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This book is contemporary realistic fiction and won the American Youth Literature Award for middle school books. This story follows a girl named Wesley Wilder as she gets her poem printed in the school newspaper. Wesley has encounters with emotional jitters, her crush, her teachers, and the acceptance from her indigenous heritage.

This book illuminates problems faced by children, especially challenges having to do with making your voice heard about things you are passionate about. This book will help readers connect to their cultural identities as well as learn about indigenous cultures. The author does not stray away from awkward situations or real topics. I would use this as an independent reading book or read aloud.

“This is a story of quiet determination and triumph, with well-defined characters who push each other and are there for each other.”

“This is a story of quiet determination and triumph, with well-defined characters who push each other and are there for each other.”

This book illuminates problems faced by children, especially challenges having to do with making your voice heard about things you are passionate about. This book will help readers connect to their cultural identities as well as learn about indigenous cultures. The author does not stray away from awkward situations or real topics. I would use this as an independent reading book or read aloud.

This book is contemporary realistic fiction and won the American Youth Literature Award for middle school books. This story follows a girl named Wesley Wilder as she gets her poem printed in the school newspaper. Wesley has encounters with emotional jitters, her crush, her teachers, and the acceptance from her indigenous heritage.

Wesley seeks to find a place where she belongs-in her tribe, her friends, her MS, her community; and often feels ‘not native enough‘. Especially when she writes a poem for indigenous people celebration that feels just right, but her teacher has a negative reaction to it. Written with hope and heart.

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Sweet, realistic fiction about a 7th grader exploring and celebrating her indigenous heritage, while also doing the usual middle school stuff like having a crush and making new friends. Lovely depiction of a multigenerational, extended family living in the same home.