Laurel
Award Winning Picture Book Author
Indigenous Children’s Writer
Travels from: Albuquerque, NM

“A sweet story of friendship and community.” — Kirkus Reviews

Award-winning author Laurel Goodluck writes picture books with modern universal themes and everyday life, showing Native children and all children that their cultural perspective is unique and powerful. Laurel comes from an intertribal background. She is an enrolled Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation member and an Alaskan Native Citizen of the Tsimshian Tribe.

Laurel’s debut picture book, Forever Cousins, illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Charlesbridge), was named best picture book by the 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award. It was also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and was hailed by Dr. Debbie Reese on the American Indians in Children’s Literature blog as “one of the best books I’ve read.” The 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor titles included the celebratory Rock Your Mocs, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight, followed (Harper/Heartdrum) along with Deb Haaland, a nonfiction chapter book entry in the She Persisted series (PRH/Philomel).

Too Much, My Great Big Native Family, a humorous and heartwarming story, was released in 2024. It is illustrated by Full Circle Literary client Bridget George (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). In 2025, SSBFYR will release the anthemic Fierce Aunties!, illustrated by Steph Littlebird, and Heartdrum will release the humorous yet moving Yáaadilá!: Good Grief!, illustrated by Full Circle Literary client Jonathan Nelson. And, slated for 2026 is Stories Are the Heart of the World, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers).

Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, then moved away to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to pursue her BA in Psychology and an MA in Community Counseling and Family Studies from the University of New Mexico. She began writing by crafting curriculum for community advocacy involving Native teen leadership and later for children newly diagnosed with mental health challenges. In Albuquerque, with her Diné (Navajo) husband, they raised two children who are also bent on storytelling in journalism and acting.

Laurel received a 2019 mentorship with We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) Picture Book Mentorship and, in 2024, mentored a New Mexico writer. She also received a competitive funding grant from New Mexico Writers to support new works in progress. She is an active regional chapter member of New Mexico SCBWI and has volunteered as Equity and Inclusion Lead.

Laurel's Featured Titles

Fierce Aunties!

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

A joyful and vibrant celebration of what makes aunties so special, from Indigenous author and illustrator team Laurel Goodluck and Steph Littlebird inviting all kids to connect with the fierce aunties in their lives.

Who do you go to for advice and support? Or when you want an adventure and a little extra courage? Or when you need to find that warrior spirit inside you? Fierce aunties!

Aunties come in different shapes, sizes, and ages. They all have different laughs, skills, and stories. They might be your parents’ sisters, your older cousins, or even family friends. But there’s something they all have in common: They’re fierce, they love you, and they’ll help make everything better.

Yáadilá!: Good Grief!

Heartdrum |
Children’s

Bahe and Dezba are helping their grandmother, Nali, move from her sheep camp home to their house. The family is packing up, carrying heavy boxes, and settling into a new life together, which isn’t always easy. At every frustration, they throw up their hands and exclaim, “Yaadila!” Good grief!

Bahe sees that this big change is hardest for Nali. But he has a secret plan. Whatever can he be doing with a bucket of water, all that yarn, and Dezba’s dollhouse?

In this heartwarming and quintessentially Navajo (Diné) story, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and illustrator Jonathan Nelson (Diné) together show a big change for an Elder made easier with a creative gesture of love and care.

Too Much: My Great Big Native Family

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
Children’s Picture Book

A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book.

When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much!

Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough.

Rock Your Mocs

Heartdrum |
Children’s Picture Book

In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins—and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month, and all year round!

We’re stepping out

and kicking it up.

Wearing beauty on their feet—

as art, as tradition,

with style, with pride—

kids from different Native Nations know

every day is a day to ROCK YOUR MOCS!

This book contains an author’s note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities! Rock Your Mocs Day has now been extended to a week in November, and during that week, kids from all over the United States join together to show pride in their heritage. 

She Persisted: Deb Haaland

Philomel Books |
Children’s

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds–including Deb Haaland!

As a child of two military parents, Deb Haaland moved around a lot when she was young before finally settling in Albuquerque to be near family. But she persisted, studying hard and eventually earning a law degree. An enrolled member of the Pueblo Laguna nation, Deb was one of the first two Native American women to be elected to Congress, where she represented New Mexico’s 1st District. In 2021, when the Senate confirmed her as President Biden’s secretary of the interior, she became the first Native American in history to become a cabinet secretary. She continues to break barriers and inspire future generations to dream of greater opportunities.

In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Laurel Goodluck, readers learn about the amazing life of Deb Haaland–and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Deb Haaland’s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Maria Tallchief, Wilma Mankiller, Patsy Mink, and more!

Forever Cousins

Charlesbridge |
Children’s Picture Book

In this Native American story, Kara and Amanda are best-friend cousins. Then Kara leaves the city to move back to the Rez. Will their friendship stay the same?

Kara and Amanda hate not being together. Then it’s time for the family reunion on the Rez. Each girl worries that the other hasn’t missed her. But once they reconnect, they realize that they are still forever cousins. This story highlights the ongoing impact of the 1950s Indian Relocation Act on Native families, even today.

This tender story about navigating change reminds readers that the power of friendship and family can bridge any distance.

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Coming Soon!

Laurel’s Blog

Laurel’s Events

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner Best Picture Book: Forever Cousins
2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor: Rock Your Mocs
2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Middle School Honor: She Persisted: Deb Haaland
NTCE Honor Book for Outstanding Fiction for children: Forever Cousins, 2023
JLG Gold Standard Selection: Forever Cousins, 2022
Forever Cousins is listed as a critically reviewed selection of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators

Media clips

American Library Association | 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award

American Indians in Children’s Literature | Highly Recommended: FOREVER COUSINS written by Laurel Goodluck; illustrated by Jonathan Nelson

National Council of Teachers of English | Charlotte Huck Award

Social Justice Books | Forever Cousins

Albuquerque Journal | Cousins learn to connect while apart in this delightful children’s picture book

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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