Native American Stories for Kids: 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes across North America

by Tom Pecore Weso

Explore Native American narratives—for kids ages 6 to 9

Native Americans have a long tradition of storytelling. Now, you can easily introduce your children to these rich cultures with a compilation of powerful tales from multiple tribes like the Cheyenne and the Lenape.

What sets this book apart from other Native American books for

Spark excitement in Native American history and culture with enchanting stories from tribes across the continent.

Genres: Native American, Short Stories, History, Childrens, Mythology, Nonfiction, Indigenous

96 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Shirleynature · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Tom Weso is Menominee. These are origin stories for 12 Indigenous groups with roots on the North American continent. This 85-page book is geared toward ages 6 to 9, but even adults can discover cultural insights with at least 1 reference for each story, a glossary, and a section of resources to learn more about each specific group.

I believe the publisher Rockridge Press has created a series of children's books of Native American cultural knowledge.

Jimmy Beason (Osage) is another author from Lawrence, Kansas who has written the book Native Americans in History.

[Desiree Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Easy read for a nice mental break. Gives you a different perspective on the world around you.

[Cortney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little intro to indigenous stories for kids. I read these aloud to my 6 year old who was so engaged and curious. He loved the stories and they led to some great questions. I loved reading this to him. Definitely recommend as an entry point for kids.

[DeniseLow DeniseLow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitch-perfect stories for kids based on authentic sources by an enrolled Indigenous person.

[Kristina J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Native American Stories for Kids 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across America by Tom Pecore Weso contains 12 traditional tales from various Native American tribes such as the Cheyenne and the Lenape that explains the natural phenomena and important moral lessons rooted in Indigenous culture. (ChaptGPT, February 25,2025)

Commentary:
Native American Stories for Kids 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across America by Tom Pecore Weso has been an informative read about Native American tales. Each story that I read, I learned something new about the Native Americans and their up-comings/ beliefs. Many of the tales I was unaware of their morals, customs, and beliefs, that being said it was a learning opportunity for me. The major theme of this book is celebration and preservation of Native American heritage (ChaptGPT, 2025). Another thing that I enjoyed about this book were the colorful yet informative illustrations before each chapter. Felix’s feature for using vibrant colors, clear lines, and culturally authentic motifs (ChaptGPT, 2025) really brings the tales to life and as a reader we can visualize what the tale is about.

Application:
For my classroom, I would use this book in different ways. Some of those ways are by teacher read-aloud in which I can read the stories to the class and discuss the tales. Another way would be by assigning groups and the 12 tales for each group to read and research on that tale, then have the groups present in class on their thoughts and findings. This book appeals to “ approximately 6 to 9 years old” (ChaptGPT, 2025), but I think it will be more suitable for older elementary students, below 2nd grade I think they will not be focus on the tales and their meanings.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A nice collection of stories from tribal nations throughout North America. The stories cover different topics from creation to explaining nature to codes of conduct. Groups included are the Menominee, Navajo/Diné, Athabascan, Cherokee, Zuni Pueblo/A:shiwi, Cheyenne, Paiute, Nez Perce/Nimíipuu, Miwok, Haida, Lakota, and Delaware/Lenape.

The stories are well told. After each story is a bit more information on the tribal nation it originated from such as where they are located, cultural practices in the past and today, and the number of tribal members. I especially enjoyed the blend of historical and present-day information given for each tribal nation.

The artwork is absolutely stunning. Each story is paired with a full-color illustration that helps bring the story to life.

At the back is a glossary of terms bolded throughout the text, additional information about each tribal nation with further resources, and a short list of references.

A great read overall.

[Katie Storer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m nearly 70 and I found this book absolutely delightful. So many memories of my own questions about the natural world were recalled with these stories. No, we didn’t have the same stories, but they fit the feeling of looking up into the sky with wonder at The North Star.

We also get the learn about the various Native American tribes throughout North America. We also learn the numbers of “registered” Native Americans still living across the continent.

