I was thrilled to get to spend more time in the Firekeepers-of-Sugar-Island world that Indigenous author Angeline Boulley created with her debut novel, Firekeeper's Daughter!

Set ten years after the first book, this YA novel once again shares a compelling, Indigenous-focused mystery through the eyes of a strong, smart, dynamic teen--in this case Perry Firekeeper-Birch, the niece of Firekeeper's Daunis. It's as educational, engaging, and emotional as Boulley's first novel. I loved it.

After getting into an accident in her Aunt Daunis's car, Perry is forced to work off damages at the Sugar Island Ojibwe Tribe’s summer internship program. She starts off as the tribal museum intern & is immediately immersed in the plight of her Anishinaabe tribe to reclaim the remains of their ancestors from a local university, which abuses the laws to keep them. Perry's snark and her love of family shine through as she uses her intelligence and fearlessness to stand up for what's right, even against a society that is racist and misogynistic at almost every turn.

In the midst of a heist where she plans to steal back stolen remains, Perry also must deal with the reality of Indigenous women going missing. I was listening to this on May 5, which is the Nat'l Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, so it was especially relevant.

Boulley once again smartly mixes information about Indigenous culture and social plights with the everyday struggles of teen girls. Perry is as strong-willed as Daunis but instead of a carbon copy, you get a fully fleshed out character in her own right. This attention to detail makes Boulley a star in the genre.

Indigenous narrator LaBlanc once again narrates a Firekeeper story with heart, passion, and joy. She's perfect for this work and elevates Boulley's words with her talent.

This is a YA book that's great for teens AND adults!