When teaching foundational literacy skills like letter recognition, it's essential to ensure that the learning environment reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. California is home to more than 150 distinct Native cultural groups, each with its own unique languages, histories, cultural practices, and relationships to the land. Incorporating authentic Native voices and perspectives into early education not only enhances student understanding of the alphabet but also nurtures respect for the original peoples of California.

A is for Acorn: A California Indian ABC by Karuk author Analisa Tripp, with illustrations byKaruk, Hupa, and Yurok artist, Lyn Risling, is a powerful and age-appropriate resource that supports inclusive literacy instruction. Each letter in the book represents a word that is deeply connected to the cultures, traditions, environments, and knowledge systems of California Indigenous peoples. Words like "S is for Salmon" or "C is for Canoe" do more than teach phonics—they open the door to meaningful conversations about environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and community values.

As educators, it is important to approach this content with cultural sensitivity and a willingness to learn alongside students. Native cultures are not homogenous, and care should be taken not to generalize or speak about all Native people as a single group. The illustrations by Lyn Risling, a visual artist and cultural bearer herself, are more than decorative—they are rooted in Indigenous ways of seeing and being, offering visual context that deepens comprehension and sparks curiosity. Teachers are encouraged to take time exploring these images with students and to frame them as reflections of real, living cultures that continue to thrive today.

Using A is for Acorn as a teaching tool helps create a joyful, respectful, and inclusive space for early learners to connect language development with cultural appreciation. As you guide students through this lesson, you’re also helping them recognize the importance of honoring the land, the people who have cared for it since time immemorial, and the stories that continue to shape our shared California experience.

To further understand the mission and work behind A is for Acorn, consider watching this short video about Heyday Books, the publisher committed to amplifying Native voices and cultural literacy: News from Native California — A 35th Anniversary Production.