There are many things to celebrate in November: Scorpios, Black Friday deals, National Author’s Day, and special days to celebrate specific food items. While November is a joyous month for all of those days dedicated to our favorite things, the whole month of November also serves as Native American Heritage Month. While we commemorate the history of Native American Heritage Month, we should also be sure to show recognition to present-day Native American authors, actors, educators, and artists of all types. Thankfully, your local library has many great resources to help you enjoy Native American Heritage Month!
Check out these Titles!
Never Whistle at Night: an Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk & Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
“A bold, clever, and sublimely sinister collection of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and gritty crime by both new and established Indigenous authors that dares to ask the question: “Are you ready to be un-settled?” Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night. This belief ranges far and wide and takes many forms; for instance, Native Hawaiians believe it summons the Hukai’po, the spirits of ancient warriors, and Native Mexicans say it calls a Lechuza, a witch that can transform into an owl and snatch the foolish whistlers in the dark. But what all these legends hold in common is the certainty that whistling at night can cause evil spirits to appear-and even follow you home.”
(An excerpt from the publisher)
Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina
“A young girl hunts for answers about a string of disappearances, all while being haunted herself in this heart-pounding thriller with a mythological twist, from debut author Nick Medina. Anna Horn is always looking over her shoulder. For the bullies who torment her, for the entitled visitors at the reservation’s casino… and for the nameless, disembodied entity that stalks her every step–an ancient tribal myth comes to life, one that’s intent on devouring her whole.”
(An excerpt from the publisher)
There There by Tommy Orange
“A young girl hunts for answers about a string of disappearances, all while being haunted herself in this heart-pounding thriller with a mythological twist, from debut author Nick Medina. Anna Horn is always looking over her shoulder. For the bullies who torment her, for the entitled visitors at the reservation’s casino… and for the nameless, disembodied entity that stalks her every step–an ancient tribal myth comes to life, one that’s intent on devouring her whole.”
(An excerpt from the publisher)
“In The Rediscovery of America, Western Shoshone historian Ned Blackhawk pursues a similar project: to place Indigenous People at the center of United States history. Blackhawk asks how the history of “the world’s most exemplary democracy” can be rooted in the dispossession of Indigenous People? And, how have historians ignored the centrality of Indigenous People in U.S. history? In order to tell a new history of the United States, Blackhawk rejects narratives of discovery and emphasizes a long history of Native-newcomer encounters in North America as well as Indigenous agency and mobility.”
(A summary from the University of California Press)
New Native Kitchen: Celebrating Modern Recipes Of The American Indian by Chef Freddie Bitsoie & James O. Fraioli; Photography by Quentin Bacon; Illustrations by Gabriella Trujillo
“From Freddie Bitsoie, the former executive chef at Mitsitam Native Foods Café at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and James Beard Award-winning author James O. Fraioli, New Native Kitchen is a celebration of Indigenous cuisine. Accompanied by original artwork by Gabriella Trujillo and offering delicious dishes like Cherrystone Clam Soup from the Northeastern Wampanoag and Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin from the Pueblo peoples, Bitsoie showcases the variety of flavor and culinary history on offer from coast to coast, providing modern interpretations of 100 recipes that have long fed this country.”
(An excerpt from the publisher)
Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene
“An accessible and educational illustrated book profiling 50 notable American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people, from NBA star Kyrie Irving of the Standing Rock Lakota to Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. An American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Young Adult Honor Book!”
(An excerpt from Overdrive)
We Had a Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff
“It was one of the most reliable jokes in Charlie Hill’s stand-up routine: “My people are from Wisconsin. We used to be from New York. We had a little real estate problem.” In We Had a Little Real Estate Problem”, acclaimed comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff focuses on one of comedy’s most significant and little-known stories: how, despite having been denied representation in the entertainment industry, Native Americans have influenced and advanced the art form.”
(An excerpt from Overdrive)
Up Heartbreak Hill by Erica Scharf
“Up Heartbreak Hill chronicles the lives of three Native American teenagers in Navajo, New Mexico-Thomas, an elite runner; Tamara an academic superstar; and Gabby, an aspiring photographer-as they navigate their senior year at a reservation high school. As graduation nears, they must decide whether or not to stay in their community-a place inextricably woven into their beings-or leave in pursuit of opportunities.”
(An excerpt from Kanopy)
