Where Wolves Don't Die

by Anton Treuer

Ezra Cloud hates living in Northeast Minneapolis. His father is a professor of their language, Ojibwe, at a local college, so they have to be there. But Ezra hates the dirty, polluted snow around them. He hates being away from the rez at Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation. And he hates the local bully in his neighborhood, Matt Schroeder, who terrorizes Ezra and his friend Nora George.

Ezra gets into a terrible fight with Matt at school defending Nora, and that same night, Matt's house burns down. Instantly, Ezra becomes a prime suspect. Knowing he won't get a fair deal, and knowing his innocence, Ezra's family sends him away to run traplines with his grandfather in a remote part of Canada, while the investigation is ongoing. But the Schroeders are looking for him. . .

From acclaimed author Anton Treuer comes a novel that's both taut thriller and a raw, tender coming-of-age story, about one Ojibwe boy learning to love himself through the love of his family around him.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Mystery, Indigenous, Audiobook, Contemporary, Native American

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2024

About the author

Dr. Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. His professional work in education, history, and Indigenous studies and long service as an officiant at Ojibwe tribal ceremonies have made him a consummate storyteller in the Ojibwe cultural tradition and a well-known public speaker. In 2018, he was named Guardian of Culture and Lifeways by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. Anton's first book for young adults, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition), won the SCBWI Golden Kite. Where Wolves Don’t Die is his first novel.

Reviews

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audio version of Where Wolves Don't Die read by the author. He has a beautiful voice that I could cheerfully listen to for much longer. His delivery was excellent and, despite the drama, wasn't over the top. I dislike narrators who over dramatise situations. I learned at the back that Dr Treuer is a professor who teaches the Ojibwe language so I guess this goes a long way to understanding his excellent narration.

Where Wolves Don't Die tells the story of Ezra Cloud, a Native American boy, living in Northeast Minneapolis. Ezra has an ongoing feud with the local bully, Matt Schroeder. The feud comes to a head when Matt attacks Ezra's friend Nora and culminates when the Schroeder's home is burned down. For safety's sake Ezra is taken back to the family reservation where he begins to run traplines with his grandfather. Whilst there he learns not just family history but also tribal and learns to respect the landscape, it's flora and fauna - not least of all the wolves whose clan his family are part of.

This is a great YA book that delves into Ezra's state of mind very cleverly - his anger at the loss of his mother, how much he blames his father for everything, his hatred and fear of Matt. He comes across as your typical self-centred, whiny teenager who is given the chance to see what life is really all about. There's also a sweet (but not too soppy) sub-plot involving Nora.

The book gives you insights into Native American tradition and their horrific history at the hands of settlers. But it never goes too far and keeps all the information imparted as part of the story. It is all very cleverly woven together by a master storyteller.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for the advance review copy.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. If you generally shy away from this genre of YA, don't be too hasty to write this one off. It is worth the read.

I love it when an author makes the hard choices and doesn't slap a rainbow and/or a redbow on every single thing. (Okay, I'm not going to lie....there was one at the end but it felt organic and not overly icky sweet.) This is such a common pitfall when it comes to the Young Adult genre. I love it when the author lets the story take shape and makes an impact.

Ezra, is an Ojibwa teenager, and has had to deal with some grief, anger , loss and some racial bullying. I completely fell in love with his entire family. I would read this again just for that.

Now with all that said, I did love this, but there were some things that were a little over the top. But by the time they emerged, I was so glued to this family, I wasn't going to nitpick. So 5 stars.

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I meant to read this during Indigenous Heritage Month. As always, I failed.

Ezra lives in Minneapolis. The local bully, Matt Schroeder, picks on him and his friend Nora. They fight. Matt's house burns down. Guess who gets blamed?

Unlike Christina, I didn't cry, although I did feel a lot of emotions. +1 for grandpa

🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This beautiful story is about connection and care set in a place and culture with such deep respect for nature and animals, a way of living with the earth with mutuality rather than depletion and exploitation.

Ezra is a thoughtful Ojibwe teenager growing up between the city and the a reservation. This first person narrative (read beautifully by the author) unfolds a story that has a mystery at the center but mostly is about Ezra figuring out how the world works - universal teenager stuff like being mad at your parents for things they can and can’t control, how to tell someone you have feelings for that you want to be more than friends, dealing with bullying, loss and grief, and homework.

And also the perspectives, traditions, beliefs, and experiences unique to being a Native American boy in modern society. Being part of a whole community who knows from centuries of violence and oppression of their people that they have no room for error in interacting with non-natives, that their brown skin and misunderstood culture subjects them to both child welfare involvement (rooted in state sanctioned kidnapping of whole generations of children) as well as police brutality and false arrest and conviction regardless of their culpability.

“Ezra, you’ll notice many kinds of moose in the woods…Moose can be dangerous. They are usually happy to eat lily pad roots and be left alone, but on the rare occasions when one attacks a human, it is not usually a big, mature, fully-antlered male who charges. The mostly likely moose to charge a person is a young bull, and that’s the moose who is most likely to be shot, or hit by the car. You see, Ezra, the moose is a metaphor for manhood. We often make our biggest mistakes when we are young. That’s when we are most likely to drive too fast and pay the price. To experiment with alcohol and drugs. To go on a date and not respect our partner. Or to hurt ourselves . If you want to live to be a big, mature, fully antlered bull, you have to act like one. You have to move a little slower and think before you act.”

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to listen to and review this excellent audiobook. I would highly recommend it to YA as well as adult audiences.

[Jacque Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Young Adult novel about an indigenous boy living in Minnesota!

The family relationships are beautiful and masculinity in the culture is described in terms of Ezra’s lived experience. Ezra’s Adverse Childhood Experience number must be pretty high!

If you ask me, the conflict with Matt went from 0 to 100 really quick but, whatever works. 😆

I loved hearing about how Ezra and his grandfather grew their relationship. His grandpa was so funny and a character you immediately will come to love. The authors note at the end of the book helps everything come full circle.

I received this book in audio format and the author reads it which is SO special for fiction!! It’s so cool to know that I heard the book exactly as the author intended it :) the quality was amazing. definitely would recommend this as an audiobook!

Everything at the end came together so well. I cried! I would have loved to have read this in high school. such an impactful coming of age story

Thank you Netgalley & RB media for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra and his struggles caught me up - dealing with bullies, being an outsider, all the accelerated awkwardness of youth, together with its natural wonder found me curious as to his resolutions and problem-solving. He's Ojibwe, and lucky to have a grandfather who can teach him the old ways, and lucky us, Reader, we have the chance to go along. There are explicit bits about animal kills, but the use of 100% of the creature, and the respectful manner in which it was done helped me over that hump (mostly). It brought up many thoughts of what if things 300-200 years ago had gone differently. . .how and where would we be today? Would we be today?

Ezra's grandfather is his cornerstone, and it was encouraging to see that relationship heal them both, and extended remedies to shorten the distance between Ezra and his father and mother as well.

Anton Treuer's book is hopeful, while being mindful of the unique cultures of indigenous peoples and the value of honesty when considering the past troubled history - all while living a 2024 life and managing the everyday challenges families face, no matter where their generations of dna point.

*A sincere thank you to Anton Treuer, RB Media, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 52:46

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezra, an Ojibwe teen boy grieving the loss of his mother, spends time with his grandfather on the trapline learning about family traditions, Ojibwa ceremonies and how to properly respect the land and its animals.

A moving coming of age novel that’s at times heartbreaking and had great mental health rep. This was great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like David Robertson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy of this new to me author's latest book! Highly recommended!

⚠️CW: suicidal ideation, bullying, death of a parent and grandparent, Residential school child death recounting

[riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for Grandpa Liam and Buster :'))

This short book is beautiful with incredible storytelling that will move readers of any age. Through Ezra, Treuer weaves a story that is hard-hitting on the ugly truths of modern and historic colonialism and anti-Indigeneity, and yet simultaneously incredibly tender in the relationships of the Cloud and George families.

I absolutely loved this book and I recommend it highly!

[Amy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof, that was heavier than I thought! There seemed to be a lot more drama than I expected than mystery/thriller, especially at the end. I tend to think "mystery/thriller" may not stir up deep emotions, but this one had me nearly sobbing. This is a coming-of-age story, but one using a very unique perspective.

Setting aside the one or two slight negatives that I will explain below, I loved this book and devoured it in a day.

I have read one other of Anton Treuer's books and a couple written by his brother David Treuer. They provide such a gift by sharing their deep knowledge of Ojibwe culture - both modern and historic - with such lyrical prose. For those unaware, the author is a professor of Ojibwe in Northern Minnesota. As a person growing up in the Twin Cities with very little experience with our deep Native culture and our Northern Minnesota culture, I feel as though my knowledge has grown significantly by reading books of both Treuer brothers (and Marcie Rendon and Louise Erdrich).

Sidenote speaking of Louise Erdrich: I appreciate the reference to one of her books and to one of Angeline Boulley's books (woven in smoothly because the main character and his grandfather are avid readers). I wish I recall the other books and authors mentioned, because I would add those to my list next.

I finished this book by mostly listening to the audio book. Had another reviewer not mentioned that the author narrates it, I would not have listened to it (non-local narrators mangling local place names drives me bonkers, and I was anxious any Ojibwe words would be mangled even worse). However, allowing the author to narrate his own book was a brilliant choice. As the obvious writer of the words and an Ojibwe professor, I could trust that each of his pronunciations - and even the flow of the sentences - was read exactly as planned.

There were a couple negatives, but I appreciated the book so much that I ignored them more easily. I felt like it wrapped up too quickly, even though I loved the way the stories were tied up. I could have used a bit more narrative of the ending scenes unfolding and less of the conversations between Ezra and his grandfather (which tended to take a spin toward feeling like the author was using those conversations to share history and information with the reader, rather than authentic conversation, but I was fascinated by the information). I also wish the mystery plot had been woven through the book a bit more, as opposed to being focused during the beginning and the end.

If learning some Ojibwe culture through a coming-of-age story that explores family/cultural dynamics, sandwiched into a mystery with at least one fairly intense (but brief) action scenes appeals, you can't go wrong with this book. (And fortunately the author can write a smoother sentence than the one I just wrote!)

[Karl Jorgenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is squarely aimed at a teen audience--the adventures of Ezra, grade nine and the girl he's sweet on, Nora. The book jacket says the story's part thriller and emphasizes how Ezra flees dirty, white Minneapolis for the pristine Native wilderness in Canada to escape the police investigation of the arson-murder of the school bully's father. The excuse is the white Minneapolis police will automatically blame Ezra, since the victims are white, and the white justice system would probably convict him, needing no evidence against some who is obviously Native. Okay, that's one narrative. Another is that defendants often have lawyers, the MPD is 25% minority, and the ultra-left County Attorney is barely willing to prosecute teen criminals caught in the act, much less railroad the innocent. In any case this is the end of the thriller. Ezra didn't break any laws, the police aren't looking for him, and in fact there are no crimes to investigate. So the bulk of the book is Ezra spending the winter in a tiny, barely heated cabin with no running water, no indoor toilet, and no contact with civilization working with his grandpa to kill large numbers of woodland creatures for their fur. Hmmmm. Maybe confessing to the non-crime would have been less draconian. Of course they do their work in the traditional Ojibwa way: saying a prayer for the animals they kill and making offerings of sacred tobacco. Other Ojibwa traditions are beautifully described: steel traps and snares drown, strangle, and crush unwitting animals lured into their jaws. Ezra and Gramps patrol their extensive trap line with a modern snowmobile, shoot larger animals with a 7mm Remington magnum rifle, and at one point club a small but angry animal to death with a steel shovel. The purpose is to sell the dozens of furs obtained to processers who will make coats, gloves, hats, and shoes. The book did not make me yearn for the Ojibwa's holistic one-ness with nature.

[Kitty Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO good!!!

Overall: 5⭐️ I loved the story so much and there were so many lines that made me stop and smile.

Romance: 5💕 The romance in this book was minimal but it was absolute perfection.

Audio: 5🎧 Narrated brilliantly by the author.

[Karis · Rating 2 out of 5]

~~Thank you to NetGalley and Levine Querido for the ARC!~~

This book had a lot of potential, but, I'm sorry, I found it so boring.

It has all the right stuff there, like the honest discussions of the horrors the Natives have faced throughout history (From police brutality to the boarding schools). The representation of Ojibwe traditions, beliefs, and celebrations were well done; you can really tell how passionate and knowledgeable Treuer is about it. But, besides those two things, I couldn't find myself to invest in anything else.

After the inciting incident (Ezra getting sent to Canada after Michael's house burns down), most of the book is spent on Ezra and grandpa trapping. I do not care about the specifics of that, and it certainly didn't help that all of their convos were stiff and awkward as hell. The characters felt more like mouthpieces for Treuer to use to project knowledge onto the reader rather than individual people to connect to. The women characters, especially Nora, the grandma, and the dead mother being the main examples, felt more like props to either lift up or give the men growth.

Overall, I wish I was able to enjoy this read, but I couldn't get past how lifeless the story and characters were.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, I am really sensitive to the portrayal of women in fiction right now.

There's not much I can add that the other 2-star reviews haven't already stated except maybe I'm really glad Ezra introduced Grandpa Liam to "Reservation Dogs," which, btw, has some incredible portrayals of women and female characters.

[Jim Puskas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full marks for authentic aboriginal content, viewpoint and language. Which is only to be expected, coming from a highly qualified authority on Ojibwe culture. And a seemingly sincere attempt to express the consciousness and the dialect of a fifteen year old boy.
But regrettably, being erudite does not necessarily make one a good novelist and there are serious shortcomings here. The dialogue comes across as stiff, contrived; a lot more “tell” than “show”. Some of the flattest prose I’ve encountered in quite some time. And even less forgivable are the numerous errors in the text: missing or incorrect words, awkward sentence structure — things that ought to have been caught and fixed in editing.
A valiant effort but I think professor Treuer had best keep his day job.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ezra's is suspected of committing arson and/or murder, his dad decides that it is time for him to lie low for a while. This means sending Ezra to his grandfather's trap house where he will be taught how to become a man in the eyes of his grandfather and the Ojibwe people. Whether that means learning how to hunt or discovering his culture on a deeper and more personal level, Ezra is on a mission to prove that he is worth more than the social injustices that he has endured.

I listened to this book on audio, and loved the narrator/author's voice. I will say that I am SO happy that he was the one to narrate this as I truly believe that it was imperative to have someone who spoke the Ojibwe language, which is absolutely beautiful. It was such a pleasure to hear it spoken so fluently and confidently! As a listener, I felt that it enhanced the story significantly as it felt as though we were being brought into the inner circle.

After listening to the book, we discover that the author is a teacher of the Ojibwe language. That led me to look into the language a bit more. I'd like to share just a bit of what I found:

According to encyclopedia.com, the Ojibwe language is only spoken by around 60 thousand people throughout the US and Canada. Of those, not all are totally fluent. It goes on to say that the majority of Native American languages have been lost over the years, presumably due to the persecution these groups have endured at the hands of others. Because of this, there has been a huge push to reintroduce language back into the schools and tribal governments through immersion programs. The efforts of teachers and professors (such as the author) are sometimes the only thing keeping the languages from becoming obsolete. In fact, "Ojibwe is "one of only twenty Native American languages that scholars believe will survive the twenty-first century." It is so sad that these languages are dying off, and I am honored to have been able to hear it spoken in this book.

Overall, I'd give this book a 4.5 rounded up. Thank you for pulling me into this story. Thank you for shedding some light on social injustice (both past and present), and allowing us to experience a slice of Ojibwe culture!

🧚🏻Another HUGE thanks goes out to NetGalley, RB Media, and author Anton Treuer for providing me with a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Marie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

“‘Ezra, some people think growth only happens in the spring. Plants grow in the spring. People grow in the spring of their lives. But growth is more than a springtime flood, it’s a dance. Dance in all your seasons, my boy, and play the music loud.’”

Where Wolves Don’t Die by Anton Treuer follows Ezra Cloud as he navigates his Freshman year of high school. After a series of alarming events at school and in the neighborhood, Ezra goes to live with his grandparents and help his Grandpa run their trap line in near the border between Minnesota and Canada. The book opens close to a year after Ezra’s mother passes away suddenly, and on top of grieving, Ezra is also dealing with what it means to be Native American in today’s society and all the not so lovely feelings and emotions that come with being a teenager.

This book is marketed as a mix of thriller and coming of age story; however, I would argue that a majority of the story if coming of age with a splash of thriller-esque events tacked on at the end. Most of the book is spent reflecting on Ezra’s experiences and emotions in from his recent past while he learns the trapline, so the ending with the thriller elements coming into play felt like an odd turn to me. Treuer does a great job of adding this element at the end; however I just wish that the intensity and fear associated with thriller was incorporated more throughout the entire book.
Treuer weaves in many aspects of Ojibwe culture into the book without feeling overly pedagogical. I feel like this aspect lends this book more towards early young adult or even middle grade. My favorite aspect of this book was the prose and Treuer’s nature writing. He really did a beautiful job making the readers immersed up in the woods on the trapline— this book makes me excited for the beauty and coldness of winter and the joys of watching the seasons transform the world around me. I’m excited to see what Treuer writes next in the fictional real, and potentially more works in the young adult genre.

[Gary Anderson]

Where Wolves Don’t Die, the excellent debut young adult novel from Ojibwe author and scholar Anton Treuer, tells the moving story of Ezra Cloud, a young Native American whose Minnesota high school doesn’t serve him very well academically or protect him from racist taunts.  After a bullying incident at school violently escalates, Ezra is sent for the winter to his grandparents on their Canadian reservation. Ezra and his grandfather spend weeks in the wilderness working a trapline in a secluded area.  While Ezra is an appealing character, Grandfather Liam almost steals the novel.  He is wise, funny, knowledgeable about the woods, and respectful of his tribal traditions.  As Ezra and Liam labor side-by-side harvesting fur, skins, and meat, they learn from each other, first cautiously and then as partners and pals.

This novel is a remarkable reading experience.  Treurer creates such an inviting atmosphere that readers feel connected to Ezra’s family, friends, and tribal community.  The Native spirituality is conveyed mostly through Grandfather Liam whose charming sincerity makes it accessible to those unfamiliar with the concepts.  Where Wolves Don’t Die also includes plenty of action, including fights, accidents, and wild animal encounters.  (I swear I didn’t breathe or blink while reading Chapter 26.)  As young readers become immersed in Ezra’s exploits, they will also absorb insights into Indigenous culture, including from contemporary Natives their own age.  For those interested in further explorations of Indigenous culture, guide them to Treuer’s Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask:  Young Readers Edition.  

Where Wolves Don’t Die is a novel that will not only serve as a whole-class read, or for lit circles or book clubs, but it’s the book to recommend for those interested in hunting, snowmobiles, or outdoor adventure.

This review is also posted on my What's Not Wrong? blog in slightly different form.

[Boop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where Wolves Don't Die is, to me, a classic case of a work with great potential but flat reality. There is an abundance of potential when writing about underrepresented cultures, especially when touching upon both sensitive and severe issues, but I don't think the execution gives justice to the vibrance that both the characters and their surroundings could have shone with.

I'll give credit where it's due: the groundwork is there. The depth with which Ojibwe beliefs and practices are described is wonderful. The author does not hesitate to firmly establish who this story is about, the kind of community they hail from and the challenges they face (e.g institutional racism). The dichotomy between the urban world and the natural world is portrayed in a way wherein one can practically feel the difference in the air that's breathed in either environment.

It was "easy" to read but it wasn't necessarily the most "engaging."

I don't know if there's a singular word to describe it, but it often felt as though the story was drawing from too many different genres without strongly leaning into them. There's an overarching mystery that sets the plot in motion, but there's an odd lack of sustained momentum to engage the audience in the kind of tension that is essential to a 'mystery.' With the changes that the protagonist undergoes, this story can also be thought of as "coming-of-age"— and yet there's a recurring, unnatural awkwardness to the pacing with which this protagonist faces the intricacies of life. Couple this with the odd choice to over-emphasize minor details when unnecessary (like outfit choices), while also skimming over others... I just think there was a lot left to be desired.

My thanks to the author (Anton Treuer), the publisher (Levine Querido), and NetGalley for providing the eARC through which I was able to read the work and write this review.

[Briar Ransberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty solid YA read. Good cultural content without feeling pedagogical. Fairly smooth writing overall. Interesting enough plot in general. I enjoyed this even though I picked it up to “test drive” as an option for grade 9 English students.

[Mallory Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The family relationships are what made this book great for me. A coming of age story mixed with some mystery.

