Native women have been leaders throughout history. From ballerinas to congresswomen and from tribal leaders to scientists, these strong role models have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. The following picture books and early-reader chapter books offer a glimpse into the strength, courage, tenacity, and fierce compassion embodied by this broad range of people.
“Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior.” By Carole Lindstrom. Illus. by Bridget George. 2023. Roaring Brook. Grades 1–3.
Lindstrom’s profile of Indigenous activist Autumn Peltier describes how Autumn’s grandmother and later Autumn herself advocate for caring for the water. Breathtaking illustrations accompany the lyrical text, offering steps young readers can take to care for their local aquatic habitats and watersheds. While chronicling Peltier’s activism, Lindstrom makes the genuine care behind her work the heartbeat of this story. Expansive back matter invites further learning and includes a list of additional resources.
“Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story.” By S. D. Nelson. Illus. by the author. 2012. Abrams. Grades 2–6.
This picture-book biography weaves together the real history of Buffalo Bird Woman with Nelson’s (Standing Rock Sioux) storytelling of the woman’s childhood. Especially insightful is the inclusion of Buffalo Bird Woman’s own words alongside archival photographs. From her early days to how each season changed her tribe’s lifestyle, her life is chronicled with care alongside breathtaking art. This longer-form picture book is an excellent choice for older elementary students on the border between chapter books and middle-grade biographies.
“Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer.” By Traci Sorell. Illus. by Natasha Donovan. 2021. Lerner/Millbrook. Grades 2–5.
From graduating high school at 16 to working as an aerospace engineer at NASA, Ross blazed a trail for women while living her Cherokee values out loud. She broke barriers and helped pave the path for others by recruiting young women and Native students to study math and science. Stunning illustrations capture the time and settings, while the clear, precise text makes the story approachable. An author’s note, details on Cherokee values, source notes, and a bibliography complete the back matter.
“Peggy Flanagan: Ogimaa Kwe, Lieutenant Governor.” By Jessica Engelking. Illus. by Tashia Hart. 2025. Lerner. Grades 2–4.
Peggy Flanagan is the first Native Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. Engelking (White Earth Band of Ojibwe) and Hart (Red Lake Anishinaabe) tell Flanagan’s life journey thus far in this chapter book via accessible text, grayscale illustrations, and photographs. Engelking covers Flanagan’s childhood experiences of being misunderstood, the importance of seeing herself reflected in a professor, and the 2024 gubernatorial election. Back matter includes a section on historical context, a time line, glossary, source notes, and discussion questions.
“Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman.” By Sharice Davids and Nancy K. Mays. Illus. by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. 2021. Harper. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
In this picture-book autobiography by one of the first Native women elected to Congress, Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation) details how her childhood and young adult experiences, from leaning into her love of conversation to mixed-martial arts competitions to the more traditional law and politics career choices, equipped her to run for Congress. Cultural influences, including working hard toward a goal, are established as a constant through all her endeavors. Ample back matter concludes this must-have biography.
“She Persisted: Deb Haaland.” By Laurel Goodluck. Illus. by Gillian Flint. 2023. Philomel. Grades 2–4.
This engaging and timely chapter book biography in the She Persisted series chronicles the life and journey of one of the first two Native women elected to Congress and the first Native person to head the U.S. Department of the Interior. Larger print and interspersed grayscale illustrations increase accessibility for young readers, while Goodluck’s narrative style invites readers into the life of this strong public servant.
“She Persisted: Maria Tallchief.” By Christine Day. Illus. by Gillian Flint. 2021. Philomel. Grades 2-4.
This installment in the She Persisted series focuses on prima ballerina Maria Tallchief (Osage Nation). Day not only conveys Tallchief’s love of dance but places her within the context of her time, from the Osage finding oil on their lands in the 1920s to the cultural events Tallchief attended—events forbidden by the U.S. government until 1978. Interspersed illustrations add to the readability. Beautiful, accessible, and memorable, this biography has a strong narrative to hook young readers beyond researching school projects. Chapter titles in Osage are especially meaningful. Back matter includes a touching author’s note.
“She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller.” By Traci Sorell. Illus. by Gillian Flint. 2022. Philomel. Grades 2–4.
Another notable She Persisted title is Sorell’s biography of Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller. This chapter book spans Mankiller’s life, from her childhood on the reservation to moving during the Indian Relocation era to her days of activism on Alcatraz. Mankiller’s experiences culminated in her role as the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation. Chapter titles include Cherokee syllabary, while sporadic illustrations underscore emotionally resonant moments. Back matter includes references and a note on terms.
“The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist.” By Deidre Havrelock. Illus. by Aphelandra. 2024. Abrams. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
This picture book profiles Cree drummer and activist Carol Powder who, from a young age, felt called to the drum. Moshum, her grandfather, taught her to drum and warned her that some community members may resist women drumming. Cree language is woven into lyrics throughout the text, and the hopeful culmination of the story, featuring Powder teaching the tradition to her children and grandchildren, is particularly evocative. Vibrant art accompanies the text and captures emotional resonance. Informative back matter concludes.
“Toypurina: Japchivit Leader, Medicine Woman, Tongva Rebel.” By Cheyenne M. Stone and Glenda Armand. Illus. by Katie Dorame. 2024. little bee. Grades 1–3.
This picture book details the life of Tongva leader Toypurina. From childhood scenes depicting the values with which she was raised to the uprising she led against the Spanish missionaries for mistreating Indigenous peoples, Toypurina’s full life is vividly encapsulated here. Substantial back matter adds to the informative narrative, while beautiful illustrations showcase the setting.
This article was originally published in Booklist Reader, the magazine for library patrons, from the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book review publication, Booklist.
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