula, to the relationship between Justine and her daughter, Remey, and beyond. The book is written as a novel in stories, aiding its nostalgic and personal feel. While mainly focused on the inner workings and growth of the four women, the book also touches on other topics like poverty and abuse. Moreover, the heavier themes don't make the book sad. Mixed in with moments of joy, Ford truly makes the lives of these characters full of depth and realistic. Her ability to do this while maintaining a simplistic writing style truly sets this book apart. 

Sacred Wilderness:

Sacred Wilderness by Mona Susan Powers is one of the most spiritual, intricate books I have ever read. It follows Candace, a Mohawk woman who is struggling with her cultural identity, and the Clan Mothers, who come together to restore it. This story moves through numerous time periods and characters, implementing both Catholic religious ideas and figures and Native American religions. This exploration of religious syncretism is paired with themes of cultural detachment, all eloquently written in a way so that each time you read it, you catch more subtle nuances and themes. The way the characters discover themselves and through their spirituality feels so real, and Powers' depiction of cultural detachment was something I could personally relate to. Overall, its introspective and intricate feel makes for an insightful read.

Literature is a great way to expand your knowledge of subjects you may be less educated on, especially subjects where the educational system has failed. According to The Journal of Interdisciplinary Public Policy, 87% of state history standards do not cover Native history past 1900, and only 43% of schools in the United States even require Native history to be taught. This lack of formal education is dangerous and leads to harmful stereotypes and outright erasure. While comprehensive education is a must, and is starting to be developed in some states, recognizing and celebrating events like Native American Heritage Month can help you be more informed about your community and develop a better understanding of history and current events.