November is Native American Heritage Month. Good timing, because Thanksgiving draws attention to Indigenous people, but often not in accurate, authentic or respectful ways. A construction paper headband with feathers glued on just doesn’t cut it, even in first grade.

A batch of new books counter old stereotypes. In both fiction and nonfiction and for all ages, the books present fully realized characters, not caricatures; rely on facts, not distortions; specify tribal affiliation instead of generalizing; focus on contemporary life, not just the past; and come to us from Indigenous authors and illustrators.

Native American kids deserve to see themselves represented in print, and these books are affirming mirrors. For everyone else, these books are necessary windows into the lives of Native American people all around us. Here is a sampling of the year’s best.

I Sang You Down From the Stars
Written by Tasha Spillett-Sumner; illustrated by Michaela Goade
(Little, Brown; 32 pages; $18.99; ages 4-8)

In Inniniwak tradition, a mother-to-be prepares a “sacred medicine bundle” that, after giving birth, she explains to her own “baby bundle.” The blanket is for closeness, the plume for beauty, the cedar and sage for strong spirit, and the river stone to remember “you belong to this place.” Therein lies the essence of this gentle picture book. It reads like a lullaby and looks like a dream. Created by the 2021 Caldecott medalist, softly luminescent watercolors focus on the wooded landscape, starlit sky and mother-child bond. According to the author’s note, her tender story is based on the traditional understanding of many Indigenous peoples that babies choose their parents. Thus, from a Cree-Trinidadian author and Tlingit-Haida illustrator emerges a particular expression of universal experience: the anticipation and celebration of new life within a cherished heritage.

Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman
Written by Sharice Davids with Nancy K. Mays; illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
(HarperCollins; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8)

“每个人的路径——更多的障碍than others. … Let me tell you a little bit about mine.” Thus begins this engaging autobiography about one of the first Native American women in Congress and the first lesbian representative from Kansas. Culturally authentic art from an Ojibwe illustrator amplifies Davids’ conversational style. Daughter of a single mom and raised as an Army brat, she talks too much in school, practices martial arts, works her way through college and beyond, becomes a lawyer, connects with her roots, and serves as a White House fellow. Speaking to kids, she also offers advice: Accept challenges, work hard, listen to people, and use your voice to fight for your beliefs. As the title suggests, in Congress and in this spirited telling, Davids fully embraces a personal interpretation of her Ho-Chunk Nation’s name — People of the Big Voice.

We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
Written by Traci Sorell; illustrated by Frané Lessac
(Charlesbridge; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 7-10)

It’s Indigenous People’s Day with families flocking to celebrate at Native Nations Community School. That upbeat scene opens this thought-provoking, thematic survey of Native American experiences from the late 19th century to today. Students have researched 12 consequential topics ranging from relocation to self-determination, forced assimilation to language revival, economic development to religious freedom. Supported by flat, folkloric art, their displayed poster board reports include an intro, bullet points and the refrain “We are still here.” That is, of course, the point of this illuminating informational book about how Native Americans and their cultures have endured despite U.S. governmental deceit and discrimination. Author Traci Sorrell of the Cherokee Nation adds an essential dimension to our understanding of America — past, present and future.

Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend
Written by Dawn Quigley; illustrated by Tara Audibert
(Heartdrum/HarperCollins; 80 pages; $15.99; ages 6-10)

How about a beginning chapter book with pizzazz? (They can be pretty bland.) In eight quick chapters, a lively first-grader recounts her many misadventures and misunderstandings at home and at school as she tries to figure out friendship, cat care, classroom instructions and cultural dissonance. She is Ojibwe and proud. Teacher is white and well-meaning. They don’t always connect, even over math. Here’s an example. There are five people and four bananas. How many people don’t get one? Jo Jo’s answer: “We all share.” She thereby underscores a cultural emphasis on community. She also underscores the resilience of her ancient culture in the modern world, often popping in Ojibwe words. Friendship issues are familiar: finding, keeping and sharing a best friend. Never easy. In this new series, cartoonish art amplifies the endearing humor of Jo Jo’s good intentions, sometimes gone awry. (Note: Heartdrum is “a new imprint that highlights the voices of Native creators.”)

Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition)
By Anton Treuer
(Levine Querido; 272 pages; $18.99; young adult)

Why the fuss about non-Native people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween? And what about Columbus, Pocahontas, Geronimo, genocide, reservations, the DakotaAccess pipeline, mascots, COVID-19 and casinos? Updated from a 2012 publication and geared toward a younger audience, this wide-ranging compendium of provocative questions and satisfying answers is well organized around history, culture, politics, activism, identity, the future and more. Perfect for browsing or a deep dive. As a professor of Ojibwe heritage, Anton Treuer offers a disclaimer: “I cannot speak for all Indians.” Instead, he shares his own opinions based on evidence and experience. His goal is to challenge old stereotypes and change how Native Americans are seen and see themselves. Treuer asserts that “Indians are often imagined but so infrequently well understood.” From a new imprint dedicated to publishing previously underrepresented voices, his most essential book succeeds in promoting better understanding for everyone.

Firekeeper’s Daughter
By Angeline Boulley
(Henry Holt/Macmillan; 320 pages; $18.99; young adult)

Meth, rape and dead bodies figure into this thriller about an FBI sting operation that unfolds in an ice-hockey-crazed Michigan town and neighboring rez on the U.S.-Canada border. Recruited to help is Daunis, a smart college freshman. Her comfort with both Native ways and scientific thinking make her ideal for the job. A charming but conflicted narrator, she is the daughter of a white teen mother and an Ojibwe father, long ago dead. Populated by a sprawling cast, the plot unfolds with violent twists and turns set against ever-present dilemmas. Is Daunis just helping the authorities or her Native American community too? What about her lies as an informant? How can she balance the pulls of family life and her future? And what about being biracial? “No one ever sees the whole of me,” she declares. Covering the good and the bad, details of Native American life are richly integrated — many made familiar to me after having read the Anton Treuer book. (See above.) This ambitious debut novel by a Chippewa author checks all the boxes, finally moving Daunis from confusion and grief to clarity and a path forward.