S. D. Nelson

State: South Dakota

S. D. Nelson—a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe—is a South Dakota–based author and illustrator renowned for award-winning children's books that bring Indigenous stories to life. His acclaimed titles, including Black Elk’s Vision, Gift Horse, and The Star People, weave Lakota legend and history into evocative, beautifully illustrated narratives. Nelson's work has received multiple honors, including the American Indian Library Association Honor Book and Spur Awards. He is celebrated for cultural accuracy, compassion, and bringing Native voices to younger audiences. Through school visits, public events, and his website presence, Nelson actively fosters cultural awareness and literary appreciation rooted in South Dakota’s heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Book, Poetry

Audiences: All Ages, Children's