Much like with any indigenous group, Native Americans have a rich culture that isn’t defined by only one perspective. Different tribes have different views, beliefs, and practices that change the overall feel of their literature.
Native American authors still face an uphill battle as they combat misinformation, commercialization, and stereotyping of their culture. Thankfully, due to shifting social and political climates, they are reaching a far larger audience than ever before.
Books By Native American Authors
Here are some books by Native American authors that capture their unique cultures, traditions, and histories. Some are from emerging voices while others are from authors already considered titans in their corners of literature.
1. House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday
A young, Native American comes home after World War 2 only to find himself caught in a different kind of war. Two worlds pull at him—one holds fast to his father’s ancient rites and traditions, while the other embraces modernity and industrialism.
2. Probably Ruby by Lisa Bird-Wilson
Ruby is a woman in search of herself. Given up for adoption to a white couple as a child, she was raised with little to no understanding of her indigenous heritage. It’s the great mystery that’s always shadowed her life and one she’s eager to solve as she explores her family, race, and history.
3. Perma Red by Debra Magpie Earling
Louise White Elk is a beautiful native girl coming into adulthood. As a mixed-blood living on the Flathead Indian Reservation, she lives a paradoxical existence of craving acceptance and dreaming of escape.
And as she transitions to a woman, she hopes to forge her own path and create a better future for her family. Sadly, that hope only lies in the men who pursue her, whose wills threaten to overpower hers.
4. There There by Tommy Orange
Twelve multigenerational native americans orbit around each other’s lives in urban Oakland, CA. All are traveling towards the big Powwow and all are connected in ways they have yet to realize.
As they deal with the prejudices that being a member of a minority, they must also reconcile with their identities and ponder upon their painful, rich, and complex cultural inheritance.
5. Shell Shaker by LeAnne Howe
Two murders rock the Choctaw community, centuries apart. Both victims are Choctaw chiefs—the first, Red Shoes, is assassinated by his own people. The other, Redford McAlester, is believed to have been killed by Auda Billy, his own assistant chief.
Moving between each time period, history traces the lives of the Billy women as they solve both murders with the help of a powerful spirit known as Shell Shaker.
6. Sundown by John Joseph Mathews
Named by his father to be “a challenge to the disinheritors of his people,” Challenge Windzer finds it hard to fulfill his destiny. As a mixed-blood, he struggles to find his place among the Osage tribe and white society.
Worse still is the discovery of oil in Osage land. Black gold destroys their peace, attracting criminals to their land, and disrupting the tribe’s connection to their own home.
7. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
Four Blackfeet youths witness a disturbing event that will mark their adult lives. Now grown, the traditions and beliefs they left behind suddenly come to the fore as they’re stalked by an entity bent on vengeance.
8. The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
Years have passed and an act of murder and racism still haunts the townsfolk of Pluto. Evelina Harp—part native, part white—hears much of the town’s history from her grandfather.
However, these tales leave her with more questions than answers, especially when her grandfather is clearly hiding a few things. And so goes a journey to reveal the truth of Pluto’s violent past.
9. Winter in the Blood by James Welch
Set on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, a young Native American man goes on a journey to piece together his fragmented identity. But the road is long and made harsh by unresolved trauma, the loss of his heritage, and a never-ending cycle of alcoholism and self-destructive behavior.
10. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine’s fresh start at college is derailed by her uncle’s untimely death. The lone bright spot is falling in love with Jamie, the newest recruit to her brother’s hockey team.
Her life further cracks apart as she witnesses a murder that throws her deep into an FBI investigation. Using her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe medicine, she roots out the corruption in her community—exposing old secrets in the process.
Reading Indigenous Authors
Native American culture isn’t a monolith. There’s plenty to learn from each tribe, from the way they see things to the way they experience life.
By reading indigenous authors, you gain access to a diverse range of stories and cultural insights that are rarely touched upon by mainstream literature. It allows you to unlearn stereotypes and appreciate a life lead differently from yours.
And while literature has yet to put the spotlight on these authors, their voices are strong and firm. You can immerse yourself in the unique perspectives they write from, the narrative techniques they employ, and the blend of creativity they bring to the table.
What book by a Native American author did you enjoy? Share it in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
