Unbanned: Five Fierce Reads

Now’s a great time to discover Indigenous voices, once silenced, and never more relevant. 

November is Native American Heritage Month, when we honor and celebrate the history and traditions of the diverse populations who once hunted and cultivated the land we share today. It’s an opportunity to confront our collective blind spots and elevate the stories that reflect the rich literary legacy of First Nations peoples. We’ve selected five excellent books, noteworthy because they were all once forbidden in Pennsylvania classrooms.

True Story: in 2020, a list originally created to highlight diversity was used to target books by authors of color — including many Indigenous titles — which were removed from libraries and reading lists. The all-white Board who made the decision in Central York School District also flagged articles, documentaries, events and even online resources, which were deemed culturally divisive and potentially harmful to the delicate sensibilities of white kids. Please. 🙄

The good news is, students, parents, and teachers pushed back hard! Their protests gained national attention, and the ban was ultimately reversed by September of the next school year. These books offer powerful insights into Native American heritage, resilience, and excellence, making them especially worthwhile for this month’s observance. Enjoy!

READ, REFLECT, REPEAT

“Fry Bread: A Native American Story” by Kevin Maillard is a heartfelt picture book that centers around the significance of fry bread in Native American culture. Maillard tells a story that honors community, family, and tradition, illustrating how fry bread is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of identity, endurance, and belonging among diverse Native tribes. The vibrant illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal reinforce themes of unity, depicting families from various backgrounds in colorful, warm scenes. The book also includes a fry bread recipe, along with an author’s note explaining the dish’s historical background, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the cultural and political importance of fry bread. It’s a wonderful introduction to Native American traditions for young children and families, making it accessible and meaningful.

“The People Shall Continue” by Simon Ortiz, first published in 1977, is a classic picture book that tells the story of Native peoples from the beginning of time to the present. Through poetic language, Ortiz takes readers on a journey through the major events, hardships, and triumphs that have shaped Indigenous communities over the centuries. The book emphasizes the importance of remembering history and retelling it to preserve the resilience and pride of Native culture. By tracing these stories, Ortiz highlights the strength of Indigenous identity amid adversity, reinforcing the spirit of Native perseverance. His narrative style, blending history with cultural storytelling, makes it a timeless resource that’s particularly valuable for younger readers, families, and educators looking to introduce children to Native history and resilience.

“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz is a compelling reinterpretation of U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective, challenging traditional narratives and uncovering the impacts of colonization. Dunbar-Ortiz spotlights the history of Indigenous resistance, cultural contributions, and survival, creating an alternative and necessary perspective on American history. Themes of displacement, resilience, and the fight for rights and recognition are woven throughout, providing readers with insights into the lasting impacts of historical injustices. Written for teens and adults, this book is part of the “ReVisioning American History” series. It is often used in educational settings to help deepen understanding of U.S. history through an Indigenous lens, making it essential for anyone interested in Indigenous studies.

In “Indian No More,” authors Charlene Willing McManis and Traci Sorell tell the story of Regina Petit, a young Umpqua girl forced to leave her reservation in Oregon after her tribe’s federal recognition is terminated in the 1950s. This middle-grade novel poignantly explores Regina’s journey as she moves to Los Angeles, where she faces the challenges of city life, grapples with her Indigenous identity, and confronts prejudice. Themes of identity, resilience, and the meaning of “home” are central to her journey, highlighting the impact of the U.S. government’s Termination Era on Native tribes—a lesser-known part of American history. “Indian No More” is perfect for middle-grade readers, allowing them to connect with the struggles of Indigenous youth and opening discussions on identity, belonging, and history.

“We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac, is a beautifully illustrated bilingual picture book that celebrates gratitude as a core aspect of Cherokee culture. The word “Otsaliheliga,” which means gratitude in Cherokee, frames each page as readers are guided through the seasons, learning about traditional Cherokee celebrations, values, and expressions of thanks. The rich, colorful artwork by Lessac brings Cherokee traditions to life, immersing readers in the beauty of the culture. Sorell includes Cherokee vocabulary throughout the book and a pronunciation guide, making it an accessible introduction for children to Cherokee language and customs. “We Are Grateful” provides young readers and families a meaningful glimpse into Cherokee traditions while underscoring the universal importance of gratitude.

📚AVAILABLE NEAR YOU 📚

You can pick up copies of these books for free at a library location or one of the city’s 14 Little Free(dom) Libraries. Originally launched in February 2024 to highlight banned books by Black authors, the Little Free(dom) Library project has expanded to feature titles that honor various heritage months throughout the year, including Native American Heritage Month.

There’s a Little Free(dom) Library outside Historic Germantown at 5501 Germantown Ave and another one up the road in Mt. Airy at the Johnson House Historic Site (for a full list locations, click here). If you’re planning to stop by for one of these titles, consider leaving a favorite book of your own to enlighten fellow bibliophiles during this meaningful month for our country. 🙏🪶🌎