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.