Indigenous Religions Readings for Educators
- Fisher, Linford, The Indian Great Awakening: Religion and the Shaping of Native Cultures in Early America.
- Martin, Joel, The Land Looks After Us: A History of Native American Religion.
- Olupona, Jacob, African Religions: A Very Short Introduction.
Indigenous Religions Readings for the Classroom
Below are two short religious literacy text sets sorted by grades K-3 and 4-5. These can be used in the classroom to engage students in understanding lived religions. Please note that teachers should carefully read and review texts before using them in the classroom to ensure alignment with curricular goals.
Grades K-3
Bauer, Marion Dane, and Ekua Holmes. The Stuff of Stars. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2018. This story details the wonder of every child who made from stardust. It isn’t religion specific but about awe and wonderment.
McDermott, Gerald. Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti. New York, NY: Square Fish, 2011. This book tells an Ashanti tale of Anansi, his arduous journey, and decision.
Seattle, Chief, and Susan Jeffers. Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: A Message from Chief Seattle. Boston, MA: National Braille Press, 1995. Chief Seattle describes his people’s utmost respect and concern for the earth.
Grades 4-5
Ajmera, Maya, Magda Nakassis, and Cynthia Pon. Faith. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2009. Photographs document how children around the world celebrate their faith traditions.
Buller, Laura. A Faith Like Mine: A Celebration of the World’s Religions – Seen through the Eyes of Children. London, England: DK Publication, 2006. A comprehensive informational text provides plenty of pictures that detail the major and even some of the world’s more minor faith traditions.
Glossop, Jennifer, and John Mantha. The Kids Book of World Religions. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2013. An informative text details the major faith traditions of the world.
Hamilton, Virginia, and Barry Moser. In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988. Stories about the origins of life from around the world.
McDermott, Gerald. Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale. New York, NY: Viking Press, 2002. An adaptation of the Pueblo Native American myth explains how the Spirit of the Sun was brought into the world.