Books by Native American authors offer insights into the histories, cultures, and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples across the Americas.
From fiction that weaves together cultural myths and modern narratives to deeply personal non-fiction that explores identity, history, and resilience, these works represent a critical and growing body of literature.
Whether you’re looking to explore stories of ancestral heritage or understand the complex social and political landscapes faced by Native communities, there’s a book for that.
In this list, we’ll highlight a selection of notable books by Native American authors, spanning fiction and non-fiction.
I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)
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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
Fiction by Native American Authors
1. There There by Tommy Orange (Cheyenne and Arapaho)
There There is a ground-breaking novel that has garnered widespread acclaim since its release in 2018. Set in Oakland, California, the novel explores the lives of 12 characters, all grappling with different aspects of Native identity, urbanization, and the effects of historical trauma.
Through interwoven narratives, Tommy Orange paints a picture of modern Native life that’s complex, painful, and rich with humanity. The book delves into themes of displacement, addiction, and the lingering scars of colonisation while also celebrating resilience and community.
“But the thing about tears is that you can’t explain them and what they mean. You can’t explain the feeling behind them. No one knows why tears are salty, and I don’t care. I could taste them. They tasted like me. My own tears in my mouth were the same as everyone else’s.”
2. The Round House by Louise Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Chippewa)
Louise Erdrich is a prolific Native American author whose works often explore the intersections of family, identity, and history (see another of her novels recommended below). The Round House is one of her most powerful novels, centered on the life of a young Ojibwe boy, Joe, whose mother is violently attacked.
Set on a North Dakota reservation, the story grapples with questions of justice, law, and tribal sovereignty. Erdrich’s writing is vivid, emotional, and deeply layered, drawing readers into a world where the lines between personal and collective grief are blurred.
“Now that I’ve seen where she’s been, I know where she’s going.”
3. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna Pueblo)
Ceremony is widely considered one of the most important works of Native American literature. Published in 1977, it tells the story of Tayo, a WWII veteran of mixed Laguna and white heritage who returns home to his reservation, only to find himself haunted by the war and struggling with a sense of belonging.
Silko’s novel is deeply embedded in Pueblo cosmology, blending Native oral traditions with modern storytelling techniques. Ceremony is a profound meditation on healing, identity, and the importance of community.
“You don’t have anything if you don’t have the stories.”
4. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa)
This young adult thriller has captivated readers with its gripping plot and insightful exploration of contemporary Native issues.
The protagonist, Daunis Fontaine, is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member who becomes involved in an FBI investigation into a dangerous drug ring targeting her community. While it’s filled with suspense and mystery, Firekeeper’s Daughter also addresses themes of identity, family, and resilience, making it a standout debut novel.
“Our stories don’t end, Daunis. They don’t end because we’re still here.”
Non-Fiction by Native American Authors
5. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation)
This best-selling work of non-fiction bridges the gap between science, Indigenous wisdom, and environmental ethics. As a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Through essays that blend personal narrative, plant science, and Native teachings, Braiding Sweetgrass explores themes of reciprocity, sustainability, and stewardship. It has resonated widely with readers seeking a deeper understanding of environmental issues through an Indigenous lens.
“All flourishing is mutual. Soil, plants, animals, people—we all do better when we work together.”
6. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (Cherokee descent)
This critically acclaimed book provides a much-needed revision of U.S. history from the perspective of Indigenous peoples. In An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz challenges the conventional narrative of American history by centering the experiences and resistance of Native nations.
From early European colonization to modern struggles for sovereignty and land rights, Dunbar-Ortiz paints a comprehensive and often unsettling picture of America’s colonial past and its ongoing impact on Native communities. This book is essential for anyone interested in the untold histories of the United States.
“The history of the United States is a history of settler colonialism—the founding of a state based on the ideology of white supremacy, the widespread practice of African slavery, and a policy of genocide and land theft.”
7. Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot (Seabird Island Band)
A deeply personal memoir, Heart Berries chronicles Terese Marie Mailhot’s life as a Native woman navigating trauma, mental illness, and the complexities of love and motherhood.
Written in a lyrical, fragmented style, Mailhot’s book is both raw and intimate, offering readers a candid look at the struggles many Indigenous women face. It’s a story of resilience and reclamation of self, as Mailhot grapples with her own identity while confronting painful truths about her past.
“To be Native is a story we tell ourselves, a dream we keep waking up to, a culture we are trying to maintain or revive, a way we seek to live and love.”
Further Reading
1. The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America by Andrés Reséndez
Though not written by a Native American author, The Other Slavery is a critical work that sheds light on a little-known aspect of history: the enslavement of Indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Historian Andrés Reséndez uncovers the widespread practice of enslaving Native Americans, which began in the early days of colonization and continued for centuries. This book challenges traditional narratives of slavery and provides important context for understanding the experiences of Indigenous peoples under colonial rule.
“The enslavement of Native Americans shaped colonialism, influenced the direction of empire building, and facilitated the conquest of the New World.”
2. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown is a landmark account of the systemic destruction of Native American tribes during the late 19th century.
First published in 1970, the book draws on council records, autobiographies, and firsthand accounts to document the relentless battles, broken treaties, and massacres that stripped tribes such as the Dakota, Cheyenne, Sioux, and Ute of their lands and freedoms.
Brown introduces readers to the powerful leaders and warriors who resisted this violent westward expansion, detailing their struggles with heart-wrenching clarity.
The book remains a seminal work, reshaping our understanding of the American West and the tragic impact of U.S. government policies on Indigenous peoples.
“I did not know then how much was ended. When I look back now from this high hill of my old age, I can still see the butchered women and children lying heaped and scattered all along the crooked gulch as plain as when I saw them with eyes still young. And I can see that something else died there in the bloody mud, and was buried in the blizzard. A people’s dream died there. It was a beautiful dream.”
More Books by Native American Authors
- Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
- House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday
These books by Native American authors provide powerful windows into the cultures, histories, and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples.
Whether you’re seeking to broaden your understanding of Indigenous history, culture, or present-day realities, the works highlighted here are an excellent place to begin.
By supporting Native authors, readers contribute to the recognition and celebration of Indigenous voices in literature—voices that have historically been silenced but are now being more widely heard and appreciated.
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