- 2024 National Book Festival, Washington DC – “Great Reads Book”!
- Distinction in Creative Achievement Governor’s Award in the Arts from Arts South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council, 2023. Awards ceremony video.
- Starred Reviews – Booklist, 2010, 12, 14, 15, 17, 21; Kirkus, 2000, 12,17, 21; School Library Journal, 2010, 12, 15, 17
- American Indian Library Association Honor Book 2016
- Spur Award Western Writers of America 2004, 2024; Award Finalist 2005, 2011, 2016
- Carter G. Woodson Award, National Council for the Social Studies 2009, 2016
- National Council of Teachers of English Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts 2013
- American Library Association Notable Book Award 2011
- Book for a Global Society Award, Top 10 Spirituality Books for Children 2011
- Texas Bluebonnet Master List Award 2011
- Mom’s Choice Awards Most Outstanding Children’s Book 2008
- Highlights High Five – Story Illustration of the Year 2011
![Texas Bluebonnet Master List Award](https://sdnelson.net/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/20181015_TBA_287-px88qn7evpu4n5ye4jymfuk5je65oou5rzm2gmfuv4.jpg)
![Mom’s Choice Awards Most Outstanding Children’s Book](https://sdnelson.net/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/MCA_Logo_Color_72@2_Web-1-px88qjg24dozcq3uqic45vib5uootwf8fh04jilfk0.png)
Most Outstanding Children’s Book
![Carter G. Woodson Award](https://sdnelson.net/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/CarterWoodson-Seal-FIN-px88qazievdeg8g53woh1fn5tdudwmhneb4r80xz40.png)
National Council for the Social Studies
![Spur Award Western Writers](https://sdnelson.net/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/spur-o68m4r2wtyvyfb7hobbg75pbdtcpxnv6bqjcw8njak-px88q5ch9v5oikoc0u8pmh2e92m6mfv9dj7ucd6c5c.png)
Award Finalist
![American Library Association Notable Book Award](https://sdnelson.net/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/ala-notablebook-pxdvm48nelqogv93z0r5occcu2a4oe4bktpgyjiadc.gif)
Notable Book Award