Freedom Swimmer by Wai Chim

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley 

BOULLEY, A. (2023). Firekeeper's Daughter. FABER AND FABER. ISBN 9781250766571

Firekeeper's Daughter follows 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine as she navigates through life as tragedy after tragedy continues to strike her life and her tribe. As a member of the Ojibwe tribe, Daunis is concerned with the number of members dying due to mysterious circumstances. Tragedy becomes personal when her best friend Lily is killed right before Daunis' eyes. Teaming up with the FBI, Daunis embarks on a journey where she brings to light the corruption in her tribe. 

Daunis' journey is an eye-opening journey to the experiences that Native Americans had in the early 2000s. Firekeeper's Daughter did an excellent job at explaining the traditions that the Ojibwe tribe had and the cultural meaning of each tradition. Throughout the novel, Daunis faces a lot of death, being that death is one of the prominent themes within the story and one of the reasons Daunis decides to investigate more into the tragedies of her tribe. The book does mention other heavy themes, such as sex, sexual assault, and drug use, which may make it a better-suited novel for older teens. Being that the book takes place on a reservation, there is some use of the Native language, and I do wish there was a glossary at the end of the novel that translates the Native words or phrases.  

Overall, Boulley does a great job portraying Daunis as she navigates through and tries to solve the meth crisis sweeping through her reservation, all while secretly teaming up with the FBI, who is determined to see her reservation in a negative light. Daunis is a powerfully written female lead character who does not back down from a fight and is an inspiration to those who read because, despite all the negative things attempting to tear her down, Daunis continues to persevere through all until justice is brought to her and the community she loves dearly.

Kristina Pino from Booklist states that Firekeeper's Daughter is "an incredible thriller, not to be missed," and readers can continue to read stories set in this world by reading the sequel Warrior Girl Unearthed.

Awards Firekeeper's Daughter has won: 

Goodreads Choice Awards

• Michael L. Printz Award - Medal
• YALSA William C. Morris - finalist
• Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominee
• NPR Best Book of the Year
• Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
• School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
• School Library Best Books of the Year

Sources

Pino, K. (2021, February 15). Firekeeper’s daughter. Booklist. https://www.booklistonline.com/Firekeeper-s-Daughter-Boulley-Angeline/pid=9742021

Firekeeper’s daughter. Macmillan. (2021, July 20). https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250766571/firekeepersdaughter