As Thanksgiving draws near, what better time to rethink the books you share with children about the history of our country and the role of Native Americans in it. You can encourage critical thinking skills as you discuss the history of Native Americans, a history that began long before Columbus arrived on our shore.

Why not begin with the proclamation President Obama made on October 29^th, which closes with, “I call upon all American to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 26, 2010, as Native American Heritage Day.” ?

To find authentic, contemporary books, programs, and activities, look at the following websites:

• IRA ReadWriteThink: National American Indian Heritage Month

• This lesson, written by Debbie Reese, Nambe Pueblo, authentically represents Native Americans: Native Americans Today

Other websites which offer annotated bibliographies:

• Cynthia Leitich Smith: Native American Themes in Children’s and YA Books

• Oyate: Bibliography of books about Thanksgiving

• Lenape: Native American Heritage Programs

• Debbie Reese: American Indians in Children’s Literature

• Lee and Low: an independent children’s book publisher focusing on diversity

Read our interview with Joseph Bruchac, a member of the Abenaki tribe, in Beyond Boundaries.