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One strategic objective from Pioneer’s Board of Directors is to build diversity, equity and inclusion into our co-op’s storytelling. This post, part of our yearlong Bookshelf series, shares books our staff members are reading. We hope these recommendations provide interested Utility Pioneers with stories to offer new perspectives, deepen cultural understandings and spark conversations.
At Pioneer, we believe in the value of diverse storytellers. We also love books. Seriously. For some of us, it’s an obsession.
By reading books from a variety of storytellers, we gain new perspectives, deepen our understanding of different cultures and spark conversations. During Native American Heritage Month, we asked our team of utility storytellers to share books they enjoyed featuring the history and modern-day experiences of Native American storytellers.
1. “There There” by Tommy Orange
Recommended by Alyssa
A powerful and heartfelt novel, “There There” weaves together the stories of various Native American characters living in Oakland, California. As their lives intersect at the Big Oakland Powwow, Orange explores the complexities of identity, belonging and the enduring legacy of colonization. With raw emotion and a keen eye for detail, Orange’s debut work is a poignant portrayal of urban Native American life.
2. “Black Sun” by Rebecca Roanhorse
Recommended by Megan
Set in a brilliantly crafted world inspired by the pre-Columbian Americas, “Black Sun” is filled with intricate political intrigue, captivating characters and a richly imagined magic system. What would you do if your culture and religion was stripped away by a new ruling class? This epic fantasy takes readers on a thrilling journey as multiple characters’ destinies converge during a solar eclipse. The sequel is a gem, too.
3. “My Heart is a Chainsaw” by Stephen Graham Jones
Recommended by Sydney
A gripping and intense horror novel by a First American author. The story follows Jade Daniels, a horror aficionado with a dark past, who becomes obsessed with the eerie events unfolding in her small town. As the tension escalates and the body count rises, Jones explores the blurring lines between fiction and reality, offering a chilling and thought-provoking narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
4. “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann
Recommended by Laura
A meticulously researched and riveting work of nonfiction that uncovers a dark chapter in American history. David Grann delves into the shocking murders of Osage Indians during the 1920s, revealing a sinister conspiracy to control their oil-rich land. With a captivating narrative, Grann exposes the depths of corruption and injustice, shedding light on a forgotten and disturbing period of Native American history.
5. “Fire Keeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley
Recommended by Melissa, Laura
This compelling young adult thriller follows Daunis Fontaine, a biracial Ojibwe teenager. When she becomes entangled in a dangerous drug investigation on her reservation, she must navigate complex family dynamics, identity and love while uncovering the truth. Boulley weaves a gripping tale filled with cultural richness and a strong, resilient protagonist.
6. “Plundered Skulls and Stolen Spirits: Inside the Fight to Reclaim Native America’s Culture” by Chip Colwell
Recommended by Andy
A thought-provoking exploration of the ongoing struggle to repatriate Native American cultural artifacts and human remains from museums and institutions. With a blend of historical accounts and personal narratives, Colwell sheds light on the complexities of cultural preservation and the relentless efforts to honor indigenous traditions and sovereignty.
7. “Beaver Steals Fire: A Salish Coyote Story” by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Recommended by Ashley
This children’s book is amazing, they ask that the book only be read in the winter months while snow is on the ground. It offers readers a captivating glimpse into Native American folklore and wisdom. With enchanting illustrations and lyrical prose, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes share the tale of how Coyote, the clever trickster, endeavors to bring fire to his people, the Salish. Through its rich narrative, the book not only entertains but also imparts valuable cultural lessons about cooperation, ingenuity, and the importance of community, making it a timeless and culturally significant addition to the world of Indigenous storytelling.
8. “Cherokee America” by Margaret Verble
Recommended by Sydney
Set in the late 19th century, the novel immerses readers in the life of Check, a Cherokee Nation citizen who navigates the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Margaret Verble’s novel is a captivating and richly detailed historical fiction that explores themes of family, community and cultural adaptation during a tumultuous period in American history.<
9. “The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich
Recommended by Misty, Brian
A powerful and meticulously researched novel inspired by the life of Erdich’s grandfather and the fight against the termination of tribal rights in the 1950s. Set in the Turtle Mountain Reservation, the book follows Thomas Wazhashk, a night watchman and Chippewa Council member, as he takes a stand to protect his community’s future. Erdrich weaves a compelling tale of resilience, love and activism in the face of adversity.
10. “Black Elk Speaks” by John Neihardt
Recommended by Brian
A timeless classic in Native American literature, this powerful narrative offers a firsthand account of Lakota visionary and healer Black Elk’s life, including vivid recollections of spiritual experiences, tribal traditions and the profound changes brought by the encroachment of white settlers. This mesmerizing work captures the resilience and wisdom of the Lakota people and remains an essential read for those seeking to understand Native American history and spirituality.
11. “Even as We Breathe” by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle
Recommended by Melanie
Set against the backdrop of Asheville, North Carolina’s Grove Park Inn during World War II, the novel paints a mesmerizing portrait of a young Cherokee man named Cowney Sequoyah. As he takes on a bellhop job at the inn, he finds himself embroiled in a web of secrets, intrigue and a mysterious murder. Clapsaddle skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, historical fiction and the complexities of identity, offering a captivating narrative that explores themes of race, belonging and the enduring spirit of the Cherokee people against the backdrop of a turbulent era.
What are you reading?
We’d love to know if you’ve read these stories, too, and if you have recommendations! Please share what you’re reading as a comment below.
Celebrate diverse storytellers.
Tell your story!
We used ChatGPT to generate some of the book summaries, then asked our staff who’ve read the books to review the story notes and ensure accuracy. Thinking about how AI can help you tell stories more efficiently? Learn what your peers think.