Indigenous Stories for Middle-Grade Readers | Calgary Public Library

by Joe, Rita

Book - 2019

Rita Joe's influential poem, first published in 1978, is retold with striking illustrations in this powerful picture book. This book, along with its compa...Show more Rita Joe's influential poem, first published in 1978, is retold with striking illustrations in this powerful picture book. This book, along with its companion title, "I'm Finding My Talk" by Rebecca Thomas, is a necessary reminder of a dark chapter in Canada's history and is recommended for readers of all ages. Show less

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Intertribal Stories for Kids

by Smith, Cynthia Leitich

Book - 2021

This beautiful collection of short stories features 17 Indigenous authors set within the framework of an intertribal powwow. Each story focuses on a diffe...Show more This beautiful collection of short stories features 17 Indigenous authors set within the framework of an intertribal powwow. Each story focuses on a different character and their experience at the powwow, with themes ranging from solemn to silly. With a diverse cast of characters and writing styles, every reader will find something to connect with. Ages 8-12. Show less

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Forever Birchwood

by Daniel, Danielle

Book - 2022

Wolf's favourite place on earth is Birchwood, the secret treehouse she shares with her three best friends. When Wolf learns that she is the great-granddau...Show more Wolf's favourite place on earth is Birchwood, the secret treehouse she shares with her three best friends. When Wolf learns that she is the great-granddaughter of a tree talker, she knows she is destined to protect the trees and wildlife she loves so much. This story of environmental urgency may break your heart but will mend it once more with remarkable tenderness and hope. Ages 8-12. Show less

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Weird Rules to Follow

by Spencer, Kim

Book - 2022

Set in the 1980s, this middle-grade novel is based on the author's experience growing up in Northern British Columbia. Told in a series of beautiful and n...Show more Set in the 1980s, this middle-grade novel is based on the author's experience growing up in Northern British Columbia. Told in a series of beautiful and nuanced vignettes, this story provides a rich portrait of eleven-year-old Mia's life as she deals with the impact of class, culture and racism on her and her family. Ages 8-12. Show less

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The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls

by Bird, James

Book - 2022

When thirteen-year-old Ben is caught shoplifting, he is sent to spend time with his father and stepfamily on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation while at...Show more When thirteen-year-old Ben is caught shoplifting, he is sent to spend time with his father and stepfamily on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation while attending an Ojibwe "boot camp" led by the chief's twelve-year-old daughter. This snappy and uplifting narrative demonstrates the transformative power of returning to one's roots. Ages 10-14. Show less

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Rez Dogs

by Bruchac, Joseph

Book - 2021

A young Penacook girl named Malian visits her grandparents living in lockdown on the Webanaki reservation in the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic. W...Show more A young Penacook girl named Malian visits her grandparents living in lockdown on the Webanaki reservation in the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic. While getting accustomed to her new environment, Malian meets a dog, who becomes her friend and protector. Author, Joseph Burchac, of Abenaki descent, creates a book in verse that illustrates the courage and resilience of Indigenous people when facing plagues of the past and future. Ages 9-12. Show less

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Sky Wolf's Call

The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge

by Yellowhorn, Eldon

Book - 2022

Co-authored by Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn, a member of Piikani Nation, and Kathy Lowinger, this collection includes a rich mix of traditional stories, biographi...Show more Co-authored by Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn, a member of Piikani Nation, and Kathy Lowinger, this collection includes a rich mix of traditional stories, biographies, beautiful photography and artwork. Braiding together the ideas and knowledge from many distinct communities, including historical events, celebrations and ceremonies, this book demonstrates how we are all connected and always learning. Ages 11 and up. Show less

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The Case of the Rigged Race

by Hutchinson, Michael

Book - 2022

The Mighty Muskrats are four Cree cousins living in Windy Lake First Nation who solve mysteries together. They are excited about hosting an annual festiva...Show more The Mighty Muskrats are four Cree cousins living in Windy Lake First Nation who solve mysteries together. They are excited about hosting an annual festival with sled dog races in this fourth book of the series. When the lead dog of the teen race is involved in an accident, the four sleuths set out to discover who could have wanted to rig the race. Could it be the college students protesting about animal rights? Or one of the shadowy figures seen lurking by the trail. Ages 9-12. Show less

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The Raven Mother

by Huson, Brett D.

Book - 2022

The lives of the Gitxsan people and the raven are interconnected. Readers will follow Nox Gaak, the raven mother, as she teaches her chicks the skills the...Show more The lives of the Gitxsan people and the raven are interconnected. Readers will follow Nox Gaak, the raven mother, as she teaches her chicks the skills they need to survive. With a compelling narrative and striking illustrations, this book is a beautiful exploration of how science, nature and culture come together through the lives of ravens. Ages 9-12. Show less

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Go Show the World

A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes

by Kinew, Wab

Book - 2018

Author, Wab Kinew, is from the Onigaming First Nation. His colourful non-fiction book names and celebrates notable indigenous individuals and their achiev...Show more Author, Wab Kinew, is from the Onigaming First Nation. His colourful non-fiction book names and celebrates notable indigenous individuals and their achievements through lyrical prose. (The back matter of the book also provides biographies of the individuals mentioned). Ages 5-10. Show less

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Rabbit Chase

by LaPensée, Elizabeth

Graphic Novel - 2022

Anishinaabe, Métis, and Irish author Elizabeth LaPensée has created a new twist on the tale of Alice In Wonderland. The main character is a contemporary A...Show more Anishinaabe, Métis, and Irish author Elizabeth LaPensée has created a new twist on the tale of Alice In Wonderland. The main character is a contemporary Anishinaabe middle-schooler named Aimee, who identifies as non-binary. After getting separated from school classmates on a field trip, Aimee has to go on a journey to find their way back. Will Aimee succeed? Read to find out! Ages 9-12. Show less

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