Other books to read by Indigenous authors?

[Sara]

Hi everyone!

Please share any recommendations you have for novels written by Indigenous authors. I have read all of these and loved them with the exception of Elatsoe — am currently still reading this one and am going to pick it back up in the fall/winter!

But, I will say, “The Inconvenient Indian” has been incredibly informative. It is nonfiction but do not let that steer you away — there is a lot of humour and satire as well.

I will share just a couple to get the discussion started:

The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King

“The Inconvenient Indian is at once a “history” and the complete subversion of a history—in short, a critical and personal meditation that the remarkable Thomas King has conducted over the past 50 years about what it means to be “Indian” in North America.”
Nonfiction, History, Cultural

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

“Imagine an America very similar to our own. It's got homework, best friends, and pistachio ice cream.

There are some differences. This America has been shaped dramatically by the magic, monsters, knowledge, and legends of its peoples, those Indigenous and those not. Some of these forces are charmingly everyday, like the ability to make an orb of light appear or travel across the world through rings of fungi. But other forces are less charming and should never see the light of day. ”
Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery

A Mind Spread Out On the Ground by Alicia Elliott

“A bold and profound meditation on trauma, legacy, oppression and racism in North America from award-winning Haudenosaunee writer Alicia Elliott.”
Nonfiction, Cultural, Race, Feminism

Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson

“With striking originality and precision, Eden Robinson, the Giller-shortlisted author of the classic Monkey Beach and winner of the Writers Trust Engel/Findley Award, blends humour with heartbreak in this compelling coming-of-age novel. Everyday teen existence meets indigenous beliefs, crazy family dynamics, and cannibalistic river otter . . . The exciting first novel in her trickster trilogy.”
Fiction, Fantasy, Cultural, YA, Magical Realism

[Kelli]

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Intense and powerful dystopian YA
.
.
.
These are aimed at younger crowds (mostly middle years):


The Barren Grounds by David A Robertson
"Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle grade fantasy series"


I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
"Inspired by her family’s history—Christine Day tells the story of a girl who uncovers her family’s secrets—and finds her own Native American identity."


The Sea in Winter by Christine Day
A young girl mourns her ballet injury while on a family trip to the Olympic Peninsula.

[Sara]

Kelli wrote: "
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Intense and powerful dystopian YA
.
.
.
These are aimed at younger crowds (mostly middle years):

[bookcover:The Barren..."

These all sound so good, Kelli! I’m definitely going to make my way through your list. You always have such amazing recommendations!
But I am hoping to start with The Barren Grounds and have put it on hold at the library!

[Bridget]

I enjoyed both Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot and Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. After reading firekeeper’s daughter, I’ve also been interested to find books about little people and other indigenous folklore, if anybody has recommendations for that.

[Bridget]

I’ve heard good things about The Inconvenient Indian and it’s good to know that it’s informative but not dry!

[Kelli]

Bridget wrote: "I enjoyed both Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot and Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. After reading firekeeper’s daughter, I’ve also been interested to find books about little people and ot..."

I don't know of any specific books, but there are tales of Little People in Hawai'i! They are called the Menehune, in case you want to look more into them and their stories.

[Kelli]

Bridget wrote: "I’ve heard good things about The Inconvenient Indian and it’s good to know that it’s informative but not dry!"

I've been meaning to read that one for ages! I need to get my hands on a copy!

[Sara]

It’s so good!!