A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS, by Jen Ferguson, Heartdrum, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

Three friends grapple with the fallout from a life-changing accident in A Constellation of Minor Bears, by Jen Feguson.

Before that awful Saturday, Molly used to be inseparable from her brother, Hank, and his best friend, Tray. The indoor climbing accident that left Hank with a traumatic brain injury filled Molly with anger.

While she knows the accident wasn’t Tray’s fault, she will never forgive him for being there and failing to stop the damage. But she can’t forgive herself for not being there either.

Determined to go on the trio’s postgraduation hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, even without Hank, Molly packs her bag. But when her parents put Tray in charge of looking out for her, she is stuck backpacking with the person who incites her easy anger. 

Despite all her planning, the trail she’ll walk has a few more twists and turns ahead. . .. —Synopsis provided by Heartdrum

A Constellation of Minor Bears is one of those books that will speak in some way to whomever reads it. Author Jen Ferguson tackles topics ranging from racism and body image to parental expectations and differing kinds of love.

The story unfolds from Molly and Traylor’s first-person accounts and Hank’s AITA (Am I The Asshole?) posts. These three unique voices are very personal, raw and real. These are well-developed main characters that are dealing with real-life implications. Their individual struggles with what they want for themselves and their friends makes for a compelling read.

Author Jen Ferguson has crafted a novel that ebbs and flows like the Pacific Crest Trail. She captures nature’s rugged beauty, making you feel like you are right on the trail next to Molly, Traylor and Hank.

A Constellation of Minor Bears isn’t a particularly fast-moving novel, but it’s one you want to stick with. It’s a story of self-discovery and connection that will resonate with many readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BUFFALO DREAMER, by Violet Duncan, Nancy Paulsen Books, Aug. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 10 and up)

A girl learns of her family’s past during a visit to her grandparent’s home in Canada in Buffalo Dreamer, by Violet Duncan.

Summer and her family always spend relaxed summers in Alberta, Canada, on the reservation where her mom’s family lives. But this year is turning out to be an eye-opening one. First, Summer has begun to have vivid dreams in which she’s running away from one of the many real-life residential schools that tore Native children from their families and tried to erase their Native identities. Not long after that, she learns that unmarked children’s graves have been discovered at the school her grandpa attended as a child. Now more folks are speaking up about their harrowing experiences at these places, including her grandfather.  

Summer cherishes her heritage and is heartbroken about all her grandfather was forced to give up and miss out on. When the town holds a rally, she’s proud to take part to acknowledge the painful past and speak of her hopes for the future, and anxious to find someone who can fill her in on the source of her unsettling dreams. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books

Buffalo Dreamer is a beautiful story of family, culture and owning your history.

The story is much more than a “story” for author Violet Duncan who was inspired by her own family history. In her author’s note, Duncan expresses the hope that her book will “be a tribute to the past, galvanize healing and reconciliation, and celebrate the perseverance of those who have overcome.”

Buffalo Dreamer is a work of historical fiction, but Duncan says, “truth is etched on every page.” And you feel that authenticity when you read it. It’s a deeply personal narrative that resonates long after completion.

Buffalo Dreamer is a little book that packs a big punch. At 128 pages, it’s slim enough for even the most reluctant of readers. Short chapters provide natural breaking spots. And Duncan’s writing is not only accessible but pushes readers to want to know more.

From its eye-catching cover to thoughtful prose, Buffalo Reader is excellent from beginning to end. It would make a great addition to any school or home library.  

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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LOOKING FOR SMOKE, by K. A. Cobell, Heartdrum, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

It’s up to the four people of interest to solve the murders of two Blackfeet Nation girls in Looking for Smoke, by K. A. Cobell.

When local girl Loren includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet Giveaway to honor Loren’s missing sister, Mara thinks she’ll finally make some friends on the Blackfeet reservation.

Instead, a girl from the Giveaway, Samantha White Tail, is found murdered.

Because the four members of the Giveaway group were the last to see Samantha alive, each becomes a person of interest in the investigation. And all of them—Mara, Loren, Brody, and Eli—have a complicated history with Samantha.

Despite deep mistrust, the four must now take matters into their own hands and clear their names. Even though one of them may be the murderer. —Synopsis provided by Heartdrum

Looking for Smoke is fiction but is based on the very real the epidemic of missing Indigenous women and girls. In 2020, there were 5,295 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, according to the National Crime Information Center. The murder rate of Native women is three times that of white women.

