(2) YA Fifteen-year-old Ezra Cloud wishes he were on the rez at Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation with Grandpa Liam. Instead, he is stuck in northeast Minneapolis, being bullied by Matt Schroeder. When Matt's house burns down just hours after they have a fight, Ezra's father worries about suspicion falling on his son and decides that Ezra should go to the rez to be with his grandparents in Canada while the police investigate. As Ezra learns more about Ojibwe culture and activities (including hunting and trapping), he begins to heal from the loss of his mother a year earlier and let go of his long-held anger toward his father. He also learns family secrets that change how he understands himself and those around him. In his introspective and compelling debut YA novel, Treuer weaves Ojibwe history and traditions with contemporary concerns for Ojibwe teens. Readers also bear witness, via the grandfather character's memories, to the violent impact of the residential schools on families and children. Back matter includes an Ojibwe glossary and an author's note that acknowledges changes made to real-life stories and customs for narrative effect.

Reviewer: Nicholl Denice Montgomery | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) YA This adaptation of Ojibwe author Treuer's adult title uses the same question-and-answer format as the original. The well-laid-out topics include terminology; history; religion, culture, and identity; tribal languages; and education. Each section contains at least seven ­questions (others contain many more), which are listed in the table of contents for quick access. Some of the questions--"Why do Indians have long hair?" "Do Indians live in tipis?"--might be asked by a young reader. Others--"What is sovereignty?" "What is clouded title?"--would likely be new concepts, since they aren't often taught in school. A broad audience will be able to relate to, and ­appreciate, the "social activism" ­concerns. In the introduction, Treuer states that the answers to some of the questions are his own views, and he encourages readers to seek the perspectives of other Native Americans. This would be a good resource for readers to begin learning about Native American histories, lives, and cultures. Extensive recommended reading and notes, along with an index, provide resources for deeper understanding of the concepts presented. Photos ­throughout add context and vitality to the information ­provided.

Reviewer: Nicholl Denice Montgomery | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021