There are many books related to Native Americans of the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies that can help students better visualize and understand the people, their history, and their present. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. Using Storyboard That, students can create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The example used for this activity is from by Q. L. Pearce and Gina Capaldi. It is a beautifully illustrated biography about Zitkala-Sa, Red Bird, also known by her English name, Gertrude Simmons (1876–1938). She was a famous writer, editor, translator, musician, educator and political activist. This book is appropriate for ages 6-10.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to the Indigenous People of the Great Plains:
by Brenda J. Child, translated by Gordon Jourdain, illustrated by Jonathan Thunder is a bilingual Ojibwe/English picture book depicting the traditional dances, songs, and spiritual meanings present at a powwow.
by S. D. Nelson is recommended for ages 6-10 and is a beautifully illustrated biography of a Hidatsa woman named Buffalo Bird Woman who was born around 1839.
by Doreen Rappaport is appropriate for ages 10 and up.
by Catherine Gourley is an entertaining biography about Maria Tallchief from the Osage nation who became the first Native American to become a major prima ballerina. It is recommended for ages 8-12.
is a picture book biography recommended for ages 4 to 9.
by Melanie Florence, is a poignant picture book about a little girl who is eager to learn more about her Cree heritage from her grandfather, only to discover that when he was sent to a residential school as a child, he was forced to forget his language. While exposing the cruelty of the residential school system, it also presents a hope that current and future generations will work together to preserve their language and culture.
series and is about an Ojibwe boy and his family in the Great Plains in the 1860s.
, , and are all books by S.D. Nelson who is an award-winning author and illustrator and member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas.
is a book by Nicola I. Campbell who is Interior Salish on her mother’s side and Métis from Saskatchewan on her father’s side.
is the true story of the life of Sitting Bull by award-winning author Joseph Bruchac who is of Abenaki heritage.
by James Bird, a Native American author from the Ojibwe tribe, is a novel appropriate for upper elementary and middle school about a boy having a difficult time in school who goes to live with his mother, who is Ojibwe.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-6 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
Encourage open-mindedness by setting clear expectations for respectful listening and speaking. Remind students that every culture has unique traditions and values worth honoring.
Provide students with basic information about Indigenous peoples of the Plains to help them understand context. This builds empathy and curiosity before diving into the literature.
Incorporate books and media created by Indigenous authors or endorsed by Indigenous communities. This ensures students learn from accurate, lived perspectives.
Show students how to ask questions respectfully and express genuine interest in learning about different cultures. This fosters a safe, inquisitive classroom environment.
Have students journal or discuss what they learned and how it connects to their own lives. Reflection deepens understanding and personal connections to the material.
Recommended books for elementary students include Red Bird Sings, Buffalo Bird Girl, Bowwow Powwow, Stolen Words, and When We Were Alone. These books offer age-appropriate stories and insights into the lives, cultures, and histories of Indigenous Peoples of the Plains.
Use picture books as read-alouds or small group activities to spark discussions, build background knowledge, and help students visualize traditions, languages, and historical experiences of Plains Indigenous Peoples. Follow up with creative projects like storyboards or class displays to deepen understanding.
A great lesson is to have students read a selected book and then create a 3-5 cell storyboard summarizing the main events using visuals and text. This helps with comprehension and encourages students to engage creatively with the material.
Including books on residential schools like Stolen Words and When We Were Alone helps students understand the historical trauma faced by Indigenous communities and the resilience shown in preserving language and culture. It encourages empathy and awareness.
Guide students to identify key events in the beginning, middle, and end of a story. Then, have them create illustrated storyboard cells with brief descriptions. Tools like Storyboard That make it easy to combine images and text for effective summaries.