American Indian Youth Literature Award
American Indian Youth Literature Award references 27 books assigned across applicable K-12 grade levels in US schools. The American Indian Youth Literature Award is presented by the American Indian Library Association to the best writing and illustration by and about Native peoples, in Picture Book, Middle Grade, and Young Adult categories. The award is a key resource for teachers and librarians seeking accurate, Native-authored books for K-12 classrooms and collections.
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27 books referenced
- A Coyote Solstice TaleThomas King
- A Letter for BobKim Rogers
- AppleEric Gansworth
- Bowwow PowwowBrenda J. Child
- Crossing Bok ChittoTim Tingle
- Danny Blackgoat, Navajo Prisoner [Dyslexic Edition]Tim Tingle
- Eagle DrumsNASUGRAQ RAINEY. HOPSON
- Forever CousinsLaurel Goodluck
- Fry BreadKevin Noble Maillard
- Healer of the Water MonsterBrian Young
- Hearts UnbrokenCynthia Leitich Smith
- House of Purple CedarTim Tingle
- How I Became A GhostTim Tingle
- If I Ever Get Out of HereEric Gansworth
- In the Footsteps of Crazy HorseJoseph Marshall
- Indian No MoreCharlene Willing
- Jordin TootooMelanie Florence
- Little You / kiya kâ-apisîsisiyanRichard Van Camp
- Rez BallByron Graves
- Sitting BullS.D. Nelson
- Surviving the CityTasha Spillett
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time IndianSherman Alexie · 600L- The Christmas CoatVirginia Driving Hawk Sneve
- The Game of SilenceLouise Erdrich
- Trail of the Dead (Killer of Enemies #2)Joseph Bruchac
- Warrior Girl UnearthedAngeline Boulley
- We Still BelongChristine Day
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About this curriculum framework
This curriculum is one of dozens of named English Language Arts frameworks tracked across US public-school districts. Frameworks differ in scope (district-level vs state-level vs national), in mandate (required vs recommended vs elective), and in how prescriptive their reading lists are (single fixed text list vs broad reading-pool selection).
The book list below represents titles cited as required, recommended, or commonly assigned within this framework, sourced from the framework's primary documentation (or, where the framework is administered at district level, from public district curriculum pages). Each book's detail page links the specific source document for that citation.
How to use this American Indian Youth Literature Award reading list
The book list above represents titles ReadingList has confirmed as referenced by American Indian Youth Literature Award— either through the framework’s own published documentation, through audited classroom syllabi citing the framework, or through US state and district curriculum guides that map their reading expectations to it. Each book’s detail page links the specific primary source so parents, teachers, and students can verify the citation and locate the official document.
Reading lists evolve. American Indian Youth Literature Award citations on ReadingList are reviewed on a rolling basis as primary sources publish updates. If you teach or learn under this framework and a title on this page is no longer used (or you know of one that should appear), the ReadingList methodology page explains how to submit a correction with a citation.
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Frequently asked questions
What books does American Indian Youth Literature Award include?
27 books are referenced by American Indian Youth Literature Award across applicable K-12 grade levels. Each book page cites the primary source assignment (the official curriculum standard, exemplar list, or syllabus where the title appears).
What grades does American Indian Youth Literature Award cover?
American Indian Youth Literature Award is a reading-program curriculum spanning applicable K-12 grade levels via the standards framework. Browse by grade using the grade-filter links on this page or visit /grade for the full grade index across all curricula.
Where does American Indian Youth Literature Award data come from?
Sourced from published curriculum documents + standards organizations. Cross-referenced with Common Core exemplars at achievethecore.org. Every book page on ReadingList.school cites the standards origin for that assignment.
Is American Indian Youth Literature Award required reading?
American Indian Youth Literature Award provides recommended exemplars + assignments — adoption varies by district and teacher. Always check with your school's English department for the specific required vs recommended list at your grade level.