Every story in the book is gentle and full of wonder. However, I was alarmed by how small some of these tribes are in the present day. But I’m an old lady. These numbers probably sound HUGE to our little ones who see nature as a wondrous thing.

I wish you great joy in reading these tales with, or without, your loved ones. Each story brought back my toddler’s memories of the blessings all around us. Do yourself a favor, read this book.

Highly recommend.

[Rick Hribko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a collection of non-fiction traditional stories with information about each region of people embedded in text after the story. It also provided a glossary of Native American terms. But most impressive, was the collection of additional resources at the end of the book where students can look up videos, websites, and additional stories from the 12 regions that were highlighted in this book. While the grade band was recommended for ages 6-9/grades 1-4, I thought the stories were a bit difficult to read for the younger elementary grades with some content that I thought was a little mature for younger elementary students such as elements of death in regards to children and animals. However,this would make a great resource to differentiate for students who are not at grade level for upper grades as well.

[D. Nelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Pecore Weso, a member of the Menominee tribe, compiled short stories from different indigenous tribes across North America for this children's book. Perhaps my favorite things about this book, other than the stories, are the short descriptions and highlights of the tribes the stories originated from. This gives readers a look into the many different cultures that are the indigenous tribes across the North America continent. Another aspect of this book I liked was the simple but accurate map of where each tribe's ancestral land originated from, and the glossary of terms in the back.
I would recommend this book for grades 2-8.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars I guess I am not smart enough or not imaginative enough but I didn't really get into this book. I just thought the stores were weird. That isn't to say they are bad, just not my taste. I might need someone to explain these stories. I think the Rabbit one is the only one I understood.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource on Native stories for kids and adults alike. The author shares stories from 12 tribes in different geographic areas, and follows each story with information about the tribe. Extra resources are available in the back, such as a glossary and links to delve deeper into tribal stories and histories.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and interesting collection of Native mythology for kids, although it sadly didn’t contain the story I am looking for. I loved how it included an informational section at the end of each story about the history of the tribe it originated from as well as a little bit about where the tribe is now.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this for my 8yo; she said she didn’t want it. I started reading it and - lo and behold! - she became interested. We read the last several stories together and she kept asking for more. She even clapped after the last story! Based on our experience, the stories hit perfectly for the targeted age group.

[Meredith Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for kids with explanations, pictures, a glossary, a map, and plenty of room for further questions. Its a good collection of stories and tribes from different regions of the united states and with different themes (from respect to Creation).

[Giulia]

Short, sweet, and interesting read

[Sara Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for our study of indigenous people of North America. The stories were short enough we could read 2 in a sitting, and I loved the layout of information along with the corresponding map.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are so many Native American stories, but the author chose to tell ones that were not very exciting for kids. Most of these, the way they are worded, will go over even an older child's head.

[Travelmaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories and great information about a variety of indigenous tribes in North America. Includes glossary and additional information. Great book for a classroom or library.

[Sadie Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this cute little book to my son. Hes only 15 months so really I read it more for me. I did like how a brief history of the tribes was included after every story!

[Katelyn Bonaccorsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for kids! Using it for the kids at summer camp and I like that it tells stories from a variety of indigenous tribes across America.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of stories from various Native American tribes around the US. The stories are written to be accessible to children but also worked for me to read aloud. Nice illustrations.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

i felt like the stories were too abbreviated.

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting what the stories say about the tribes. I still am interested in reading more.

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the "about this story" sections and the glossary

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read one story a night to my son before bed. He loved it! The stories are very accessible for a younger or beginner audience. I loved the resources at the back.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2023 Task #9: Read an independently published book by a BIPOC author; Task #14: Read a book with under 500 Goodreads ratings; & Task #21: Read a book of short stories.

[Nikki Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I truly enjoyed this book. The stories are perfectly written for kids, but what impressed me even more was the information at the end of each story talking about the tribe the story came from. The glossary and information in the back of the book was helpful too. I highly recommend this for kids as well as adults.