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A review by sometimesalyreadsbooks
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If you know me, you know that Firekeeper's Daughter is one of my favorite reads from last year and I recommend it to almost everyone if they listen long enough. This was a great "somewhat sequel" to the original Boulley book!
Daunis is still around and she's in love, but not out of trouble completely and Perry, her niece is a whirlwind out of control with a passionate heart. I felt like this book felt more realistic in the way it was told through a teen's eyes, the relationships she's navigating, the culture she's proud of, the choices she has to make.
I learned so much about NAGPRA or the process of reparation of Indigenous items and remains. I knew it was bad, but not THAT bad, and how it serves to alienate, fetishize and further colonize Indigenous people and their history. There was also a list of further reading in the back for those who want to learn more or get involved in improving the process.
Boulley also talks about MMIW (missing and murdered Indigenous women) and people, and discusses why Indigenous people are so targeted, including fetishization and easy to evade laws.
Many reviewers complain about the amount of Ojibwe in this book without translations, but that's just it, this book is not FOR you to have your hand held, but to dive in and learn from context. It only took me a moment to Google a phrase if I struggled.
One of my favorite things about Boulley's books are her tactful way of handling tough subjects and providing education, or cultural context without it being difficult to read. She explains things in a way that are inviting, and inclusive, and I find myself going down a rabbit hole of research.
All in all, I give this read 4.5 stars! I found myself enthralled from page one, did not see the twists and turns coming, and felt like I was amongst the people in this book, from their losses to their celebrations. You can enjoy books with other languages and cultures, you can read diverse reads and still relate, even if you aren't the target audience or who the book was written for!
Daunis is still around and she's in love, but not out of trouble completely and Perry, her niece is a whirlwind out of control with a passionate heart. I felt like this book felt more realistic in the way it was told through a teen's eyes, the relationships she's navigating, the culture she's proud of, the choices she has to make.
I learned so much about NAGPRA or the process of reparation of Indigenous items and remains. I knew it was bad, but not THAT bad, and how it serves to alienate, fetishize and further colonize Indigenous people and their history. There was also a list of further reading in the back for those who want to learn more or get involved in improving the process.
Boulley also talks about MMIW (missing and murdered Indigenous women) and people, and discusses why Indigenous people are so targeted, including fetishization and easy to evade laws.
Many reviewers complain about the amount of Ojibwe in this book without translations, but that's just it, this book is not FOR you to have your hand held, but to dive in and learn from context. It only took me a moment to Google a phrase if I struggled.
One of my favorite things about Boulley's books are her tactful way of handling tough subjects and providing education, or cultural context without it being difficult to read. She explains things in a way that are inviting, and inclusive, and I find myself going down a rabbit hole of research.
All in all, I give this read 4.5 stars! I found myself enthralled from page one, did not see the twists and turns coming, and felt like I was amongst the people in this book, from their losses to their celebrations. You can enjoy books with other languages and cultures, you can read diverse reads and still relate, even if you aren't the target audience or who the book was written for!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Alcoholism