Reviews

On the Trapline by David A. Robertson

heisereads's review

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5.0

Beautiful. Don't miss the author & illustrator notes in the backmatter.

ljrinaldi's review

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5.0

This is a sweet book, a bit akin to "When we were alone" one of the other pictures books by this author that explores memories and culture. In the Cree tradition, you went out and hunted in the summer on the trapline. The trapline is far from where the boy and his Moshom (his grandfather) now live. The grandfather has not been back for many years, but he still remembers how to get to that special place.

Through this simple journey, we learn Cree words, and we see the world that his grandfather left behind.

Slow and sweet, and poignant. Sad, and happy at the same time. A taste of what life was like, amongst the Swampy Cree.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

libraryrobin's review

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4.0

A grandfather shares the land of his boyhood, a land he clearly loves, with his grandson. Features Swampy Cree vocabulary and interesting tidbits from their culture.

denasquirrel's review

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informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

srivalli's review

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4.0

4.2 Stars
On the Trapline is a beautiful story of a grandson knowing more about his grandfather’s childhood on the trapline. The story shows how the Cree tribe lived together on the shores, had to relocate, and got displaced over the years. The trip may be a small one, but it is filled with such poignant memories and details of the past. This is a beautiful and sweet story told in a simple manner. The illustrations set the tone of the book, and the use of Cree vocab was wonderful. It’s so important for the current and next generations to know their roots. We need more such books in every country.
I wish there was a little more detail, but then I understand this is a children's book, and too much information can be overwhelming.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada and am voluntarily leaving a review.

mayakinsley's review

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emotional hopeful informative reflective sad

5.0

colleen_be's review

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

victxriax's review

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

justacurse's review

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emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

puddingtaco's review

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challenging informative relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0