Cree, Sioux, and Ojibwa are featured in these picture books across fiction and nonfiction categories. Among them are an old favorite, vastly updated, plus a biography about the hero of the drum.

Havrelock, Deidre. The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist. illus. by Aphelandra. 40p. Abrams. Sept. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781419756689.
Gr 1-2–A beautiful and striking story about Carol Powder and the legacy of caring for the drum. Taught by her great-grandfather on the meaning of the drum and how to play, Powder developed a deep connection to the beat, her family, and beyond. The strong connection carries her, as she ages, to share the powerful origins of the drum to subsequent generations. The wondrous illustrations encapsulate the life and joy that is expressed in drumming, both to the heart and eye. The imagery is blended and pleasing, strengthening the story’s emotions. VERDICT A wonderful volume that gives insight into the powerful source of joy and intention; Powder’s dedication to her teachings extends into the next generations with every turn of the page.–Kaitlin Srader

Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk. The Sioux. illus. by Ronald Himler. 32p. (First Americans). Holiday House. Dec. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780823458592.
Gr 2-6–Sneve (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) shares facets of the past and present of the Sioux. In this republication of a 1993 volume that has been updated considerably, the information in the body of the book and additional resources in the back matter reflect evolving sensitivity toward First Nations peoples. Divided into eight sections, the book begins with Creation Story, including sections about Village Life, The Circle of Life, In Battle, and the Sioux Today. The volume explains the different tribes of the Sioux and details their relationships with the land, traditions, rituals, and the roles of different members. The author describes encounters with non-Indigenous people by speaking directly about the impacts of these interactions on the Sioux. Himler’s painterly illustrations are gently textured and bring forward the realistic details of the telling; these work in harmony with the text to create powerful spreads. The additional resources in the back make this good for research or the curious. VERDICT A valuable republication of a book that presents the Sioux to young readers.–Sarah Pousty

Leason, Jennifer. Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee. tr. from English by Norman Chartrand & Jennifer Leason. illus. by Jennifer Leason. 32p. Orca. Oct. 2024. Tr $21.95. ISBN 9781459837140. BL
Gr 1-4–Written in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwa) dialect and English, this tells of the Pine Creek First Nation author’s memories of playing with cousins at her grandparent’s place and being warned to watch out for the Windigo—which will eat her. Eventually, the Windigo catches her, and its “lies crept into my heart and I began to believe them,” and she descends into darkness. Calling to her ancestors, she receives a message in the form of a hummingbird. “She can fly backward and forward. She teaches us to learn from the past but not get stuck in old ways,” and that ends the story on a hopeful note. There is a disconnect in the telling, which goes from stream-of-consciousness, dark-night-of-the-soul writing to the abrupt soliloquy of the hummingbird. Acrylic illustrations of nature in bold colors and abstract shapes cover three-quarters of the spread; the text appears on the remaining portion with small embellishments drawn from the picture. The palette moves from light in the beginning to dark tones when the Windigo has her, then back to lighter tones as she escapes. One illustration includes photos related to residential boarding schools; the Windigo seems to represent the stripping away of her identity. It could further represent issues of self-esteem, depression, colonialism, or the schools. The format aims this at younger readers, but these are difficult themes and topics even for older readers, who can pick up on the underlying context. The material is almost tween/teen suitable, unless this is used in a classroom setting that addresses the many facets of the story. VERDICT A stunning book, this may have difficulty finding the right audience; a limited first buy.–Tamara Saarinen