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Warrior Girl Unearthed
Perry Firekeeper-Birch was ready for her Summer of Slack but instead, after a fender bender that was entirely not her fault, she’s stuck working to pay back her Auntie Daunis for repairs to the Jeep.
Thankfully she has the other outcasts of the summer program, Team Misfit Toys, and even her twin sister Pauline. Together they ace obstacle courses, plan vigils for missing women in the community, and make sure summer doesn’t feel so lost after all.
But when she attends a meeting at a local university, Perry learns about the “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones and knife are stored in the museum archives, and everything changes. Perry has to return Warrior Girl to her tribe. Determined to help, she learns all she can about NAGPRA, the federal law that allows tribes to request the return of ancestral remains and sacred items. The university has been using legal loopholes to hold onto Warrior Girl and twelve other Anishinaabe ancestors’ remains, and Perry and the Misfits won’t let it go on any longer.
Using all of their skills and resources, the Misfits realize a heist is the only way to bring back the stolen artifacts and remains for good. But there is more to this repatriation than meets the eye as more women disappear and Pauline’s perfectionism takes a turn for the worse. As secrets and mysteries unfurl, Perry and the Misfits must fight to find a way to make things right – for the ancestors and for their community.
From the New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter comes a thrilling YA mystery about a Native teen who must find a way to bring an ancestor home to her tribe.
Thankfully she has the other outcasts of the summer program, Team Misfit Toys, and even her twin sister Pauline. Together they ace obstacle courses, plan vigils for missing women in the community, and make sure summer doesn’t feel so lost after all.
But when she attends a meeting at a local university, Perry learns about the “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones and knife are stored in the museum archives, and everything changes. Perry has to return Warrior Girl to her tribe. Determined to help, she learns all she can about NAGPRA, the federal law that allows tribes to request the return of ancestral remains and sacred items. The university has been using legal loopholes to hold onto Warrior Girl and twelve other Anishinaabe ancestors’ remains, and Perry and the Misfits won’t let it go on any longer.
Using all of their skills and resources, the Misfits realize a heist is the only way to bring back the stolen artifacts and remains for good. But there is more to this repatriation than meets the eye as more women disappear and Pauline’s perfectionism takes a turn for the worse. As secrets and mysteries unfurl, Perry and the Misfits must fight to find a way to make things right – for the ancestors and for their community.
From the New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter comes a thrilling YA mystery about a Native teen who must find a way to bring an ancestor home to her tribe.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
About the author
Angeline Boulley
5 books3,394 followersAngeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She gained attention from the We Need Diverse Books Mentorship Program. Angeline was the former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Her agent is Faye Bender at The Book Group. Firekeeper's Daughter has been optioned for a Netflix series by the Obamas' Higher Ground production company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 626 reviews
April 5, 2023
i didnt enjoy this as much as ABs debut, but theres still a lot to like about this!
its very clear that AB cares deeply about her people and culture. you can feel it on every page as you learn about the ojibwe, their tribe, and their ancestors. what is important to them feels important to the reader because of the passion in the writing. i also really enjoyed learning more about the NAGPRA through both the story and the little real life excerpts sprinkled throughout the book.
but the reason i didnt enjoy this as much as ‘firekeepers daughter’ is because of how juvenile the story feels in comparison. ‘firekeepers daughter’ was honest, raw, and didnt shy away from difficult topics. and while this explores heavy themes as well, its lacking the maturity im used to when it comes to ABs characters and dialogue.
but overall, this is a very timely novel about honouring indigenous ancestral rights and ensuring sacred items are returned to where they belong.
thank you, macmillan/henry holt and co, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
its very clear that AB cares deeply about her people and culture. you can feel it on every page as you learn about the ojibwe, their tribe, and their ancestors. what is important to them feels important to the reader because of the passion in the writing. i also really enjoyed learning more about the NAGPRA through both the story and the little real life excerpts sprinkled throughout the book.
but the reason i didnt enjoy this as much as ‘firekeepers daughter’ is because of how juvenile the story feels in comparison. ‘firekeepers daughter’ was honest, raw, and didnt shy away from difficult topics. and while this explores heavy themes as well, its lacking the maturity im used to when it comes to ABs characters and dialogue.
but overall, this is a very timely novel about honouring indigenous ancestral rights and ensuring sacred items are returned to where they belong.
thank you, macmillan/henry holt and co, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
May 3, 2023
Angeline Boulley is such a masterful author! Warrior Girl Unearthed deftly navigates sensitive topics with a wonderfully entertaining main character with a growth arc, and gives us a sort of heist/thriller.
And you will probably come out of this book like I did, horrified at the realities of reclaiming and repatriating indigenous ancestral remains and sacred objects from museums and collectors. This book was a real education, but also not as heavy as you would expect given the content. Perry is the perfect character for this and she really grows from not caring about anything besides fishing to being a passionate advocate for her people. While still staying very much herself. This also touches on MMIW (missing and murdered indigenous women) which not enough people are aware of.
Set 10 years after Firekeeper's Daughter, we get to see Daunis as a mother and auntie to Perry which is very cool. In general this novel just feels so well-realized with depth to the community, history, characters, and practices. But it's also a page-turner. Seriously, I can't recommend this enough. The audio narration is also excellent, especially because you get to hear proper pronunciation of the language being used. I received an audio review copy of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
And you will probably come out of this book like I did, horrified at the realities of reclaiming and repatriating indigenous ancestral remains and sacred objects from museums and collectors. This book was a real education, but also not as heavy as you would expect given the content. Perry is the perfect character for this and she really grows from not caring about anything besides fishing to being a passionate advocate for her people. While still staying very much herself. This also touches on MMIW (missing and murdered indigenous women) which not enough people are aware of.
Set 10 years after Firekeeper's Daughter, we get to see Daunis as a mother and auntie to Perry which is very cool. In general this novel just feels so well-realized with depth to the community, history, characters, and practices. But it's also a page-turner. Seriously, I can't recommend this enough. The audio narration is also excellent, especially because you get to hear proper pronunciation of the language being used. I received an audio review copy of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
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December 22, 2022HOW COME NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS
May 18, 2023
Had to have this, because I loved FIREKEEPER'S DAUGHTER so much. (I have given away at least two copies, and been responsible for at least a dozen people reading it.) This took me a minute reorient myself: it takes place about ten years later, and is centered on different people, but once I sank into the community again, and once the story got rolling (which didn't take long) . . . WELL. I felt once more like I was living in this community, celebrating with them, grieving with them. I sometimes struggle with rebellious teen characters (I'm old, and I can see how "this will only end in tears!"), but I'm also well aware that I am not the target audience for this book. That said, I soon grew to love Perry and Pauline and the rest of Team Misfit Toys.
Much like FKD, this book celebrated the Ashinaabe community but pulled no punches with the trials they face from both external and internal sources. The subject this one dealt with, of cultural artifacts and even remains being stolen, sold, and kept from Indigenous people, hit hard. How would I feel if I saw my grandmother's skeleton on display in a museum? Alongside the shoes she was buried in? PRETTY DAMN MAD. I learned a lot from this book, but I felt like I was learning alongside Perry, and not being openly lectured to.
I said this with FKD, and I'm saying it again: This should be assigned reading in schools.
Much like FKD, this book celebrated the Ashinaabe community but pulled no punches with the trials they face from both external and internal sources. The subject this one dealt with, of cultural artifacts and even remains being stolen, sold, and kept from Indigenous people, hit hard. How would I feel if I saw my grandmother's skeleton on display in a museum? Alongside the shoes she was buried in? PRETTY DAMN MAD. I learned a lot from this book, but I felt like I was learning alongside Perry, and not being openly lectured to.
I said this with FKD, and I'm saying it again: This should be assigned reading in schools.
May 30, 2023
After a car accident, Perry finds herself forced into a summer internship to pay for the repairs. During the program she discovers a local university holds sacred Ojibwe artefacts and the human remains of ancestors.
She is pulled in different directions. Some advocate quiet negotiation and persuasion to have what was taken returned. Others feel more direct action is warranted...they should just take them back. She is caught in the middle not sure which way is best.
Angeline Boulley speaks truth to power. This book is YA fiction but she dives into many issues that Native Americans still face to this day. The desecration of graves, the taking of human remains by museums and universities, the murder of young Native American women.
I loved the story, the characters and I finished the book smarter than when I began.
She is pulled in different directions. Some advocate quiet negotiation and persuasion to have what was taken returned. Others feel more direct action is warranted...they should just take them back. She is caught in the middle not sure which way is best.
Angeline Boulley speaks truth to power. This book is YA fiction but she dives into many issues that Native Americans still face to this day. The desecration of graves, the taking of human remains by museums and universities, the murder of young Native American women.
I loved the story, the characters and I finished the book smarter than when I began.
January 11, 2023
This book is so beautiful and incredibly informative. I loved how Boulley added in so much information on the reclamation laws/acts and look forward to learning more about this. The book is heartfelt with an excellent mystery attached to it. I especially enjoyed the Daunis update.
May 4, 2023
Angeline Boulley is officially an auto-read author for me. I don’t want to spend this whole review comparing this to Firekeeper’s Daughter, so let me just say at the start that this book isn’t as polished as that one, and I doubt that it will get anywhere near as much acclaim – but it’s written with just as much heart, and I still loved it!
We follow Perry, whom we briefly met in Firekeeper’s Daughter as one of Aunt Teddie’s daughters. Perry is impulsive and a little immature: she drives too fast, likes to take risks, and is more interested in fishing than school – and (somewhat improbably!) I adored her. She just has so much love for her community and her culture, and her care and good intentions are evident, even when she’s making bad decisions. She grows so much over the course of the book, and I loved seeing her learn and mature, and figure out how she can fight for her community most effectively.
The cast of secondary characters was also great. Perry’s twin sister, Pauline, is her exact opposite, and the way they disagreed constantly, but still loved and protected each other so fiercely, felt so real. We also get plenty of cameos from characters from Firekeeper’s Daughter, including the inimitable Granny June, and of course Daunis herself!
This book can mostly be read as a standalone, but it does spoil a couple of things from Firekeeper’s Daughter if you haven’t read that (though it’s legitimately one of the best-written books I’ve ever read, so I don’t know what you’re waiting for!) One of my favourite parts of that book was Daunis’ relationship with Aunt Teddie, so I loved getting to see Daunis in the aunt role now, and generally as an adult and mother. (Daunis and Perry are technically cousins, but the age gap is such that they have more of a materteral relationship.)
The plot of this book is centred around NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a US law that requires institutions like museums and universities to return cultural items (often including human remains) to Indigenous tribes. I hadn’t heard of NAGPRA, but was unsurprised to learn that institutions have spent the last thirty years dragging their feet and making excuses.
The discussion of how Indigenous history and sacred practices are seen as less valuable, or less worthy of care, than their white equivalents, was so clearly laid out, and so powerful. It’s all conveyed through the emotional reactions that Perry has when encountering the stolen items, and her distress is such an effective way for Boulley to show how brutal the theft of all these items has been, how deeply it affects Indigenous tribes, and why it’s so important that they be returned. It’s all also backed up by some really powerful epigraphs, which provide real-world context for everything happening in the story. There’s also discussion around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, which is a smaller plot but no less effective.
I also love that not all the Ojibwemowin is translated: there are always enough context clues to figure it out, but the writing feels so much more natural and fluid than if it has to stop every few sentences to translate itself.
However, I think the plot overall is where the lack of polish shows the most, particularly towards the end. The climax of the story is so gripping, but the more I think about the story, the more loose ends and unanswered questions I still have. There are a lot of moving pieces that don’t all tie up, and some of the antagonists’ actions still don’t fully make sense to me.
The romantic subplot also felt under-developed. Perry begins a relationship with someone she first meets during the course of the story, and it all feels very early, so the level of heartbreak we’re told she feels when it’s not working out feels disproportionate to the interactions we’ve seen between them.
Overall, this may not be quite the masterpiece that Firekeeper’s Daughter is, but it’s no less important or powerful (and is also a less harrowing read, if the list of content warnings in Firekeeper’s Daughter is putting you off.) I hope Perry gets at least some of the love that Daunis did, and I will be waiting impatiently for whatever Angeline Boulley writes next!
CW: abduction, murder, grief, racism & cultural insensitivity, anxiety and trichotillomania, references to sexual assault
Thank you to NetGalley and Rock the Boat for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
We follow Perry, whom we briefly met in Firekeeper’s Daughter as one of Aunt Teddie’s daughters. Perry is impulsive and a little immature: she drives too fast, likes to take risks, and is more interested in fishing than school – and (somewhat improbably!) I adored her. She just has so much love for her community and her culture, and her care and good intentions are evident, even when she’s making bad decisions. She grows so much over the course of the book, and I loved seeing her learn and mature, and figure out how she can fight for her community most effectively.
The cast of secondary characters was also great. Perry’s twin sister, Pauline, is her exact opposite, and the way they disagreed constantly, but still loved and protected each other so fiercely, felt so real. We also get plenty of cameos from characters from Firekeeper’s Daughter, including the inimitable Granny June, and of course Daunis herself!
This book can mostly be read as a standalone, but it does spoil a couple of things from Firekeeper’s Daughter if you haven’t read that (though it’s legitimately one of the best-written books I’ve ever read, so I don’t know what you’re waiting for!) One of my favourite parts of that book was Daunis’ relationship with Aunt Teddie, so I loved getting to see Daunis in the aunt role now, and generally as an adult and mother. (Daunis and Perry are technically cousins, but the age gap is such that they have more of a materteral relationship.)
The plot of this book is centred around NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a US law that requires institutions like museums and universities to return cultural items (often including human remains) to Indigenous tribes. I hadn’t heard of NAGPRA, but was unsurprised to learn that institutions have spent the last thirty years dragging their feet and making excuses.
The discussion of how Indigenous history and sacred practices are seen as less valuable, or less worthy of care, than their white equivalents, was so clearly laid out, and so powerful. It’s all conveyed through the emotional reactions that Perry has when encountering the stolen items, and her distress is such an effective way for Boulley to show how brutal the theft of all these items has been, how deeply it affects Indigenous tribes, and why it’s so important that they be returned. It’s all also backed up by some really powerful epigraphs, which provide real-world context for everything happening in the story. There’s also discussion around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, which is a smaller plot but no less effective.
I also love that not all the Ojibwemowin is translated: there are always enough context clues to figure it out, but the writing feels so much more natural and fluid than if it has to stop every few sentences to translate itself.
However, I think the plot overall is where the lack of polish shows the most, particularly towards the end. The climax of the story is so gripping, but the more I think about the story, the more loose ends and unanswered questions I still have. There are a lot of moving pieces that don’t all tie up, and some of the antagonists’ actions still don’t fully make sense to me.
The romantic subplot also felt under-developed. Perry begins a relationship with someone she first meets during the course of the story, and it all feels very early, so the level of heartbreak we’re told she feels when it’s not working out feels disproportionate to the interactions we’ve seen between them.
Overall, this may not be quite the masterpiece that Firekeeper’s Daughter is, but it’s no less important or powerful (and is also a less harrowing read, if the list of content warnings in Firekeeper’s Daughter is putting you off.) I hope Perry gets at least some of the love that Daunis did, and I will be waiting impatiently for whatever Angeline Boulley writes next!
CW: abduction, murder, grief, racism & cultural insensitivity, anxiety and trichotillomania, references to sexual assault
Thank you to NetGalley and Rock the Boat for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2023
Beautifully crafted and emotionally gripping, Angeline Boulley takes us back to Sugar Island once more, as we explore life ten years on from the events of Fire Keeper’s Daughter. And we follow the POV of Daunis’ endearingly impulsive, justice seeking niece, Perry. Whose loyalty and determination to see the remains of her ancestors returned, leads to a Lara Croft meets Ocean’s eleven-style plan to steal them back.
Having recently finished reading Fire Keeper’ Daughter (which had me uncontrollably sobbing at times) I was soo excited dive head first into Perry’s story given we last saw her aged six. And like her debut novel, Boulley masterfully weaves a heartfelt and thought provoking tale that explores another aspect of injustice and highlighting the very real and highly relevant issues that still affect native communities today.
From the racial discrimination and indifference towards violence perpetrated against the native community, to the sheer lack of empathy for the many indigenous women and girls who go missing (or are murdered) each year— Boulley perfectly captures the bubbling rage and unrelenting despair that soo many of the characters (and real life people) have had to endure.
I loved the vibrancy and complexity of almost all of the characters we meet, and the detail into their personal lives and backstories added soo much depth — but I admit, I was particularly impressed with Perry, whose strong sense of justice, unwavering compassion and love for her family (as well as community and cultural identity) really showcased her resilience and strength. I know I could never be as strong (or resourceful) if placed in the same situation and was utterly invested in watching her succeed.
Another firm favourite was Shense who, like Perry, very much tells it like it is. A Young single mother, she’s just trying to give her daughter the best life possible and works hard to make that happen. I loved her level of commitment, both to her family and the community—not to mention her sense of humour which had me giggling on more than one occasion.
It was also great to see some of my fave characters (such as Daunis) from Fire Keeper’s Daughther return, and definitely helped to bring this nuanced and incredibly descriptive world to life.
Overall, an incredibly engaging and informative read that words really cannot do justice—not to mention how perfectly it showcases the love Boulley has for her community and cultural heritage.
It is quite emotional at times (I do suggest checking TWs before reading), but I guarantee that this is one YA mystery thriller that you won’t want to put down.
Also, a huge thank you to Rock The Boat/ One World Publications for the amazing physical copy.
Having recently finished reading Fire Keeper’ Daughter (which had me uncontrollably sobbing at times) I was soo excited dive head first into Perry’s story given we last saw her aged six. And like her debut novel, Boulley masterfully weaves a heartfelt and thought provoking tale that explores another aspect of injustice and highlighting the very real and highly relevant issues that still affect native communities today.
From the racial discrimination and indifference towards violence perpetrated against the native community, to the sheer lack of empathy for the many indigenous women and girls who go missing (or are murdered) each year— Boulley perfectly captures the bubbling rage and unrelenting despair that soo many of the characters (and real life people) have had to endure.
I loved the vibrancy and complexity of almost all of the characters we meet, and the detail into their personal lives and backstories added soo much depth — but I admit, I was particularly impressed with Perry, whose strong sense of justice, unwavering compassion and love for her family (as well as community and cultural identity) really showcased her resilience and strength. I know I could never be as strong (or resourceful) if placed in the same situation and was utterly invested in watching her succeed.
Another firm favourite was Shense who, like Perry, very much tells it like it is. A Young single mother, she’s just trying to give her daughter the best life possible and works hard to make that happen. I loved her level of commitment, both to her family and the community—not to mention her sense of humour which had me giggling on more than one occasion.
It was also great to see some of my fave characters (such as Daunis) from Fire Keeper’s Daughther return, and definitely helped to bring this nuanced and incredibly descriptive world to life.
Overall, an incredibly engaging and informative read that words really cannot do justice—not to mention how perfectly it showcases the love Boulley has for her community and cultural heritage.
It is quite emotional at times (I do suggest checking TWs before reading), but I guarantee that this is one YA mystery thriller that you won’t want to put down.
Also, a huge thank you to Rock The Boat/ One World Publications for the amazing physical copy.
May 26, 2023
What I love about Angeline Boulley's book is that every time I jump into one of her stories I feel immersed in the passion that this author has for her people and for her culture.
Warrior Girl unearthed tackles hard but important topics. A large majority of the plot revolves around The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which is the process for federal agencies and museums that receive federal funds to transfer Native American cultural items from their collections (artifacts, human remains, etc) back to Indigenous tribes.
I loved learning about tribal reclamation laws and how important the fight was for the rights of the tribes to lay their ancestors to rest. What is beautiful about this book is how even the youth honor their dead and find value in sacred handmade artifacts. The audio was excellent and I loved hearing the pronunciation correctly for Ojibwemowin language.
There is a bit of a mystery around missing girls a touch of romance and heist within the plot as well.
What didn't work for me is that I felt like this lacked a little bit of polish that the first book had in spades. There were a lot of characters, motives, themes to keep track of and some of those loose ends never got tied up and at times felt spread too thin. I also felt disconnected to the romance and felt this book a tad more immature in motive/dialogue than Fire Keepers Daughter. *also just couldn't take the descriptions of dog farts.
That being said. I'm definitely not mad I read this and will continue to read and be educated by Boulleys books in the future.
*CONTENT WARNINGS:
closed door, mentions of frequent casual teen sex, moderate strong language, abduction, references to sexual assault.
Warrior Girl unearthed tackles hard but important topics. A large majority of the plot revolves around The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which is the process for federal agencies and museums that receive federal funds to transfer Native American cultural items from their collections (artifacts, human remains, etc) back to Indigenous tribes.
I loved learning about tribal reclamation laws and how important the fight was for the rights of the tribes to lay their ancestors to rest. What is beautiful about this book is how even the youth honor their dead and find value in sacred handmade artifacts. The audio was excellent and I loved hearing the pronunciation correctly for Ojibwemowin language.
There is a bit of a mystery around missing girls a touch of romance and heist within the plot as well.
What didn't work for me is that I felt like this lacked a little bit of polish that the first book had in spades. There were a lot of characters, motives, themes to keep track of and some of those loose ends never got tied up and at times felt spread too thin. I also felt disconnected to the romance and felt this book a tad more immature in motive/dialogue than Fire Keepers Daughter. *also just couldn't take the descriptions of dog farts.
That being said. I'm definitely not mad I read this and will continue to read and be educated by Boulleys books in the future.
*CONTENT WARNINGS:
closed door, mentions of frequent casual teen sex, moderate strong language, abduction, references to sexual assault.
April 22, 2023
I loved Firekeeper’s Daughter so I knew I was going to love this one too, and I absolutely did. I think the thing I love the most is learning about the culture of the Ojibwa people. It astounds me just how badly indigenous people are treated over their land and cultures, and how the legal system over there fails them so greatly.
This is one of those brilliant books that makes you angry on behalf of the characters at how they’re treated and taken advantage of, with very little care from the “outside” world. But not only does it make you go through a range of emotions, it makes you think and question the world as it is now, and all of the things we’re doing in terms of cultural appropriation.
Frankly I will read anything this author writes because the amount of talent they have is unreal.
Thank you to Rock the Boat for sending me a proof of this incredible book.
This is one of those brilliant books that makes you angry on behalf of the characters at how they’re treated and taken advantage of, with very little care from the “outside” world. But not only does it make you go through a range of emotions, it makes you think and question the world as it is now, and all of the things we’re doing in terms of cultural appropriation.
Frankly I will read anything this author writes because the amount of talent they have is unreal.
Thank you to Rock the Boat for sending me a proof of this incredible book.
March 15, 2023
Perry and Pauline are the twin nieces of our beloved Daunis. They are in highschool and spending the summer in an internship program for Native teens. She finds herself working in the local museum learning all about the artifacts and their care. When she learns about the battles to bring back sacred items and ancestor's remains she finds herself overwhelmingly passionate about righting the wrongs. Even if she needs to cross the line herself to do what is right for her people. Meanwhile Daunis is caught up in a murder mystery and native girls keep going missing. Perry finds a way to get herself caught up in all of it.
I wondered if there was any way Boulley could beat the triumph that was Firekeeper's Daughter but I think I loved this book even more. It educates on Native culture and the current and continuing damaging policies that America has without being too heavy handed or preachy. You live the atrocities and unfairness of the repatriation of Native items with Perry. This book will definitely make you angry and heartbroken.
You see how easily the government and law enforcement work against the Natives. Don't get me wrong, Perry was a teen and often made precocious and unrealistic decisions that got her into trouble but her youth made the rest of the story more accessible. I also guessed the bad guy pretty early but it didn't keep me from enjoying the journey.
This book also used Ojibwe language throughout, but did it in a way where it was accessible and understandable. It's a big pet peeve of mine when English novels use the characters natural tongue but don't ease into it or give you a real guide to understanding and internalizing. This novel did that so well.
Thanks to Henry Holt for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
I wondered if there was any way Boulley could beat the triumph that was Firekeeper's Daughter but I think I loved this book even more. It educates on Native culture and the current and continuing damaging policies that America has without being too heavy handed or preachy. You live the atrocities and unfairness of the repatriation of Native items with Perry. This book will definitely make you angry and heartbroken.
You see how easily the government and law enforcement work against the Natives. Don't get me wrong, Perry was a teen and often made precocious and unrealistic decisions that got her into trouble but her youth made the rest of the story more accessible. I also guessed the bad guy pretty early but it didn't keep me from enjoying the journey.
This book also used Ojibwe language throughout, but did it in a way where it was accessible and understandable. It's a big pet peeve of mine when English novels use the characters natural tongue but don't ease into it or give you a real guide to understanding and internalizing. This novel did that so well.
Thanks to Henry Holt for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
April 25, 2023
I loved The Firekeeper's Daughter. It had everything you wanted and it was a great debut by a new author. I felt like it was Veronica Mars of the res.
This book, taking place in the same universe (and same state), was the top of my list to read. When I found out C2E2 was gonna have copies of this I quickly grabbed one. When I finally came to this book, I settled in for a good read. When finished, I felt that while it was good... it wasn't as good as Firekeeper's Daughter and this book may have mixed reactions.
It's by NO MEANS a bad book. No. The issue lies within the plot. The focus of the narrative relies on the main character and her response on how bodies of those within the tribe's ancestors, when found, are not given back to those who have lineage. Instead of allowing a proper burial and or respect, they are given to various universities and museums and put on display. Some are even sold on ebay as Native American art. This is a huge issue and something when I was doing my anthropology class in college was an essay topic (naturally I sided with the families and the treatment / care of preserving them should be with the tribe backed universities). The author wanted to discuss this and made a great focus for her plot.
But that plot? Everything surrounding it was so boring, so... unfocused. I was shocked that this was the follow up book. The characters kind of just were there and all what was connecting them was this serious issue. There wasn't a lot of character depth or agency and when the ending came I was still thrown back by it being the end.
In the end, I think it's what you take away from this book that will either make it good or amazing. For me, I wanted a stronger plot wrapped around this important issue. But it is possible that those who are NA will enjoy this and rate it higher. The author is on that is delivering when it comes to a voice for this community. I look forward to reading more books by her.
This book, taking place in the same universe (and same state), was the top of my list to read. When I found out C2E2 was gonna have copies of this I quickly grabbed one. When I finally came to this book, I settled in for a good read. When finished, I felt that while it was good... it wasn't as good as Firekeeper's Daughter and this book may have mixed reactions.
It's by NO MEANS a bad book. No. The issue lies within the plot. The focus of the narrative relies on the main character and her response on how bodies of those within the tribe's ancestors, when found, are not given back to those who have lineage. Instead of allowing a proper burial and or respect, they are given to various universities and museums and put on display. Some are even sold on ebay as Native American art. This is a huge issue and something when I was doing my anthropology class in college was an essay topic (naturally I sided with the families and the treatment / care of preserving them should be with the tribe backed universities). The author wanted to discuss this and made a great focus for her plot.
But that plot? Everything surrounding it was so boring, so... unfocused. I was shocked that this was the follow up book. The characters kind of just were there and all what was connecting them was this serious issue. There wasn't a lot of character depth or agency and when the ending came I was still thrown back by it being the end.
In the end, I think it's what you take away from this book that will either make it good or amazing. For me, I wanted a stronger plot wrapped around this important issue. But it is possible that those who are NA will enjoy this and rate it higher. The author is on that is delivering when it comes to a voice for this community. I look forward to reading more books by her.
May 3, 2023
I absolutely loved Firekeeper's Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed met my high expectations, bringing so much of what I enjoyed from the first into this completely original story. I like how this standalone book continued the first story in a way that readers of that book could recognize but didn't make it necessary to have read it to understand. This was an enlightening read and Angeline Boulley has cemented herself as a must-read author!
4.5/5
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
4.5/5
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
May 26, 2023
3.75 stars ✨
I didn't feel quite as swept away by this one as I did by The Firekeeper's Daughter, however, as someone who majored in Anthropology and Archaeology in university (and who graduated with a deep resentment and discomfort with both fields and their practices), I loved how much this book called out their hypocrisies and moral misconduct. Including museums. Perry Firekeeper-Birch is a strong character, like her auntie Daunis.
I didn't feel quite as swept away by this one as I did by The Firekeeper's Daughter, however, as someone who majored in Anthropology and Archaeology in university (and who graduated with a deep resentment and discomfort with both fields and their practices), I loved how much this book called out their hypocrisies and moral misconduct. Including museums. Perry Firekeeper-Birch is a strong character, like her auntie Daunis.
April 20, 2023
Wow, Boulley's books are INTENSE! Her teenagers end up in some very serious situations. I found this book comparable to her first, and I liked that one a lot. Both books made me want to keep reading to figure out the mysteries. I like that Warrior Girl followed characters from Firekeeper's Daughter, several years in the future. I found the protagonist, Perry, to be very frustrating but in a believable teenage way. She was so impetuous but also such an awesome fighter for her family, friends, and culture! I would definitely recommend this book to my high school students, but I would warn them that the book includes murder and kidnapping. That said, these mature themes call attention to the important issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, as well as cultural theft and appropriation. I love that the nonfiction texts the characters reference in the story are actual texts by Native authors, too.
Thanks to Henry Holt and Co and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
Thanks to Henry Holt and Co and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
April 24, 2023
Genre: YA mystery
Perry Firekeeper-Birch lives life at full throttle - it’s written in the scars on her skin and the intensity with which she approaches the things she cares about. Her sister Pauline is the “smart twin,” the one who is academically driven, looking for the best internship before her junior year of high school. Perry could take it or leave it, and wants to spend her summer fishing. Unfortunately, things don’t go as she wants, and Perry is required to work a summer internship at the cultural museum in order to pay back Auntie Daunis for repairs to her jeep from a fender bender. But this experience awakens something in Perry: a drive to learn about the artifacts and remains of her Ojibwe people, and to repatriate “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones are stored at the local college archive. While Perry works to understand how she can help the dead, there are more Ojibwe and other indigenous women going missing. Perry, Pauline, and the other “Misfit Toys” from the summer internship program are determined to set things to rights.
An outstanding sophomore novel from Angeline Boulley. I learn so much when I read her books. I found Warrior Girl Unearthed to be faster moving and more accessible than Firekeeper’s Daughter. While there are layers to the story, there is one major plot arc driving the narrative pace.
As rising high school juniors, Perry and Pauline are on the cusp of adulthood. In some ways, Perry, the narrator, spends much of her time defining herself in comparison to her “perfect” twin. Perry’s growth arc throughout the novel moves away from comparisons and towards recognizing her own abilities and strengths. She loves Sugar Island, loves her family, her culture, and her own strength. She’s learning - as all teenagers must - to navigate her own desires with what the community and her mentors deem appropriate. The stakes are higher for Perry as she learns about the very real impact of the NAGPRA, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and blurs lines of morality to try to do the right thing.
Gripping and informative. You do not need to read Firekeeper’s Daughter first in order to appreciate Warrior Girl Unearthed. The audiobook is narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc, who brings a richness to Perry’s story.
Thank you to Henry Holt & Co, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ALC for review. Warrior Girl Unearthed is available 5/2/23!
Perry Firekeeper-Birch lives life at full throttle - it’s written in the scars on her skin and the intensity with which she approaches the things she cares about. Her sister Pauline is the “smart twin,” the one who is academically driven, looking for the best internship before her junior year of high school. Perry could take it or leave it, and wants to spend her summer fishing. Unfortunately, things don’t go as she wants, and Perry is required to work a summer internship at the cultural museum in order to pay back Auntie Daunis for repairs to her jeep from a fender bender. But this experience awakens something in Perry: a drive to learn about the artifacts and remains of her Ojibwe people, and to repatriate “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones are stored at the local college archive. While Perry works to understand how she can help the dead, there are more Ojibwe and other indigenous women going missing. Perry, Pauline, and the other “Misfit Toys” from the summer internship program are determined to set things to rights.
An outstanding sophomore novel from Angeline Boulley. I learn so much when I read her books. I found Warrior Girl Unearthed to be faster moving and more accessible than Firekeeper’s Daughter. While there are layers to the story, there is one major plot arc driving the narrative pace.
As rising high school juniors, Perry and Pauline are on the cusp of adulthood. In some ways, Perry, the narrator, spends much of her time defining herself in comparison to her “perfect” twin. Perry’s growth arc throughout the novel moves away from comparisons and towards recognizing her own abilities and strengths. She loves Sugar Island, loves her family, her culture, and her own strength. She’s learning - as all teenagers must - to navigate her own desires with what the community and her mentors deem appropriate. The stakes are higher for Perry as she learns about the very real impact of the NAGPRA, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and blurs lines of morality to try to do the right thing.
Gripping and informative. You do not need to read Firekeeper’s Daughter first in order to appreciate Warrior Girl Unearthed. The audiobook is narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc, who brings a richness to Perry’s story.
Thank you to Henry Holt & Co, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ALC for review. Warrior Girl Unearthed is available 5/2/23!
May 31, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was really emotional and I loved getting to learn more about Indigenous culture. This book introduces a lot of injustices that indigenous people face, particularly girls and women, I think that for me, I just struggled to really be invested in the plot - it was hard to tell at times what direction the story was going in, and I felt like apart from the main character, the reader doesn't really get to connect with anyone else, and that by the time the story really unfolded by the end, it was a bit rushed and not properly developed - like it all unfolds and is then wrapped up within two or three chapters, and I just wish that it had been more fleshed out, personally. However, it is still a very emotionally powerful read, and I think the author did a fantastic job with discussing change and growth whilst also being mindful of the past and injustices faced. I also think that based off reviews, I'm going to really enjoy the author's first book Firekeeper's Daughter.
This was really emotional and I loved getting to learn more about Indigenous culture. This book introduces a lot of injustices that indigenous people face, particularly girls and women, I think that for me, I just struggled to really be invested in the plot - it was hard to tell at times what direction the story was going in, and I felt like apart from the main character, the reader doesn't really get to connect with anyone else, and that by the time the story really unfolded by the end, it was a bit rushed and not properly developed - like it all unfolds and is then wrapped up within two or three chapters, and I just wish that it had been more fleshed out, personally. However, it is still a very emotionally powerful read, and I think the author did a fantastic job with discussing change and growth whilst also being mindful of the past and injustices faced. I also think that based off reviews, I'm going to really enjoy the author's first book Firekeeper's Daughter.
May 4, 2023
4.5 stars
I loved this standalone novel that takes place in the same tribe as the author's first book. However, if, after reading this book, you're not even a little bit angry about what our country (and not just our country) has done to the indigenous people, then you must be a big believer in the whitewashed history I was fed when I was growing up. Thankfully, my children are growing up in a different world and our schools are making an effort (at least in our state) to give them a much more objective and factual account of how the indigenous people were treated in our country.
Unlike her first book, the main protagonist is a 16-year-old girl who has a great love for her people and her traditions, but she is impulsive and considers rules to be merely suggestions. She rarely takes anything seriously and would much rather go fishing than go to school. Her best friends are her twin sister and a boy they grew up with, Lucas. Her twin sister is her opposite in personality and excels in school and wants to go to college. Because the characters are young, this book had more of a YA feel than the first book, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I feel that in some ways, it makes the book more accessible to younger readers. For example, as Perry learns about the laws and regulations that govern the repatriation of native funerary objects (including the skeletons), we learn alongside her.
I liked that the author demonstrated different styles of repatriation, and as much as Turtle's style frustrated her, Perry was able to learn why he did things the way he did. This was a good lesson not just for Perry but for anyone wanting to become involved in this issue. Also included was the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women, who were at greater risk because of the laws that allowed them to fall through the cracks and be abducted and murdered without repercussion. I don't know what the current laws are, but from the news, I know this is still an issue.
While Daunis was much more peripheral in this story, I loved getting updates about her. The author did a great job of incorporating her past into the current story. I particularly loved Perry's relationship with Daunis' son.
Overall, I loved this story and read it in a single day. I hope the author continues to write stories in this setting so we can get updates on our beloved characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this standalone novel that takes place in the same tribe as the author's first book. However, if, after reading this book, you're not even a little bit angry about what our country (and not just our country) has done to the indigenous people, then you must be a big believer in the whitewashed history I was fed when I was growing up. Thankfully, my children are growing up in a different world and our schools are making an effort (at least in our state) to give them a much more objective and factual account of how the indigenous people were treated in our country.
Unlike her first book, the main protagonist is a 16-year-old girl who has a great love for her people and her traditions, but she is impulsive and considers rules to be merely suggestions. She rarely takes anything seriously and would much rather go fishing than go to school. Her best friends are her twin sister and a boy they grew up with, Lucas. Her twin sister is her opposite in personality and excels in school and wants to go to college. Because the characters are young, this book had more of a YA feel than the first book, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I feel that in some ways, it makes the book more accessible to younger readers. For example, as Perry learns about the laws and regulations that govern the repatriation of native funerary objects (including the skeletons), we learn alongside her.
I liked that the author demonstrated different styles of repatriation, and as much as Turtle's style frustrated her, Perry was able to learn why he did things the way he did. This was a good lesson not just for Perry but for anyone wanting to become involved in this issue. Also included was the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women, who were at greater risk because of the laws that allowed them to fall through the cracks and be abducted and murdered without repercussion. I don't know what the current laws are, but from the news, I know this is still an issue.
While Daunis was much more peripheral in this story, I loved getting updates about her. The author did a great job of incorporating her past into the current story. I particularly loved Perry's relationship with Daunis' son.
Overall, I loved this story and read it in a single day. I hope the author continues to write stories in this setting so we can get updates on our beloved characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2023
I am speechless. Angeline Boulley is such an incredible author. This world does not deserve the gift that is her writing and the incredible stories of the Firekeeper family. And yet, I hope and pray that she keeps giving us these amazing novels about strong, fierce young women who stand up and fight for what they believe in and what they know to be right and true.
Through the eyes of Perry Firekeeper-Birch, I learned so much about The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - what it is, what it isn't, where it falls short, and how people have avoided it and taken advantage of its loopholes. The injustice that is perpetuated by "ownership" of Native property and the bodies of Native people is disgusting.
Throughout the novel, Boulley also calls attention to the alarming number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The violence that people have inflicted on Indigenous populations, particularly women and children, is sickening. This novel is Perry's coming-of-age story, but it is also a call to action to do what is right for Native people and their communities.
From a literary standpoint, I simply loved Perry as a character. I loved her just as much as I loved Daunis in Firekeeper's Daughter, and I was thrilled to see Daunis reappear in this novel, along with other characters from Boulley's first novel. This novel was a wonderful mixture of a suspenseful plot with outstanding characters that evolved over the course of the story. It is captivating and moving, and I never wanted to put it down.
Boulley is an incredible writer, and she hit it out of the park again with her sophomore novel. I can't wait to preorder whatever she writes next.
Through the eyes of Perry Firekeeper-Birch, I learned so much about The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - what it is, what it isn't, where it falls short, and how people have avoided it and taken advantage of its loopholes. The injustice that is perpetuated by "ownership" of Native property and the bodies of Native people is disgusting.
Throughout the novel, Boulley also calls attention to the alarming number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The violence that people have inflicted on Indigenous populations, particularly women and children, is sickening. This novel is Perry's coming-of-age story, but it is also a call to action to do what is right for Native people and their communities.
From a literary standpoint, I simply loved Perry as a character. I loved her just as much as I loved Daunis in Firekeeper's Daughter, and I was thrilled to see Daunis reappear in this novel, along with other characters from Boulley's first novel. This novel was a wonderful mixture of a suspenseful plot with outstanding characters that evolved over the course of the story. It is captivating and moving, and I never wanted to put it down.
Boulley is an incredible writer, and she hit it out of the park again with her sophomore novel. I can't wait to preorder whatever she writes next.
May 17, 2023
WOW. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! I was absolutely captivated throughout and still didn’t guess the ending until it was actually unfolding. Learning about repatriation has sparked a new research interest in me, while also finally naming that weird dread I get when I see human remains in a museum. I loved the friendships, the sisterhood, the devastation, the “plan”, and how it all came together. ❤️
April 24, 2023
This was a fantastic follow up to The firekeeper's daughter! Not quite as high stakes thriller as her last book, this YA mystery follows Ojibwa tribal citizen Perry, a relative to Daunis, who has an accident with her Aunt's jeep and is forced to work for the summer in order to pay for it.
When she gets assigned to work for the museum she ends up involved in a project to get local tribal remains and artefacts returned from various institutions. Full of important cultural insights and a great teen heist plot at the end. This was fun and meaningful and excellent on audio narrated by Isabella Star LeBlanc.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
When she gets assigned to work for the museum she ends up involved in a project to get local tribal remains and artefacts returned from various institutions. Full of important cultural insights and a great teen heist plot at the end. This was fun and meaningful and excellent on audio narrated by Isabella Star LeBlanc.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
June 1, 2023
Warrior Girl Unearthed was just okay for me. The story was very clunky and it seemed that there could have been a more straightforward journey from A to Z. It felt like there was too much going on while at the same time nothing was really happening. I gave an extra star for the awareness that this novel brings to repatriation and MMIW. I’m definitely in the minority with my opinion on this one, and it seems many people enjoyed this book more than I did.
May 29, 2023
5⭐ on 🎧
Wow, this was SO good. I was in the camp of enjoy but not love for Firekeeper's Daughter and this book just truly blew me away. I think Angeline Boulley is an author who just keeps getting better and I'm so glad that she's getting the attention she deserves.
This book traverses both the coming of age story of a teenager unconvinced she wants to finish school or be engaged with the world and the fraught political landscape of reparations of Native American items to their tribal owners. Perry at the center of this story is this fierce, strong, smart, prickly character that I couldn't help but fall in love with. She felt so real and I couldn't help but.root for her as she decided to truly own her heritage and passion for preserving her tribes history.
I loved how Angeline shared so much culture and history with her readers in this book while bringing her characters to life and showing small connections to Firekeeper's Daughter. Angeline is a true master storyteller and I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next.
Wow, this was SO good. I was in the camp of enjoy but not love for Firekeeper's Daughter and this book just truly blew me away. I think Angeline Boulley is an author who just keeps getting better and I'm so glad that she's getting the attention she deserves.
This book traverses both the coming of age story of a teenager unconvinced she wants to finish school or be engaged with the world and the fraught political landscape of reparations of Native American items to their tribal owners. Perry at the center of this story is this fierce, strong, smart, prickly character that I couldn't help but fall in love with. She felt so real and I couldn't help but.root for her as she decided to truly own her heritage and passion for preserving her tribes history.
I loved how Angeline shared so much culture and history with her readers in this book while bringing her characters to life and showing small connections to Firekeeper's Daughter. Angeline is a true master storyteller and I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next.
May 31, 2023
Set within the same extended family in a northern Michigan Anishinaabe community as Angeline Boulley's excellent debut, Firekeepers Daughter, Warrior Girl Unearthed was a similarly excellent reads for the strong and fully fleshed-out female protagonist, the mix of coming-of-age story + mystery with great pacing, and how much I learned about this Native culture and history + very timely current issues related to it - but at the same time still felt like I was really immersed in the life of a girl living in this world, not just being taught about her culture. The Michigan setting and references are added enjoyment for a local as well… not to mention that I share the same first name as the author 🙂 (Note: You don’t *need* to read Firekeeper’s Daughter first, but it was one of my favorite books of 2021 so naturally I recommend starting there!)
In this story, Perry is a teenage girl who just wants to spend her summer break fishing her favorite spots, not working on a college resume like her twin sister. But she gets forced into doing an internship with the local tribal council and instead of just doing the bare minimum as intended she ends up on a bit of a righteous quest, after learning through her work with the tribal museum about artefacts and even remains of her ancestors that had been taken by collectors and museums and never returned to their communities despite a US law directing repatriation. Perry is a character who sometimes made me squirm a bit with her brashness, outspokenness and iffy/dangerous choices on her route to pursuing justice (opposites of my personality, especially as a mousy high schooler!), but I loved how fully formed she felt, with both strengths and flaws. Also loved seeing how important her family and community were to her, and how that played out - even though she wants to go her own way, she never fails to show respect to her elders, ancestors, and traditions. The issues addressed in the book were really well done - and I think they work well for the YA format, where issues can be addressed quite overtly or on the nose, but don't feel quite as preachy as they might because you've got a young character who is learning about/working through these issues too. I learned a lot about the appropriation/stealing of Native artefacts, and there was also a good amount about the very timely issues of the violence against Native women's bodies, reflecting real-world issues of their statistically higher likelihood of being assaulted, along with so many unsolved cases of missing/murdered Native women.
Overall, super readable with a good pace, interesting mystery elements, and great characters.
4.5⭐️
In this story, Perry is a teenage girl who just wants to spend her summer break fishing her favorite spots, not working on a college resume like her twin sister. But she gets forced into doing an internship with the local tribal council and instead of just doing the bare minimum as intended she ends up on a bit of a righteous quest, after learning through her work with the tribal museum about artefacts and even remains of her ancestors that had been taken by collectors and museums and never returned to their communities despite a US law directing repatriation. Perry is a character who sometimes made me squirm a bit with her brashness, outspokenness and iffy/dangerous choices on her route to pursuing justice (opposites of my personality, especially as a mousy high schooler!), but I loved how fully formed she felt, with both strengths and flaws. Also loved seeing how important her family and community were to her, and how that played out - even though she wants to go her own way, she never fails to show respect to her elders, ancestors, and traditions. The issues addressed in the book were really well done - and I think they work well for the YA format, where issues can be addressed quite overtly or on the nose, but don't feel quite as preachy as they might because you've got a young character who is learning about/working through these issues too. I learned a lot about the appropriation/stealing of Native artefacts, and there was also a good amount about the very timely issues of the violence against Native women's bodies, reflecting real-world issues of their statistically higher likelihood of being assaulted, along with so many unsolved cases of missing/murdered Native women.
Overall, super readable with a good pace, interesting mystery elements, and great characters.
4.5⭐️
May 29, 2023
The joy I feel knowing I decided to read Firekeeper's Daughter IMMEDIATELY before this came out.... the wait would have killed me even knowing they have literally no plot in common
Perry Firekeeper-Birch is the niece of Daunis.. she is in Firekeeper's Daughter, but as a little kid, and she's 16 at the point of Warrior Girl Unearthed. This book follows her as she spends her summer in an internship program... in which she ends up being an intern to a few different businesses lol. She can't manage to stick at one. But the first one she works at is a museum, and she learns about Ojibwe artifacts that a local university has that will allegedly eventually be returned to the Ojibwe tribe after being catalogued. These artifacts include like, human remains.
She never had a ton of interest in... well, really anything other than fishing. But she feels a strong emotional tie to these objects immediately, as they're part of her culture and the injustice of them being appropriated hits her right in the 16-year-old heart. And since they're official groups, like said university, that have the artifacts... there's no chance they're getting them in a timely manner AT ALL. So Perry ends up breaking quite a few rules in the sake of liberating her ancestors and their objects.
Angeline Boulley is such an amazing writer. She can write about characters doing very mundane things and you still just crave her words. Like, there's multiple times in the book where Perry gardens and I just ate it up.
We also got some recurring characters, like Daunis, but also Lily's grandma and Mustang Minnie, and also some unfavorable recurring characters, too. It was so good to return to all of them!!!!
Not only is this book 100 pages shorter than Firekeeper's Daughter, it's not about as wide a spread of topics. But I don't think that's a bad thing!! Obviously!!! The switch between books from a drug-based community focus to an artifact-based one is a wonderful way to continue sharing information about the harm that can come to Native communities without telling the same story over and over. (Which, ngl, I'd read the same story over and over from Angeline Boulley FRFR) There's still violence and murder being committed towards Native women in this story... which mirrors real life, sadly.
Since there's a little heist actiony vibe, I won't tell you tons about the plot, but there's a little ensemble with Perry, her twin sister, their childhood best friend, a new friend (wink wink) of Perry's, and another new ACTUAL friend who is a teen mom. I loved the portrayal of her motherhood - she is open about breastfeeding, about custody, and is such a sweet mom ugh.
Perry significantly lets down plenty of adults in her life, but no one shuts her out or is even really mean to her, and I really like how accepting they are of her making mistakes. I think that's such an important thing to show to young readers. Especially considering she typically has the right intentions behind the things she does. She's sorta lacking in general goals at the beginning of the book, which is relatable, but she's headstrong and is very strong in her convictions, and it's great to see her develop a passion over the course of the story.
Just read Firekeeper's Daughter then this one y'all my reviewing brain is broken this year and I'm working on getting it back
Perry Firekeeper-Birch is the niece of Daunis.. she is in Firekeeper's Daughter, but as a little kid, and she's 16 at the point of Warrior Girl Unearthed. This book follows her as she spends her summer in an internship program... in which she ends up being an intern to a few different businesses lol. She can't manage to stick at one. But the first one she works at is a museum, and she learns about Ojibwe artifacts that a local university has that will allegedly eventually be returned to the Ojibwe tribe after being catalogued. These artifacts include like, human remains.
She never had a ton of interest in... well, really anything other than fishing. But she feels a strong emotional tie to these objects immediately, as they're part of her culture and the injustice of them being appropriated hits her right in the 16-year-old heart. And since they're official groups, like said university, that have the artifacts... there's no chance they're getting them in a timely manner AT ALL. So Perry ends up breaking quite a few rules in the sake of liberating her ancestors and their objects.
Angeline Boulley is such an amazing writer. She can write about characters doing very mundane things and you still just crave her words. Like, there's multiple times in the book where Perry gardens and I just ate it up.
We also got some recurring characters, like Daunis, but also Lily's grandma and Mustang Minnie, and also some unfavorable recurring characters, too. It was so good to return to all of them!!!!
Not only is this book 100 pages shorter than Firekeeper's Daughter, it's not about as wide a spread of topics. But I don't think that's a bad thing!! Obviously!!! The switch between books from a drug-based community focus to an artifact-based one is a wonderful way to continue sharing information about the harm that can come to Native communities without telling the same story over and over. (Which, ngl, I'd read the same story over and over from Angeline Boulley FRFR) There's still violence and murder being committed towards Native women in this story... which mirrors real life, sadly.
Since there's a little heist actiony vibe, I won't tell you tons about the plot, but there's a little ensemble with Perry, her twin sister, their childhood best friend, a new friend (wink wink) of Perry's, and another new ACTUAL friend who is a teen mom. I loved the portrayal of her motherhood - she is open about breastfeeding, about custody, and is such a sweet mom ugh.
Perry significantly lets down plenty of adults in her life, but no one shuts her out or is even really mean to her, and I really like how accepting they are of her making mistakes. I think that's such an important thing to show to young readers. Especially considering she typically has the right intentions behind the things she does. She's sorta lacking in general goals at the beginning of the book, which is relatable, but she's headstrong and is very strong in her convictions, and it's great to see her develop a passion over the course of the story.
Just read Firekeeper's Daughter then this one y'all my reviewing brain is broken this year and I'm working on getting it back
May 31, 2023
4.5 stars
It felt very comforting to be returned to the world introduced to us in Firekeeper’s Daughter, genuinely one of my all-time favorite books.
Parts of Warrior Girl Unearthed felt a little uneven. Not quite rushed? More almost like omitting unnecessary details, but at times when it felt the details would have been welcomed. It just made some scenes appear abrupt and occasionally disjointed.
That said, I still adored these characters, the mystery, and the heap of information provided to us, especially relating to NAGPRA. As with Firekeeper’s Daughter, this feels like an important and necessary read, and I personally believe is should be required reading in schools.
It felt very comforting to be returned to the world introduced to us in Firekeeper’s Daughter, genuinely one of my all-time favorite books.
Parts of Warrior Girl Unearthed felt a little uneven. Not quite rushed? More almost like omitting unnecessary details, but at times when it felt the details would have been welcomed. It just made some scenes appear abrupt and occasionally disjointed.
That said, I still adored these characters, the mystery, and the heap of information provided to us, especially relating to NAGPRA. As with Firekeeper’s Daughter, this feels like an important and necessary read, and I personally believe is should be required reading in schools.
May 4, 2023
4.5 stars
This is a beautiful, culturally important read.
I loved Perry and her family - each character is wonderfully brought to life and adds so much to the story. I’ve put The FireMakers Daughter on my pile to read as I’m intrigued about the story behind Daunis.
Perry’s strength and determination is admirable and although at times I wanted to make her stop and think, her impetuous nature was the part that I loved about her and I loved how she wanted to learn and engage in the culture of her heritage.
The learning shared about the importance of the cultural tribes history was so informative - the writing emphasised the importance of their ancestry and it was clear to see how this is still an important message now.
This is a beautiful, culturally important read.
I loved Perry and her family - each character is wonderfully brought to life and adds so much to the story. I’ve put The FireMakers Daughter on my pile to read as I’m intrigued about the story behind Daunis.
Perry’s strength and determination is admirable and although at times I wanted to make her stop and think, her impetuous nature was the part that I loved about her and I loved how she wanted to learn and engage in the culture of her heritage.
The learning shared about the importance of the cultural tribes history was so informative - the writing emphasised the importance of their ancestry and it was clear to see how this is still an important message now.
May 2, 2023
You never know how a second book will go when the first was fantastic, but Warrior Girl Unearthed was everything I hoped and wanted it to be. Not a true sequel, the story follows another family member from Firekeeper's Daughter living on Sugar Island and dealing with the difficulty between native and non-native communities as they deal with the traumas inflicted upon the Ojibwe. This story was action packed and Perry was a wonderfully connectable character.
May 8, 2023
Angeline Boulley is a natural storyteller. This wasn’t quite as good as Firekeeper’s Daughter, but still really well done. Perry was a great main character. The whole premise of bringing their scared ancestors back home was really emotional and interesting, especially with the news the past few years regarding the discovery of mass graves on Residential School land.
May 10, 2023
In the times we are living, THIS is a book that needs to be read and for us to take notice of not only an amazing storyteller, but also that Angeline Boulley is here to educate us about her people, the Ojibwe community.
After reading/listening to Firekeeper's Daughter, I was surprised and excited to learn that Ms Boulley was returning to this world for Warrior Girl Unearthed. Now, it is 10 years after that story and we are getting the story of Perry Firekeeper-Birch, niece to Daunis Firekeeper. Perry is a bit of a wild card, shall we say. She's the type that wants to do the least amount to get by. But once her job as an intern has her leading a group of "misfits" we learn that she has a lot more to offer the world and her people.
I enjoyed Perry and the way others around her may have counted her out. Putting more of their faith in her twin, Pauline, "the smart one". But Perry is more street smart and knows how to work a system that doesn't exactly favor her people. The way Angeline Boulley incorporated MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) and the realities surrounding reclaiming and repatriating indigenous remains was done so well. I learned so much while also being entertained with Perry and her group of "misfit" friends. Were some things a bit out there and OTT? Sure. But I for one was glued to the page and wondering what Perry was going to do next and how she was going to be seen in her community. She took risks all for ancestors and put herself in some danger. How was everything going to come together in the end?
Another great story from Angeline Boulley and great narration by Isabella Star LaBlanc. Yes, it's fiction but I felt like I learned so much about the Native Ancestors of our country. 4.5 stars.
After reading/listening to Firekeeper's Daughter, I was surprised and excited to learn that Ms Boulley was returning to this world for Warrior Girl Unearthed. Now, it is 10 years after that story and we are getting the story of Perry Firekeeper-Birch, niece to Daunis Firekeeper. Perry is a bit of a wild card, shall we say. She's the type that wants to do the least amount to get by. But once her job as an intern has her leading a group of "misfits" we learn that she has a lot more to offer the world and her people.
I enjoyed Perry and the way others around her may have counted her out. Putting more of their faith in her twin, Pauline, "the smart one". But Perry is more street smart and knows how to work a system that doesn't exactly favor her people. The way Angeline Boulley incorporated MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) and the realities surrounding reclaiming and repatriating indigenous remains was done so well. I learned so much while also being entertained with Perry and her group of "misfit" friends. Were some things a bit out there and OTT? Sure. But I for one was glued to the page and wondering what Perry was going to do next and how she was going to be seen in her community. She took risks all for ancestors and put herself in some danger. How was everything going to come together in the end?
Another great story from Angeline Boulley and great narration by Isabella Star LaBlanc. Yes, it's fiction but I felt like I learned so much about the Native Ancestors of our country. 4.5 stars.
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