[Dana Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

jumps right in and hold your attention the whole time... love the story telling and family connection. great perspective and captivating

[Isla Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fine. The beginning was slow and I wasn't really into it, but the last fifty pages were insane. The last paragraph really sums up the book for me.

"For the first time in my life, I really felt at home. Home, in the faith that the earth would claim my grandpa's body, but his spirit would live eternal. Home, in the hope of Nora's love. Home, in my father's big, brown, beautiful hands. Home, right here, where wolves don't die."

[Sovady · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a book for elementary/middle school, this is a good introduction to an honest relating of what happened to the Ojibwe people and the mistreatment that was suffered. This is also unique as it is told from the perspective and emotions of a young person trying to make sense of the worlds he lives in. There are sentiments of love, grief, and healing and shows the importance of community.

[Asiya (lavenderdecaflatte) · Rating 5 out of 5]

a masterclass in YA that’s both heartfelt and educational (without feeling overly didactic!). It’s always a pleasure to read about Native American cultures.
Recognizing the landmarks in Minneapolis was also a plus!

[John Andre · Rating 2 out of 5]

The description of this book on NetGalley calls it "both taut thriller and a raw, tender coming-of-age story," which is, in my humble opinion, some of the most atrocious marketing I've ever seen. This is a great coming-of-age story - perhaps not my cup of tea, but objectively a very good story.

The thriller part, however, pales in comparison. It does not even feature prominently in most of the book, meaning when it is brought up, it feels like nothing more than an afterthought. In a thriller, I expect action and high stakes; this book has very little of either of those when it comes to the conflict with the Schroeders. The lack of attention paid to the Schroeder plotline makes them seem like caricatures of "the evil white man." Granted, white people do suck, but it's no fun to read a book where the villain is a villain simply because it's their nature. A little backstory or rationale would have been appreciated.

Now onto a few more minor critiques: the author namedrops absolutely EVERYTHING. This is a huge pet peeve of mine in books because it ages them unnecessarily. Whenever a character puts on an article of clothing, the specific brand is noted. Also, there's a point where Ezra makes a reference to The Office, which is another thing that is going to age this book exponentially.

Finally, perhaps it's the TikTok brainrot, but I could not take the conversation about wolves seriously. "I was done being an omega" is not a phrase I can read in a book and not laugh at.

All of this is to say this book would be significantly improved if the whole thriller plot was eliminated and it was just marketed as a coming-of-age novel.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first YA book I’ve read in quite a while. I couldn’t put it down, and didn’t want it to end. It’s a very gentle book, despite the gruesome crime and mystery at its center. The themes of family and community do fantastic work; I was moved and even inspired by Ezra’s relationship to his father and grandfather. I love a family story and so this certainly didn’t disappoint. Much needed.

I hope Treuer pursues more fiction in the future.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I both listened and read this book. The audiobook is read by the author and he does an excellent job. This is the story of Ezra who has some problems in school. His mother died the previous year and his father thinks it might be time for Ezra to spend some time with his grandfather. There is quite a bit of Ojibwe tribal history in this book which makes for a very interesting read.

[Barb reads......it ALL! · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️s don't happen often for me.

But this was a powerful book. It starts pretty much like any teen title, bully, pretty girl best friend. And then it becomes so much more, a tale to immerse yourself in, a tale of family...more than that, of clan, nature, history, culture.
I look forward to celebrating this book by recommending it often.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book would have easily been a five-star read but it has not one, but TWO Harry Potter references. Are you fucking kidding me? I feel like the worst part about it for me is that the references are so stupid. One is explaining that JKR is on a bookshelf when trying to explain the variety of books on the shelf and the other is some dumb reference that makes no sense and is unneeded. Obviously I'm a firm believer that any HP or JKR reference is unneeded and unnecessary and inherently transphobic. I can just say that I'm incredibly disappointed to see the blatant disregard for trans readers in a book publish in 2024. I'm also incredibly frustrated because this is a fantastic book written by an indigenous author about an indigenous MC and the whole book is good except for those two references. I am uncomfortable blanketly recommending this because of those references.

[Beth Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story written in a very accessible style. It hooked me right away and kept me reading. The family dynamics and characters were beautiful. As a Minnesotan I loved learning more about Ojibwe culture. Treuer writes beautifully about it and about the traditions and ceremonies and the Northwoods nature.