There are many books related to Native Americans of the Southeast 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. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The example used for this activity is Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom by Tim Tingle.
Here are some additional suggestions for literature relating to the Indigenous People of the Southeast:
Tim Tingle, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is a sought-after storyteller and award-winning author:
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a modern story about a girl named Jenna of Muscogee-Creek heritage living in Oklahoma that wishes to honor her family tradition by jingle dancing in a powwow.
Indian Shoes, also by Cynthia Leitich Smith, is a modern tale about a boy named Ray, a Seminole-Cherokee boy and his Grampa Halfmoon. It's a witty story about what it is like to grow up between the big city of Chicago and rural Oklahoma and is an easy chapter book perfect for ages 6 and up.
The Good Luck Cat by Joy Harjo, a member of the Muscogee-Creek nation, is a modern Native American story about Woogie, a cat who seems to get into one misfortune after another and its loving owner.
Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears by Cornelia Cornelissen is historical fiction describing the true event of the brutal, forced removal of all Cherokee people in 1838 from the southeast from the perspective of 9-year-old Soft Rain.
Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story by Andrea L. Rogers is another historical fiction about the Trail of Tears from the “Girls Survive” series of books and tells the story through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl. It's perfect for ages 8-11.
A Walk to the Great Mystery: A Cherokee Tale by Virginia A. Stroud (Cherokee-Creek) is the story of Dustin and Rosie learning about their heritage from their Grandma Ann, a Cherokee medicine woman. This is a picture book great for ages 4 and up.
The World in Grandfather’s Hands by Craig Kee Strete (Cherokee) is a story about a young boy who moves into his Grandfather’s home. It touches on serious subjects including the U.S. government’s policies relating to Native Americans. The chapter book is perfect for ages 8 and up.
Wilma's Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport tells the story of Wilma Mankiller, an activist and the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.
The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George is a modern story about a Seminole girl named Billie Wind who gains appreciation for her community’s legends and lessons. It's great for ages 11 and up.
The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story by Joseph Bruchac, award-winning Native American storyteller, tells the Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be.
(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 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
Enhance student understanding by bringing in authentic artifacts, photos, or oral histories from the Southeast Native American cultures related to the books you are reading. This allows students to make deeper connections between literature and real-life history and traditions.
Encourage each student to share their feelings or a connection they made with the story. Use a talking stick or object to give everyone a turn, fostering a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
Ask students to identify similarities and differences between the lives of characters in different Southeast Indigenous stories. Use a Venn diagram to visually organize their thoughts and promote critical thinking.
Invite students to create a short illustrated story or poem about an important tradition or value in their own family, inspired by the books you’ve read. Display their work in the classroom to celebrate diversity and personal storytelling.
Recommended books about Southeast Native American cultures for elementary students include Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle, Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, The Good Luck Cat by Joy Harjo, Soft Rain by Cornelia Cornelissen, and The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac. These stories offer engaging ways to learn about history, heritage, and modern Native life.
Use read-aloud picture books for whole-class lessons and novel studies for deeper exploration. After reading, have students create plot summaries with visuals to reinforce understanding and cultural appreciation.
Try a storyboard activity: students read a book, then create a 3–5 cell storyboard illustrating and describing the main events from beginning, middle, and end. This helps with comprehension and sequencing skills.
Including Native American literature helps students understand diverse perspectives, challenges stereotypes, and fosters respect for Indigenous cultures and histories, especially those local to their region.
For grades 4-5, books like Soft Rain by Cornelia Cornelissen, Mary and the Trail of Tears by Andrea L. Rogers, and The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George are age-appropriate and engaging.