BOOK GUIDES
Content Standards 8 Tips for Selecting Books About Native Americans
When selecting books about Native Americans, it's important to ensure they are accurate, respectful, and diverse in perspectives. Here are eight tips to guide your selection and ongoing learning. 1. Center Indigenous Voices Seek out books written by Native American authors or co-authored by Indigenous individuals. They offer unique insights and perspectives on their own cultures and experiences. Look into the author's background to see if they have connections to Native American communities or if they are recognized scholars in Indigenous studies. Authenticity and cultural sensitivity are crucial. Learn from Dr. Debbie Reese’s Critical Indigenous Literacies: Selecting and Using Children’s Books about Indigenous Peoples https://educatorinnovator.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/02/LA_CriticalIndigenousLiteracies.pdf 2. Celebrate Tribal Languages Pay attention to how authors incorporate Native American tribal languages into their writing. Select authors that seamlessly weave tribal languages into dialogue or narration, providing readers with an immersive experience in the language and culture. 3. Diversity of Tribal Representations Look for books that represent a diverse range of Native American cultures, tribes, and experiences. Native American communities are incredibly diverse, with distinct languages, traditions, and histories. Look for reviews from Indigenous readers or reputable sources that evaluate the book's accuracy and cultural representation. 4. Teach Native Resiliency and Strength Select books where authors and illustrators teach the resilience of Native Americans by highlighting their strengths, leadership, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of historical and contemporary challenges. Be cautious of books that perpetuate stereotypes or misconceptions about Native Americans. 5. Vetted for Accuracy and Authenticity Choose books that have been vetted for accuracy by Native American scholars, historians, or cultural experts. Authentic portrayal of traditions, beliefs, and historical events is essential. Dr. Debbie Reese’s American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) blog provides critical perspectives and analysis of indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books. AICL Blog https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com 6. Incorporate Fiction and Non-Fiction Consider both fiction and non-fiction books to gain a well-rounded understanding of Native American experiences. Fictional stories can incorporate cultural values and perspectives, while non-fiction provides historical context and factual information. Review Dr. Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza’s Tips for Teachers: Developing Instructional Materials about American Indians https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q9vm1VKmTcML5dFG7StsU8vzKS9EBVmv/view 7. Support Indigenous-Owned Bookstores and Publishers Whenever possible, purchase books from Indigenous-owned bookstores or publishers to support Native American authors and communities directly. 8. Continue Learning and Discussing Remember that selecting books is just the beginning. Engage in ongoing learning and discussion about Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues. Attend cultural events, Native Ways of Knowing webinars and book clubs, listen to Indigenous voices, and remain open to new perspectives.
Page 24
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator