A review by jackelz
Rabbit Chase by Elizabeth LaPensée

adventurous informative fast-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Rabbit Chase is a story of self-discovery, community, and finding one's place in the world. It was a fun mix of Anishinaabe culture and storytelling, and an Alice in Wonderland retelling that explores Indigenous and gender issues through a fresh yet familiar looking glass. 
 
Aimée, a nonbinary Anishinaabe middle-schooler, is on a class trip to offer gifts to Paayehnsag, the water spirits known to protect the land. While stories are told about the water spirits and the threat of the land being taken over for development, Aimée accidentally wanders off, and they are transported to an alternate dimension. 
 
I loved how the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ elements were familiar, yet different. Each one tied into Anishinaabe culture, so the journey was educational and exciting. There is a glossary of used Anishinaabe words in the back, as to not distract from the text. This representation is so, so important! 
 
Aimée is bullied at school for their gender identity, and even a school figure makes snide remarks. My only wish is that this was challenged a bit more in the book. 
 
About the creators: Elizabeth LaPensée, Ph.D. is of Irish, Anishinaabe, and Métis descent. KC Oster (he/she/they) is an Ojibwe-Anishinaabe.
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