*With news of The American Museum of Natural History (amongst others) closing Native American exhibits in response to new policies regarding Indigenous artifacts and remains, I find myself thinking of the warriors, like Perry, who never gave up on bringing their ancestors home.  (January 2024)

Many thanks to my friends at @macmillanusa @mackidsbooks and @macmillan.audio 

 

Riveting. Powerful. Important. 

 

“Everything is connected. The past. The future. The beginning and ending.” 

 

There’s a deep respect and abiding love found in the way Anishinaabe author, Boulley, writes about her culture.   There’s an equally powerful passion found in the way she amplifies the horrifying issues that continue to plague the Indigenous nations.  

 

As 16-year-old Perry relentlessly fights to bring home Warrior Girl and other Anishinaabe ancestors, Boulley constructs a riveting narrative focused on stolen Indigenous artifacts and remains.  But when Perry’s friend goes missing, it becomes apparent that the fight for repatriation isn’t just one for ancestors, highlighting the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).   

 

This book was an immersion into the beauty of Ojibwe beliefs and the honor they bestow upon ancestors.  It was also a riveting examination on the effects of colonialism and the ongoing injustices Native Americans face. 

 

The storytelling is poignant and powerful, and the writing is poetic and vivid.  Boulley skillfully weaves this gripping tale together with a strong voice, crafting an unforgettable read that I could not put down.  

 

This is my favorite kind of read:  one that challenges as well as it entertains.  A true must read.  

 

🎧 Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota narrator, Isabella Star LeBlanc took on this role for a very personal reason.  “I want my Ojibwe relatives to hear themselves in this.”  (Bookpage). And that is apparent all the way through her narration.  LeBlanc brings authenticity and passion to this performance.  There’s a lyrical rhythm to the way she incorporates Oijbwemowin and English.  Her performance effortlessly breathes life into this story.