Native Americans Who Inspire Us

This is the second book in the series, Americans Who Inspire Us, following Asian Americans Who Inspire Us, which was named to the Gold House Book List.

Brave. Bold. Fierce. First. Native Americans come from many tribes and nations. There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, each with their own unique customs, beliefs, and traditions. Whether Olympians, chiefs, Academy Award winners, or astronauts, they have shaped our history, our culture, and our world. These 16 impressive Native Americans will inspire you to dream big and make the world a better place.

This beautifully illustrated book includes Wilma Mankiller, Jim Thorpe, Sitting Bull, Wes Studi, Maria Tallchief, Zitkala-Sa, Hattie Kauffman, Cochise, John Herrington, Susan La Flesche Picotte, Allan Houser, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Chester Nez, Mary Golda Ross, Ryneldi Becenti, and Jason Baldes.

Native Americans Who Inspire Us is full of moving and powerful stories appropriate for kids and adults alike. I was able to meet with the authors and was impressed by their commitment to share stories from the Native American community in a respectful and uplifting way. The authors share a balanced view of each person's humanness - not only their contributions but struggles as well. It pays tribute to people like my great grandfather Chester Nez who did not receive recognition until late in life. I am glad that his legacy as well as the legacy of other Native Americans will live on with this book. Highly recommend for Native Americans and anyone interested in our culture.

Emery Nez-Whitfield

Great Grandson of Chester Nez

Navajo Nation