Author KA Cobell is a member of the Blackfeet Nation and set Looking for Smoke in the Blackfeet Nation reservation in Montana. Cobell hopes Looking for Smoke will bring attention to the epidemic. She says in her author’s note that this was a story that needed to be told without trivializing or sensationalizing the pain many Native people are enduring. She wanted to send a message that was not easily forgotten.

And it’s hard to forget Looking for Smoke.

Cobell’s choice to make Mara an “outsider” gives non-Native readers an entry point. She then fills in with Loren, Brody and Eli, going deeper into many of the issues that face their community. But it’s not just the issues she delves into, but the sense of extended family, their community, their traditions. You gain a deep understanding of how devastating and far-reaching the consequences.

The story unfolds from the four points of view, with plenty of twists and turns and lots of atmosphere along the way. Looking for Smoke is a complex thriller that does, in fact, stick with you. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BEING HOME, by Traci Sorell and Michaela Goade, Kokila, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a Native American family as they move back to their ancestral land in Being Home, written Traci Sorell and illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Today is a day of excitement—it’s time to move! As a young Cherokee girl says goodbye to the swing, the house, and the city she’s called home her whole life, she readies herself for the upcoming road trip. While her mother drives, the girl draws the changing landscape outside her window. She looks forward to the end of the journey, where she’ll eat the feast her family has prepared, play in the creek with her cousins, and settle into the new rhythm of home. —Synopsis provided by Kokila

Being Home celebrates family, nature, change, and moving a slower pace. Author Traci Sorell’s simple text has a lovely lyrical quality to it, making it a joy to read aloud. And Michaela Goade’s warm illustrations are full of love and exuberance. It’s a delightful read.

Author Traci Sorell will be at The King’s English Bookshop (1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City) TODAY (Thursday, May 9), at 4 p.m. to celebrate the release of the book with a storytime.

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TOO MUCH: MY GREAT BIG NATIVE FAMILY, by Laurel Goodluck and Bridget George, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Jan. 23, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A boy tries to shine on his own in Too Much: My Great Big Native Family, by Laurel Goodluck and Bridget George.

When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much!

Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Too Much: My Great Big Native Family celebrates the ups and downs of being part of a large, multigenerational family. Author Laurel Goodluck draws on her own personal experiences within her big Native family. In a short space, she expertly conveys the love and excitement a big family can bring. Her writing is full of energy and emotion. Illustrator Bridget George encapsulates the chaos and love through bright and expressive illustrations.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WE STILL BELONG, by Christine Day, Heartdrum, Aug. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

A teen struggles to find her place in her Indigenous community and at her mostly white school in We Still Belong, a middle-grade novel by Christine Day.

Wesley is proud of the poem she wrote for Indigenous Peoples’ Day—but the reaction from a teacher makes her wonder if expressing herself is important enough. And due to the specific tribal laws of her family’s Nation, Wesley is unable to enroll in the Upper Skagit tribe and is left feeling “not Native enough.” Through the course of the novel, with the help of her family and friends, she comes to embrace her own place within the Native community. —Synopsis provided by Heartdrum

At the center of We Still Belong is Wesley, a teen who is trying to figure out all the normal teen stuff — crushes, fitting in, etc. — as well as she fits as far as her tribe is concerned. She’s a bright girl who loves gaming and has good relationships with her family members and close friend.

When a teacher tells Wesley that she should have taken a stance in her poem about Indigenous peoples rather than just celebrate them, Wesley is left dejected. She doesn’t understand why she “has to be angry or aggressive.” Why isn’t “We Still Belong” the title of her poem not good enough.

Author Christine Day does an excellent job exploring Wesley’s emotions. And it’s nice to see Wesley surrounded by a loving family and extended community.

I’m not a huge gaming fan, but Day makes that element accessible to everyone — including those with no real interest.

We Still Belong does move a bit slowly. The entire book takes place over a few days, and sometimes I found myself thinking “wait, where are we?” But overall, it’s a strong read with broad appeal despite its focus on a specific topic.

*We Still Belong is a Cybils-nominated book. This review is my opinion and not the opinion of the middle-grade fiction panel as a whole.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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