Chickasaw Press’s most-beloved books
For readers of all ages!
We’re excited to be the new distributor of Chickasaw Press, the only publisher in the so-called United States owned and operated by an Indigenous Nation. Based in Ada, Oklahoma, the press offers a literary, scholarly, and accessible outlet for the work of Chickasaw authors, academics, and culture bearers, exercising intellectual sovereignty through ethical and culturally appropriate publication practices. Learn more about them on our site, and check out a few of their most popular titles—for both kids and grown folks—below!
Otis W. Leader: The Ideal American Doughboy by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Amid the growing tensions of WWI, Otis W. Leader—a thirty-five-year-old widower of Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Irish descent—left behind three children, his job, and his home in Oklahoma to enlist in the Army. Assigned to the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces, he was chosen to represent the “Ideal American Doughboy,” and lived up to that title, earning honors like the Croix de Guerre, two Silver Stars, a Congressional Gold Medal, and a Purple Heart. An uplifting story in Leader’s own words of endurance, bravery, and perseverance on the infamous Western Front.
Mission to Space by John Herrington
First American astronaut John Herrington shares his passion for space travel and his Chickasaw heritage as he gives children a glimpse into his training at NASA and his mission to the International Space Station. Learn what it takes to train for space flight, see the tasks he completed in space, and join him on his spacewalk 220 miles above the earth. This unique children’s book is illustrated with photos from Herrington’s training and space travel and includes an English-to-Chickasaw vocabulary list with space-related terms.
Chickasaw Unconquered & Unconquerable by Amanda Cobb, with Jeannie Barbour and David Fitzgerald
The first book published by Chickasaw Press, Chickasaw Unconquered and Unconquerable traces history from our historic Homeland in the Southeast to the thriving nation of today and proves why the Chickasaw people are considered to have one of the most resilient cultures in America. Images by award-winning photographer David G. Fitzgerald and insightful essays by Chickasaw writers Jeannie Barbour, Amanda Cobb-Greetham, and Linda Hogan highlight the incredible story.
Funny Fani’ by Wiley Barnes and Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson)
In this illustrated children’s book, Funny Fani’ (fuh-NEE’) is a squirrel who loves animals. When she goes on a special trip to the zoo, Fani’ imagines making friends with all of the animals, big and small! Follow Fani’ on a silly rhyming adventure and learn the Chickasaw words for every animal she encounters. For even more animal fun, explore the oversized glossary, discover dozens of interesting animal facts, and learn how certain animals relate to Chickasaw history and culture.
Little Bird by Mary Ruth Barnes
This historical novel follows the journey of Esther McLish, a Choctaw-Cherokee woman, after the tragic death of her Chickasaw husband leaves her a widow, just before the birth of their son. Determined to have her son added to the Dawes Rolls, Esther is forced to relive all of her life’s tragedies, as she must repeatedly testify on his behalf before the men of the Dawes Commission, who hardly seem to believe her. Based on accounts of real people and events from the days of Indian Territory, Little Bird tells the story of one woman’s bravery in the face of heartbreak and misfortune.
Chikasha Chahta okla’at wihat tanó̲wattook (The Migration Story of the Chickasaw and Choctaw People) by Chickasaw Press and Lauren John
Featuring colorful illustrations, readers of all ages will discover the journey of Chiksa’ and Chahta, while learning our sacred Migration Story in both Chickasaw and English. This book introduces The Nannanoli’ (Story) Series, a line of titles that combine the Chickasaw traditions of language and storytelling. Published in a double-sided book style, this series will allow readers to read through a traditional Chickasaw story in English, flip the book upside down, and then read it again in the Chickasaw language.
Anompolichi: The Wordmaster by Phillip Carroll Morgan
When Chickasaw wordmaster Iskifa Ahalopa discovers a shipwrecked Scotsman and his cargo, the king’s goat, washed up on the eastern coast of North America in 1399, he does what any language specialist would do. He sets out in search of someone who can understand the white man’s words. But the trio are quickly plunged into a web of intrigue and danger as they find themselves pitted against a tribal leader intent on dominating the continent. Author Phillip Carroll Morgan takes readers on an adventure in this captivating piece of First American fiction.
C Is For Chickasaw by Wiley Barnes and Aaron K. Long
C Is For Chickasaw walks children through the letters of the alphabet, sharing elements of Chickasaw history, language, and culture along the way. Wiley Barnes crafts rhymes to engage younger children’s imaginations and deeper explanations for older readers. Colorful illustrations by Aaron Long reflect elements of Southeastern Indian art. An activities section provides a springboard for discussion and learning.
Want to read more books that preserve, perpetuate, and provide an awareness of Chickasaw history and culture? Explore the full catalog of Chickasaw Press titles distributed by Microcosm!