You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
This small but powerful novella tells the story of one of the most important, yet heartbreaking, periods in Canadian history. The residential school system is a stain in our Canadian past that we can only make right by educating.
Wenjack is a beautiful retelling of the tragic story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve year old Ojibwe boy who was torn from his family and forced to attend a residential school. I loved the switches in perspective between Chanie and the forest spirits. The illustrations at the beginning of every chapter were also wonderful. These aspects in the novella added to the spiritual realism of the story as well.
As a country, we pride ourselves on our inclusivity, but this book reminds us of our dark past. A must read for all Canadians.
Wenjack is a beautiful retelling of the tragic story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve year old Ojibwe boy who was torn from his family and forced to attend a residential school. I loved the switches in perspective between Chanie and the forest spirits. The illustrations at the beginning of every chapter were also wonderful. These aspects in the novella added to the spiritual realism of the story as well.
As a country, we pride ourselves on our inclusivity, but this book reminds us of our dark past. A must read for all Canadians.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
challenging
emotional
sad
Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. As a teacher, my mind is whirring rapidly about different ways I could teach this.
reflective
sad
Stunning, poignant writing. The first time a book has ever brought me to tears.
I was a young college student when I first heard the story of Charlie/Chanie Wenjack in a song written and sung by Willie Dunn. The haunting lyrics sung in a deep voice that reminded me of my friend, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, stayed with me, and to this day, 30 some years later, I can still hear the song in my head. Fast forward to 2020, the lyrics played through my mind as I read Wenjack by Joseph Boyden, a heartbreaking novella about little Charlie/Chanie and his attempt to run away from the cruelties of enforced boarding school to find his way home. He was one among many children who attempted to run away, and he made it farther than most, but not far enough. He died, cold and alone, along the railroad tracks that he hoped would lead him home, some 600 km away. He did not die in vain, as his death in 1966 sparked the initial investigation that would eventually lead to the closure of Indian boarding schools in Canada 30 years later in 1996. Charlie’s/Chanie’s story is just one among many, heartbreaking not only because of the singularity of his suffering and death, but also because he was just one little boy among the thousands of indigenous children who suffered the same fate. Written from the point of view of the Manitous, the spirits, as they inhabit each of the animals that observe little Charlie/Chanie on his journey, this short but beautifully written novella broke my heart. 5 stars
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Why I read this book:
I love short books, I love books with pretty covers. This caught my eye.
What I loved:
The writing in this book is simple, beautiful, and poetic. I am learning more about the Residential School System and this book married the facts I have heard with emotion that I can feel. I didn't realize what it was when I picked it up, but I am so thankful that I did.
What I would change:
N/A
New words/phrases I learned:
N/A
Something I learned/realized and will apply in my life:
A greater understanding of the lasting impact of Residential Schools and the impact of abuse on children.
I love short books, I love books with pretty covers. This caught my eye.
What I loved:
The writing in this book is simple, beautiful, and poetic. I am learning more about the Residential School System and this book married the facts I have heard with emotion that I can feel. I didn't realize what it was when I picked it up, but I am so thankful that I did.
What I would change:
N/A
New words/phrases I learned:
N/A
Something I learned/realized and will apply in my life:
A greater understanding of the lasting impact of Residential Schools and the impact of abuse on children.