Episode 21: Classroom Essentials: Expressions of love in Native stories

Love is often deeply intertwined in Native American cultures with a sense of community, connection to family, respect for nature and kinship with all living things. Often expressed through caring for one another and the earth, love takes many forms. In this episode, Allison and Odia reflect on how themes of love are reflected in Native books and share some of their top recommended reads.

Questions or comments? Email us at info@booksaregoodmedicine.com.

GIVEAWAY

To enter for a chance to win a set of five elementary-level books from the list below, email us at info@booksaregoodmedicine.com with the subject line, “Elementary love books giveaway” by February 10.

To enter for a chance to win a set of five secondary-level books from the list below, email us at info@booksaregoodmedicine.com with the subject line, “Secondary love books giveaway” by February 10.

We will randomly select one winner for each giveaway and notify them via email.

LOVE-THEMED BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Children

  • “Fluffy and the Stars” by T'áncháy Redvers

  • “I Sang You Down from the Stars” by Tasha Spillett-Sumner

  • “Sweetest Kulu” by Celina Kalluk

  • “You Hold Me Up” by Monique Gray Smith

Family

  • “A Letter for Bob” by Kim Rogers

  • “I Hope” by Monique Gray Smith

  • “One Native Life” by Richard Wagamese

  • “The Moccasins” by Earl Einarson

  • “Too Much: My Great Big Native Family” by Laurel Goodluck

  • “We Dream Medicine Dreams” by Lisa Boivin

Friendship

  • “A Constellation of Minor Bears” by Jen Ferguson

  • “What’s My Superpower” by Aviaq Johnston

Nature

  • “Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults” by Monique Gray Smith

  • “Be a Good Ancestor” by Gabrielle Prince and Leona Prince

  • “Forever Our Home” by Tonya Simpson

  • “The Apple Tree” by Sandy Tharp-Lee

  • “Walking Together” by Albert D. Marshall and Louise Zimanyi

Relationships and community

  • “Circle of Love” by Monique Gray Smith

  • “Forever Cousins” by Laurel Goodluck

  • “Three Feathers” graphic novel by Richard Van Camp

Romance

  • “Native Love Jams” by Tashia Hart

  • “The Truth According to Ember” by Danica Nava

RESOURCES

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Episode 22: Classroom Essentials: Return to First Medicines with the Indigenous Peoples Task Force

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Episode 20: Classroom Essentials: Winter stories