Top Ten Tuesday: Books by Indigenous Authors

By: Leah

Originally posted on Leah’s Books.

This week’s prompt is a thankful freebie, but since I kind of did this on Friday, I wanted to honor Indigenous people in today’s post. November is Native American Heritage Month here in the United States, and while there’s a long way to go to achieve justice, I do think it’s important to learn more about the experiences and history of cultures different from my own. Here’s some books by Indigenous authors that I’ve read and loved:

1. There, There by Tommy Orange — this book tells the stories of various characters traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, and the stories all intertwine in a stunning conclusion.
2. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley — a powerful story where a young biracial girl learns more about her Ashinaabe heritage and is forced to make a difficult decision to protect her people.
3. Five Little Indians by Michelle Good — this one explores the lasting impact that residential schools had on people who were forced to attend them.
4. Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga — a nonfiction book that critically examines the inequality First Nations people face and how it impacts their lives (and deaths).
5. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice — this dystopic and claustrophobic story incorporates Ashinaabe culture and was the kind of thriller that I couldn’t put down until the climactic ending. 
6. Better the Blood by Michael Bennet — this introduced me to Māori culture, and involves a fascinating mystery as well.
7. Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine — the story of an Indigenous Chicana woman and her roots slowly unfolds in this gorgeous historical fiction book, and I strongly recommend the audiobook.
8. Shutter by Ramona Emerson — a mystery with elements of paranormal horror and Navajo beliefs that I couldn’t put down, and the audiobook is narrated beautifully.
9. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse — this fantasy is set in pre-Columbian times and it’s incredible.
10. Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty — a debut collection of short stories that hits hard and depicts life on a reservation in Maine.

What are some books written by and about Indigenous people that you recommend?