Firekeeper's Daughter

                                                                      Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Boulley, A. (2021). Firekeeper's daughter. Henry Holt and Co.

ISBN- 978-1250766564


Plot Summary- 

Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into an FBI investigation. But the search for truth is more complicated than Daunis imagined, exposing secrets and old scars. At the same time, she grows concerned with an investigation that seems more focused on punishing the offenders than protecting the victims. As the deceptions and deaths keep growing, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Ojibwe woman and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.


Critical Analysis-

One of the strengths of Firekeeper's Daughter is its portrayal of Native American culture and the issues faced by indigenous communities. Boulley uses her own Ojibwe heritage to create an authentic representation of Native American traditions, beliefs, and values. Through the character of Daunis, readers gain insight into the struggles faced by Native American communities, including the impact of colonization, cultural erasure, and the ongoing battle for self-determination. The novel also addresses important issues such as drug addiction, sexual assault, and systemic racism. Boulley explores these topics with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, highlighting the ways in which they intersect with Daunis' experiences. The book offers a critique of the structural inequalities that contribute to the mistreatment of indigenous people. Firekeeper's Daughter also presents a complex and relatable protagonist. Daunis is fiercely intelligent, brave, and determined. Throughout the story, she grapples with conflicting loyalties, personal aspirations, and the weight of responsibility towards her community. Her internal struggles and growth throughout the novel make her a compelling and memorable character.


Review Excerpts-

PRINTZ MEDAL
MORRIS AWARD 
AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD YA HONOR BOOK 

"Hitting hard when it comes to issues such as citizenship, language revitalization, and the corrosive presence of drugs on Native communities, this novel will long stand in the hearts of both Native and non-Native audiences." ―Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"Boulley, herself an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians writes from a place of love for her community and shares some key teachings from her culture, even mixing languages within the context of the story. She doesn't shy away from or sugar-coat the very real circumstances that plague reservations across the country, and she tackles these through her biracial hero who gets involved in the criminal investigation into the corruption that led to this pain. An incredible thriller, not to be missed." ―Booklist Starred Review

"A character-driven crime thriller packed with Ojibwe culture and high-stakes tension with themes of identity, trust, and resilience." ―School Library Journal


Connections-

-Have students research maps of major tribal lands and the displacement of large groups. Using a blank map, students can color-code areas of tribal origin and track displacement.

-During reading, here are some discussion questions:

1.What are the different meanings “being Native” could have? Why would it change “depending on who’s asking and why”?

2.Does committing a crime make people any less deserving of grief and remembrance after death?

3.Explain and describe the power there is in grief and the healing process. What specific responsibilities does Daunis have with this power?

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