Fire Keeper's Daughter
- huazhangz
- Jul 24, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 1, 2023
Bibliographic Information
Title: Fire Keeper's Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Narrator: Isabella Star LaBlanc
ISBN: 978-1250766564
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Copyright Year: 2021
Format: Audiobook
Genre: fiction
Listening Length: 14 hours and 13 minutes
Award: 2022 Morris Award Winner
Reading Level / Interest Level: 18+ years
Plot Summary
This book follows the journey of Daunis Fontaine, a young girl who navigates her mixed heritage as a descendant of both white and Native ancestry. She resides in a place near the Canadian border and has connections to the Ojibwe reservation. When she witnesses her friend's murder, she becomes involved in an FBI investigation.
Author Background
Angeline Boulley is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and a storyteller focused on writing about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She previously served as the Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. While she currently resides in southwest Michigan, her heart will always belong to Sugar Island, her ancestral home (Angeline Boulley, n.d.).
Narrator background
Isabella Star LaBlanc is a Native American writer, poet, and activist known for her work that addresses Indigenous rights and social justice issues. She belongs to the Oglala Lakota tribe and has gained recognition for her powerful and thought-provoking writings. LaBlanc's literary contributions have been praised for shedding light on important Indigenous perspectives and experiences, making her an influential voice in contemporary Indigenous literature ("Isabella Star LaBlanc", 2023).
Critical Evaluation
Boulley skillfully weaves Ojibwe phrases and introduces Native American traditions, adding depth to the storyline. The captivating plot keeps readers engaged throughout the book. The expert narration, delivered by Isabella Star LeBlanc, brings authenticity and an engaging experience, effectively expressing the range of emotions in the story.
Use in a Library Program
This is a must-have for the National Native American Heritage Month display or any book talk focusing on Indigenous culture. Through its powerful themes, the book opens up conversations about Indigenous heritage, family dynamics, and the impact of drug trafficking.
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer
Join us in celebrating diverse voices and promoting understanding with this compelling read—Boulley's portrayal of indigenous culture and community.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
This book includes mature themes such as casual sex, meth, and violence, which may be expected in some teens' lives but are unsuitable for everyone. Caution is advised when considering younger teens as readers of this book.
Reason For Inclusion
This book highlights the need for stories told by and about indigenous girls and women from a contemporary perspective. It emphasizes the importance of sharing dynamic experiences beyond history. It is a good addition for school libraries to promote the diversity voice.
Author Angeline Boulley talks about her new book
References
Angeline Boulley. (n.d.). Angeline Boulley. https://angelineboulley.com/about-angeline-boulley.html
Good Morning America. (2023). Author Angeline Boulley talks about her new book. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knsndc96MRk
Isabella Star LaBlance. (2023). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Star_LaBlanc
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