Skip to Content

Best Books Set in South Dakota

Every state is known for something. As you work your way through the list, don't miss the best books set in South Dakota.

South Dakota is an expansive, sparsely populated midwestern U.S. state where rolling prairies give way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. Black Hills is home to 2 historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks: Mt. Rushmore, the iconic depiction of 4 revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader.

Best Books Set in South Dakota

Sale
Black Elk Speaks: The Complete Edition
  • The Complete Edition
  • Neihardt, John G. (Author)

Black Elk Speaks

Author: John G. Neihardt

Black Elk Speaks, the story of the Oglala Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863–1950) and his people during momentous twilight years of the nineteenth century, offers readers much more than a precious glimpse of a vanished time.

Black Elk’s searing visions of the unity of humanity and Earth, conveyed by John G. Neihardt, have made this book a classic that crosses multiple genres. Whether appreciated as the poignant tale of a Lakota life, as a history of a Native nation, or as an enduring spiritual testament, Black Elk Speaks is unforgettable.

Sale
Dear Daughter: A Novel
  • Little, Elizabeth (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Dear Daughter

Author: Elizabeth Little

RELATED:  Best Books Set in Louisiana

Former “It Girl” Janie Jenkins is sly, stunning, and fresh out of prison. Ten years ago, at the height of her fame, she was incarcerated for the murder of her mother, a high-society beauty known for her good works and rich husbands.

Now, released on a technicality, Janie makes herself over and goes undercover, determined to chase down the one lead she has on her mother’s killer. The only problem? Janie doesn’t know if she’s the killer she’s looking for.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Peter Matthiessen (1992-01-03)
  • Peter Matthiessen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse

Author: Peter Matthiessen

Different artwork than shown, e.g. library with typical labels and marks, library stamps on top and bottom of page edges, light wear on covers, binding tight, no other marks, tears, folds, highlighting or underlining, a clean, tight copy.

The Work of Wolves: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Meyers, Kent (Author)

The Work of Wolves

Author: Kent Meyers

This story of a horse trainer and a rich man’s wife is “a gorgeously written, exacting exploration of duty and retribution set in dusty rural South Dakota” (Publishers Weekly).

When fourteen-year-old Carson Fielding bought his first horse from Magnus Yarborough, it became clear the teenager was a better judge of horses than the rich landowner was of humans. Years later, Carson—now a skilled and respected horse trainer—grudgingly agrees to train Magnus’s horses and teach his wife to ride.

Black Hills
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Roberts, Nora (Author)

Black Hills

Author: Nora Roberts

RELATED:  Best Books Set in Rhode Island

Cooper Sullivan spent the summers of his youth on his grandparents’ South Dakota ranch, sharing innocent games and stolen kisses with the neighbor girl, Lil Chance. Now, twelve years after they last walked together hand in hand, fate has brought them back to the Black Hills.

Now that you've completed the list of best books set in this state, why not check out some others? Here are the Best Books Set in All 50 States.

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT BOOKS SET IN ALL 50 STATES

Click here to download the printable. It has a list of books in all 50 states including the Best Books Set in South Dakota.

If you enjoyed this list, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“I absolutely love sharing movies with my kids as a way to teach them valuable lessons. It's like this awesome bonding experience where we all snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn, and I get to see their little faces light up with curiosity. Whether it's a classic with timeless morals or a new animated flick with hidden gems of wisdom, it's a fantastic way to impart important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the post-movie discussions are priceless – hearing their take on the characters and the story adds a whole new dimension to our family time.” –a Homeschooling parent

RELATED:  Best Books Set in New York

With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:

  • List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
  • List of Monthly Observances
  • List Of Movies for Unit Study
  • Unit Study Resource
  • Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
  • (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher

These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.

Grab your membership here.

Related Posts:

Further Reading About the State:

 

 

Sharing is caring!