Halhata na Thathanka / Magpie and Buffalo
Written and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
SDHS Press's first children's board book!
Available Now: https://www.sdhspress.com
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Halhata na Thathanka / Magpie and Buffalo is the perfect introduction for young children to the important roles the American bison (commonly known as the American buffalo) has played in Lakota culture. With translations by Violet Catches, this board book also serves as a beginner's tool for learning Lakota terminology.
Bear Heart and the Evergreen Tree
8 x 10 Hard Cover Children’s Picture Book
Written and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
Medicine Wheel Book Publishing
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​​Bear Heart, a compassionate man, is transformed into an evergreen tree by the Great Spirit to safeguard his people. In this story, Zoey learns from her grandmother how the evergreen tree became a symbol of hope and healing, linking traditions across time and nations.​
Release date: February 10th. 2026!
Pre-order now: https://shop.medicinewheelpublishing.com​
The Day the Earth Rose Up
Children’s Picture Book
Written and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
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When seven Lakota sisters venture deep into the forest to gather chokecherries, they are surprised and chased by a giant bear. As they huddle together on a rock ledge and pray for help, the earth rises up, taking them out of reach of the bear. A great eagle rescues the Seven Sisters by taking them to the Star Nation, where they become the Pleiades star formation we see in the night sky.
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Beartrack-Algeo’s. . . long fascination with the Pleiades constellation led to this star-studded origin story, her solo debut. Alongside jewel-toned paintings that foreground the natural world, Beartrack-Algeo incorporates many traditional elements in this picture book about “how everyone and everything is interconnected. What is sacred above, is sacred below.”
— Publisher’s Weekly​
Beartrack-Algeo’s love and pride of her (Lakota) culture and the land shines throughout the story, which is a great addition to most myth and legends collections, especially given the scarcity of books featuring indigenous peoples.
—- School Library Journal​
"The Day the Earth Rose Up' was selected to represent Wyoming at the National Book Festival Sept. 2023 in Washington, DC by the Wyoming Humanities Council.​
WINNER of Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites for Grade 3-5.
How Oceans Came to Be
A Children’s Picture Book
Written by Arvis Boughman and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
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A delightful Lumbee story. Clever Rabbit outsmarts a selfish Great Snapping Turtle. When Rabbit discovers many animals could not find water, he sets out to solve the mystery. What he finds is the Great Snapping Turtle blocking the water of the Mother Spring. When the stubborn turtle refuses to move, Rabbit figures out a way to let the water flow. As the water flowed to all creatures, it also created the oceans of Turtle Island.
Father Eagle and the Hunter
A Children’s Picture Book Written and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
A hunter, struggling to find food for his village, climbed a tree and found three eaglets. He planned to take them, but Father Eagle intervened, promising the Great Spirit's help if he spared the birds. The hunter agreed, and soon his village had abundant game.
In gratitude, the people honored the eagle from that day forward.
The Land Grab: The Legend of Big Heart
A Teen Novel Series (Book 1)
Written by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
Alfred, an eleven-year-old Lakota boy, faces responsibilities beyond his age as his family is pressured to abandon their traditions and adapt to American culture. Guided by his grandfather's teachings, Alfred respects Lakota customs but sometimes finds them difficult to interpret. The Legend of Big Heart Series follows Alfred's adventures on and off the Lower Brule Lakota Reservation in South Dakota.
Beginning in 1929 and tracing his journey into adulthood amid cultural change.
The Roan Stallion: The Legend of Big Heart
A Teen Novel Series (Book 2)
Written by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
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The exciting Big Heart Series continues when Alfred Swallow meets a wild roan stallion. Not just any stallion, but a medicine hat roan stallion that is believed to have special powers. In 1929, Alfred hopes to win prize money at the White River Indian Relay Race to buy his grandfather a tractor. With friends and a roan stallion, he trains for the race despite limited time and unexpected challenges. On race day, something in the crowd changes everything—can Alfred’s resolve lead them to victory?​
Cottonwood Sings
A Children’s Picture Book
Written and Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
The Cottonwood Sings tells of Hunku, the immortal First Woman, who was loved by animals and plants but lonely. Beaver fell for her and asked the Great Spirit to become a man; he became Takahe (First Man) with the promise he'd one day return to beaver form. After they had four daughters, Beaver returned to the river. Grieving, Hunku asked to become a tree so she could stay close; the Great Spirit agreed. That is why cottonwood trees grow near water and beavers live nearby.
Please Don't Step on Me
Children's Picture Book
Written by Elly Kree-George
Illustrated by Jesse T. Hummingbird and Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
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This story introduces children to helpful insects through Willie the Worm, encouraging a positive attitude toward bugs. It includes questions and activities for parents and teachers to engage kids in learning more about these beneficial creatures.​
Tribute to the late Jesse T. Hummingbird
The River Run: The Legend of Big Heart
A Teen Novel Series (Book 3)
Written by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
7th Generations Book Publishing
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The River Run concludes the Legend of Big Heart collection. Following government policy to assimilate Indigenous children, Alfred Swallow, Orson, and Junior are sent from their families to a residential mission school, where their hair is cut and their language forbidden.
Strict punishments follow any disobedience. After receiving a supernatural message urging escape, the boys risk everything for freedom with authorities in pursuit.