Joseph Bruchac

Before he became known as Sitting Bull, a Lakota boy was called Slow. The name stung, especially for a child who longed to prove himself brave and worthy like his father. But Slow’s careful way of watching, thinking, and waiting was not weakness. It was part of who he was becoming. This true story follows his boyhood as he learns courage, patience, and leadership within his Lakota community. Through moments of challenge and danger, you see how a quiet, deliberate child grows toward the name history remembers. Joseph Bruchac’s respectful picture-book biography offers young readers a powerful introduction to Sitting Bull, Native American history, and the idea that strength can take many forms.

Danny Bigtree misses the Mohawk reservation where he used to live. In Brooklyn, school feels lonely, and some kids tease him with hurtful stereotypes about being Native American. Danny is proud of who he is, but finding the words and courage to stand up for himself is not easy. At home, his family helps him remember the strength of Mohawk history and the value of speaking with dignity. Those stories give Danny a way to face school, classmates, and his own homesickness. Eagle Song is a short, thoughtful chapter book about moving, identity, bullying, and the everyday bravery it can take to be yourself.

Squanto’s story began long before the harvest feast many people remember. Captured in 1614 and taken across the ocean, he survived enslavement in Spain before finding his way back to his homeland. When English settlers arrived at Plymouth, Squanto used his knowledge, language skills, and experience to help two very different peoples communicate. This picture-book biography presents the First Thanksgiving through Squanto’s life, showing the hardship, courage, and complicated history behind a familiar event. Young readers meet him not simply as a helper to the Pilgrims, but as a person with his own journey, losses, and choices. Clear and respectful, Squanto’s Journey is a strong introduction to early American history for children.

Chester Nez was told his Navajo language and culture did not matter. At boarding school, he was pushed to leave his roots behind. Chester did not forget. Years later, during World War II, the very language he had been told to give up became part of a secret military code the enemy could not break. This picture-book biography follows Chester from childhood to his service as one of the original Navajo Code Talkers. It shows how language, memory, and identity became sources of strength at a time when the world was at war. Powerful and accessible, this true story introduces young readers to Native American history, World War II, and a hero whose courage began with holding on to who he was.

Look up into the night sky, and Sky Bear is watching. From high above the earth, the great bear sees rivers, mountains, animals, people, darkness, and light in ways that invite wonder. This collection brings together twelve Native American poems and stories of the land, drawing from different North American traditions. Each piece reflects a deep connection to the natural world and asks readers to notice the earth with care and respect. With a quiet, lyrical tone, The Earth Under Sky Bear’s Feet is a thoughtful picture book for children who enjoy poetry, nature, and stories that make the world feel wide, alive, and beautifully connected.

Curly is still young when he begins to show the courage and determination that will one day make him known as Crazy Horse. He can tame horses, face danger, and think of his people before himself. But bravery becomes more complicated when violence and loss threaten the Lakota community he loves. After a terrible conflict, Curly makes a daring choice: he goes alone to seek a vision, hoping to understand how he can help protect his people. His journey is both physical and spiritual, shaped by responsibility, tradition, and the future he cannot yet see. This powerful picture-book biography introduces young readers to the boyhood of Crazy Horse with respect, drama, and striking historical detail.

A small quarrel changes the world in this gentle Cherokee story. After the first man and first woman argue, the woman walks away, and the man follows with regret in his heart. The Sun sees their sadness and tries to help by placing beautiful gifts along the woman’s path. At last, bright red strawberries grow from the earth, sweet and shining. Their beauty invites the woman to pause and remember love, kindness, and the joy of sharing. Simple, graceful, and warmly told, The First Strawberries is a picture-book retelling about forgiveness, nature, and how a beloved fruit came to be.

Big Bear is sure he can do anything, even stop the sun from rising. Brown Squirrel is much smaller, but he is bold enough to challenge him. When morning comes and the sun rises anyway, Squirrel cannot resist teasing Bear. That teasing brings trouble. In this lively tale, bragging and mockery both have consequences, and Brown Squirrel learns a lesson that leaves a mark. Bright, energetic, and fun to read aloud, How Chipmunk Got His Stripes is a traditional-style animal story that helps children think about pride, kindness, and the words they choose.

Turtle wakes from winter sleep ready to return to her pond, but Beaver has moved in and decided the whole place belongs to him. Turtle offers to share. Beaver refuses. Instead, he challenges her to a swimming race, certain his strong tail will make him the winner. Turtle may be small, but she is not helpless. With quick thinking and a calm mind, she finds a way to meet Beaver’s challenge on her own terms. Lively, funny, and easy to follow, this traditional Seneca story celebrates clever problem solving while gently showing why fairness and sharing matter.

Step up to the plate, hit the court, and race to the finish line with this ultimate collection of athletic adventures. Curated by Jon Scieszka, this action-packed anthology brings together ten thrilling short stories written by some of the biggest names in children's literature, including Gordon Korman, Jacqueline Woodson, and Dan Gutman. Whether you are a die-hard fan of baseball, basketball, football, or even mixed martial arts, there is a story here to get your heart pounding. Experience the intense pressure of a tie game, the rush of scoring the winning goal, and the quiet determination it takes to push past your own limits. Each unique tale captures the highs and lows of competition, the power of teamwork, and the sheer joy of playing the game. Perfect for young athletes and sports enthusiasts, these fast-paced stories deliver all the sweat, strategy, and triumph of a championship match. Grab your gear and dive into a book where every page is a winning play.