Get ready to add some books to that TBR stack. Ahead of Native American Heritage Month, we spoke with staff on our Indigenous team at the library about what they’re reading. You’ll want to take note.
Recommendations from Sharon
Sharon, Hunkpapa/Standing Rock, is a library assistant and also works on outreach with the Indigenous Team in the Portland area. As an avid sci-fi reader, they are tip-toe-ing toward the horror genre, but very carefully.
Recommendation for adults: The Ones Who Got Away by Stephen Graham Jones, Blackfeet
For those who read Never Whistle at Night and it inspired you to read more "medium to light" horror, this is a great option with 13 short stories.
Recommendation for teens: The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon, Seminole
Travel along with two teens and a baby as they navigate through a post-apocalyptic Appalachia landscape in search of Indigenous roots and understanding their place in the world.
Recommendation for kids: Mama Sasquatch by Eva Swift, Ditidaht First Nation
This book is written and illustrated by an author with personal experience with Sasquatch. It is a delightful read that will warm the coldest soul on a chilly winter day.
Recommendations from Ekatrina
Ekatrina, Yup'ik from the Organized Village of Kwethluk (Kuiggluk), is an Indigenous youth librarian in East County.
Recommendation for adults: Feeding 7 Generations: A Salish Cookbook by Elise Krohn and Valerie Segrest, Muckleshoot; artwork by Roger Fernandes, Lower Elwha S’Klallam, and Joe Seymour Jr., Salish
Recommendation for teens: Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest grades 6 to 12 booklist
This collection of 32 titles for students in grades 6 to 12 provides a snapshot of some of the history, art, issues and living memory of multiple Tribal Nations of the Pacific Northwest. It’s also available as a Bucket of Books.
Recommendations for kids:
- Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint?, written by Tyna Legault Taylor, Attawapiskat First Nation, illustrated by Michelle Dao
- Let's Go! A Harvest Story, written by Hannah Lindoff, illustrated by Michaela Goade, Tlingit & Haida
- I Love Salmon and Lampreys, written by Brook M. Thompson, Yurok and Karuk, illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska.
- Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest grades 3 to 5 booklist
This collection of 28 titles for students in grades 3 to 5 provides a snapshot of some of the history, art, issues and living memory of multiple tribal nations of the Pacific Northwest, and is available as a Bucket of Books.
Recommendation from Melanie
Melanie, Diné Nation, is a library assistant. She's into cats, spooky stuff and making flashy book displays.
Recommendation for adults: Nedí Nezų: Good Medine Poems by Tenille K. Campbell, Dene/Métis
An ode to the snagging Auntie and all that it encompasses i.e. love, lust, humor, heartbreak, questioning, educating, romanticizing, longing and understanding.
Recommendation for kids: My Little Ogichidaa by Willie Poll, Métis
An ode to Indigenous motherhood and little warrior babies, this book is like being wrapped in a warm, loving blanket.
We hope you enjoy these fantastic recommendations from the Indigenous team. As you dive in, you may discover a new favorite, learn something new, or find something that stays with you long after the month has passed.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2025 with staff picks for adults, from the Multcolib Indigenous Team
Books and resources for adults, picked by Indigenous Team staff members to highlight during Native American Heritage Month 2025!
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2025 with staff picks for kids and teens, from the Multcolib Indigenous Team
Books and resources for kids and teens, picked by Indigenous Team staff members to highlight during Native American Heritage Month 2025!
