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Indigenous Cultures Books for Ages 12–18 – Wonderlit | Wonderlit

Browse → Ages 12–18 → Interests → Indigenous Cultures → Ages 12–18

Indigenous Cultures Books for Ages 12–18

As your teen begins to navigate the complexities of their own identity and the broader world, these stories offer a profound window into the resilience and rich heritage of Indigenous peoples. This collection of 693 books provides the nuanced perspectives and mature themes that older kids need to challenge stereotypes and find meaningful connection through powerful, authentic voices.

693 books

Cover of Shadow Catcher

Captured History

Explore the life of Edward S. Curtis and his twenty-year journey to capture the dignity of Native American cultures thro

Cover of The World in Grandfather's Hands

The World in Grandfather's Hands

Craig Kee Strete

Moving from the pueblo to the busy city is a huge shock for Jimmy, but his grandfather’s quiet wisdom helps him see his

Cover of The Sketchbook of Thomas Blue Eagle

The Sketchbook of Thomas Blue Eagle

Gay Matthaei, Jewel H. Grutman

Follow the journey of a Lakota man who travels through America and Europe as a performer in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Sho

1 2 3...29

Cover of Eagle Drums

Eagle Drums

Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson

For the child learning that growth often requires stepping into the unknown and that traditions are gifts we carry to br

Ages 8–12

Cover of Cities in the Sand: The Ancient Civilizations of the Southwest

Cities in the Sand: The Ancient Civilizations of the Southwest

Archaeologists sift through desert ruins to uncover the daily lives and architectural marvels of the Anasazi, Hohokam, a

Cover of Dove Dream

Living in the Kansas countryside in 1963, thirteen-year-old Dovey looks back at her past and toward her future while her

Cover of Who Will Tell My Brother?

Who Will Tell My Brother?

Marlene Carvell

A Native American teenager stands up against his high school's offensive mascot, discovering the deep strength of his an

Cover of The Ice is Coming

The Book of Wirrun #1

The Ice is Coming

Patricia Wrightson

Ancient ice-spirits threaten to freeze the Australian landscape, forcing a young man named Wirrun to seek out a legendar

Cover of The Story of the Sioux

The Story of the Sioux

Marion Eleanor Gridley

Great leaders, traditional customs, and the history of the Dakota people reveal the rich heritage of the Sioux tribe of

Cover of The Creek: The Past and Present of the Muscogee

American Indian Life #2

The Creek: The Past and Present of the Muscogee

Danielle Smith-Llera

For the child curious about the true history of the land they live on and how indigenous nations thrive and preserve the

Cover of Antelope Singer

Antelope Singer

Ruth Murray Underhill

For the child curious about different ways of life and how friendship can bloom when we find ourselves in unfamiliar, ch

Cover of The Heart of a Chief

The Heart of a Chief

An eleven-year-old Penacook boy navigates family struggles and school insensitivity while facing a community conflict ov

Cover of Truth is a Bright Star

Truth is a Bright Star

In 1832, a twelve-year-old Hopi boy is sold to a fur trapper. Tension slowly shifts toward an unlikely friendship as the

Cover of Coyote Walks on Two Legs: A Book of Navajo Myths and Legends

Coyote Walks on Two Legs: A Book of Navajo Myths and Legends

Coyote the trickster wanders through a series of Navajo myths, where his mischievous schemes often lead to unexpected le

Cover of The Storyteller

The Storyteller

For the child navigating the quiet weight of grief or anxiety while searching for a sense of belonging and ancestral con

Cover of What Was the Trail of Tears?

What Was the Trail of Tears?

Sean Teuton, Who HQ

For the child asking about fairness in history, this book offers a sensitive look at how Indigenous nations were forced

Cover of Code Talker

Ned Begay turns a forbidden language into a secret weapon when he joins the Marines to send unbreakable codes during Wor

Cover of The Arrow Over the Door

The Arrow Over the Door

For the child grappling with the idea of 'us versus them,' this gentle historical tale shows how peace is a courageous c

Cover of Navajo Code Talkers: Secret American Indian Heroes of World War II

Amazing Americans #2

Navajo Code Talkers: Secret American Indian Heroes of World War II

For the child curious about secret codes and unsung heroes, this book highlights the vital role Navajo Marines played in

Cover of The Plains Indian Wars 1864-1890

Living Through History

The Plains Indian Wars 1864-1890

For the student grappling with the complexities of American history, this guide explores the difficult conflicts between

Cover of Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton

Life on the African savanna involves facing lions and honoring Maasai traditions in this true story of growing up in Ken

Cover of Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories

Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories

Dan SaSuWeh Jones

For the child who loves the thrill of a campfire story, this collection explores Indigenous legends and personal encount

Cover of On the Long Trail Home

On the Long Trail Home

Elisabeth J. Stewart

Two Cherokee siblings flee the forced march of the Trail of Tears to begin a dangerous trek back to the mountains they c

Cover of The Ancient Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde

The Ancient Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde

Caroline Arnold

The Anasazi built incredible homes directly into steep canyon walls before vanishing from their Colorado dwellings centu

More Ages 12–18 Books

Ninjas Books for Ages 12–18(34)Buddhism & Buddhist Values Books for Ages 12–18(37)Gymnastics Books for Ages 12–18(56)Healthy Eating Books for Ages 12–18(64)Hinduism & Hindu Culture Books for Ages 12–18(73)Anime Tie-In Books for Ages 12–18(88)Mermaids Books for Ages 12–18(95)Ice Skating & Hockey Books for Ages 12–18(106)

Indigenous Cultures for Other Ages

Indigenous Cultures Books for Ages 0–3(62)Indigenous Cultures Books for Ages 4–7(585)Indigenous Cultures Books for Ages 8–11(1055)

Also by Format

Chapter Books(510)Young Adult(38)Picture Books(16)Middle Grade(13)Poetry(13)Graphic Novels(13)Early Readers(6)