Contemporary Aboriginal Identities Books, Fiction

April Raintree

By Beatrice Culleton Mosionier, 1992. This story follows the lives of two Metis sisters living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It raises themes of identity, family, and native ancestry. Mature subject matter.

Morning on the Lake

By Jan Bourdeau Waboose, 1997. A story about the relationship between a boy and his grandfather, and the lessons about the world that the boy learns through his grandfather’s guidance.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message

By Jake Swamp, Erwin Printup, 1995. This book has been adapted for children by a Mohawk chief. The words in the book originated with First Nations people of upstate New York and Canada, and are based on the belief that the natural world is a precious one and rare gift that should be cherished.

When the Shadbush Bloom

By Carla Messinger and Susan Katz, 2007. An illustrated storybook about the past and present cultural experiences of two Aboriginal girls. Appropriate for young students.