List of children’s books set in and about Oklahoma from Oklahoma Homeschool
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Fiction:
The Cloud Artist–A Choctaw Tale (Told in English and Choctaw) by Sherri Maret and illustrated by Merisha Sequoia Clark
- 2017 Writers’ League of Texas Book Award Finalist
- 2018-2019 First Nation Communities Read Shortlist
- 2018 Oklahoma Book Award Finalist
Leona, a little Choctaw girl, can paint with clouds. When she is invited to join a carnival, Leona must choose what kind of artist she wants to be. Visit the author’s website for a number of activities to accompany the book.
- Age Range: 4 – 8 years
- Publisher: The RoadRunner Press; first edition (September 26, 2017)
- Language: English, Choctaw
- ISBN-10: 1937054748
- ISBN-13: 978-1937054748
The Survivor Tree-Oklahoma’s Symbol of Hope and Strength by Gaye Sanders and illustrated by Pamela Behrend
- Winner 2018 Comstock Read Aloud Book Award
- Winner 2018 Oklahoma Book Award
- 2019 Notable Social Studies Book
- Finalist for 2018 Reading the West Book Award, Mountain and Plains Independent Booksellers Association
No one expected the American elm that grew near the Alfred P. Murrah building to survive after the bombing on April 19, 1995. But it did, earning its name The Survivor Tree.
- Age Range: 5 – 8 years
- Publisher: The RoadRunner Press; first edition (November 1, 2017)
- ISBN-10: 1937054497
- ISBN-13: 978-1937054496
A big thanks to Sherri Maret for suggesting the previous two books.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Kindle | Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover
This older book is a bit hard to find, but it is about a family trying to survive the dust bowl of Oklahoma during 1934. (Recently reprinted)
- Age Range: 8 – 12 years
- Publisher: GREAT SOURCE (September 3, 2009)
- ISBN-10: 0590371258
- ISBN-13: 978-0590371254
The Oklahoma Land Run by Una Belle Townsend and illustrated by Emile Henriquez
Story about a nine-year-old boy who on April 22, 1889 has the responsibility to stake a claim of land for his family during the Oklahoma Land Run.
- Reading age : 5 – 8 years
- Publisher : Pelican; Illustrated edition (December 15, 2008)
- ISBN-10 : 1589805666
- ISBN-13 : 978-1589805668
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith and Ying-Hwa Hu, illustrated by Cornelius Va Wright
Jenna wants to dance at an upcoming powwow, but she needs the jingles to sew into her dress.
- Reading age : 4 – 8 years
- ASIN : 068816241X
- Publisher : Heartdrum; 6th Printing edition (April 5, 2000)
Nonfiction:
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac
Kindle | Paperback | Hardcover
Members of the Cherokee Nation say the word otsaliheliga to express gratitude. They use it as a reminder not just for one celebration or day, but throughout the year. Starting in autumn and moving through winter, spring and summer, Traci Sorell describes the weather/environment for each season, reveals celebrations that occur during that time of year, and describes special activities and foods that bind families together.
The back matter is a must read. It gives a deeper explanation of some of the terms used, explains the author’s source materials –and how other books have got things wrong — and tells the story of a man named Sequoyah developed the Cherokee written language in the early 1800s.
- Age Range: 3 – 7 years
- Publisher: Charlesbridge (September 4, 2018)
- ISBN-10: 158089772X
- ISBN-13: 978-1580897723
Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Linda Kukuk
As a child in Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller experienced the Cherokee practice of Gadugi, helping each other, even when times were hard for everyone. But in 1956, the federal government uprooted her family and moved them to California, wrenching them from their home, friends, and traditions. She eventually found her way back, and became the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Reading age : 4 – 8 years
Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (February 12, 2019)
ISBN-10 : 1484747186
ISBN-13 : 978-1484747186
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie.
Kindle | Audiobook | Paperback | Library binding
Former slave, Bass Reeves, became a famous lawman in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) during the Nineteenth Century.
- Reading age : 8 – 12 years
- Publisher : Carolrhoda Books ®; Illustrated edition (August 1, 2009)
- ISBN-10 : 0822567644
- ISBN-13 : 978-0822567646
S Is For Sooner: An Oklahoma Alphabet by Devin Scillian and illustrated by Kandy Radzinski
Explore the people, places, and landmarks of the Sooner State. The text is dual level, with simple rhymes for younger children and deeper explanations for older children.
- Age Range: 6 – 9 years
- Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (November 5, 2003)
- ISBN-10: 1585360627
- ISBN-13: 978-1585360628
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Kindle | Audiobook | Hardcover
In a historical event that occurred Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921, a white mob attacked a Black community when a white teen accused a 19-year-old Black man of assault.
Reading age : 8 – 12 years
Publisher : Carolrhoda Books ® (February 1, 2021)
ISBN-10 : 1541581202
ISBN-13 : 978-1541581203
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