Young Adult Books by Indigenous Authors: Powerful Reads for Teens and Adults
Explore must-read young adult books by Indigenous authors! These YA books bring rich storytelling and unique perspectives to themes of resilience, identity, and culture.
YA Books by Indigenous Authors for Teens and Adults from Across Genres
Young Adult books by Indigenous authors are bringing fresh, dynamic stories to readers of all ages. These novels provide young readers with authentic perspectives, exploring themes like resilience, identity, and the strength of community. With rich storytelling and unforgettable characters, YA books by Native American and Indigenous authors are adding vital voices to the genre.
P.S. I recommend checking out the Indigenous Peoples Movement if you’re interested in taking direct action to support Indigenous rights and culture.
5 YA Books from Across Genres
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a genre-bending thriller that follows 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine, a young woman from Michigan’s Ojibwe community. When she witnesses a murder, Daunis is pulled into an FBI investigation to uncover a deadly drug conspiracy targeting her people. Using her knowledge of traditional medicine and chemistry, Daunis reluctantly agrees to go undercover, but soon finds herself navigating a dangerous web of lies and loyalties.
You can get a copy of Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley on Amazon or Bookshop.
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley is a powerful follow-up to Firekeeper’s Daughter, blending mystery, cultural heritage, and activism. The story follows Perry Firekeeper-Birch, a determined young Ojibwe woman who uncovers injustices while interning at a museum. When Perry learns that Indigenous artifacts and ancestors’ remains have been improperly stored and displayed, she’s driven to take action. As she digs deeper, Perry discovers a dark web of trafficking and exploitation connected to missing Indigenous women and girls.
You can get a copy of Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
The Marrow Thieves, also by Cherie Dimaline, is the first book in the series and a groundbreaking work of dystopian fiction. Set in a future ravaged by climate change, the novel introduces readers to a world where Indigenous people are hunted for their ability to dream—a quality that has vanished from the rest of the population. The story follows Frenchie and a group of other Indigenous survivors who travel together, evading “Recruiters” while holding onto their cultural traditions and resilience.
You can get a copy of The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline on Amazon or Bookshop.
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Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline
Cherie Dimaline’s Hunting by Stars is the highly anticipated sequel to her celebrated novel The Marrow Thieves. This dystopian YA novel follows Frenchie, a young Indigenous boy, in a future world where a deadly climate disaster has led to widespread “dreamlessness,” leaving most people unable to dream. In this bleak society, Indigenous people are hunted because their bone marrow holds the cure for the dreamlessness.
You can get a copy of Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline on Amazon or Bookshop.
Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the power of self-discovery. The novel follows Louise Wolfe, a Muscogee (Creek) high school senior who finds herself grappling with the complexities of being a Native American teen in a predominantly non-Native town. After breaking up with her boyfriend over his insensitive remarks about Native people, Louise focuses on her work on the school newspaper and finds herself covering a controversial story about the school’s “colorblind” casting of The Wizard of Oz.
You can get a copy of Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think about these Young Adult Books by Indigenous authors?
What do you think about these young adult books by Indigenous authors? Have you read any of them? Are any of these books on your TBR? What are your favorite young adult books by Indigenous authors? Let’s talk all about young adult books by Indigenous authors in the comments below.
