Book cover of Buffalo Dreamer

Buffalo Dreamer

ISBN

9780593624814

Publisher & Publication Year

Nancy Paulsen/Penguin, 2024

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Violet Duncan (Cree/Taino)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Eloy Bida (descendant of Indigenous people in Brazil)

Synopsis

Summary

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 beginst to dream of the real-life residential schools that tore Native children from their families, and then 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. When the town holds a rally, Summer is 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.

Notable Achievements

Reviews

Publishers Weekly: "Plains Cree and Taino author Duncan juxtaposes Summer's intense dreams with the low-conflict nature of her everyday life, which includes detailed descriptions of Native traditions such as picking sweetgrass, making for a brief look into Indigenous customs and history."

Kirkus: "Compelling yet heartbreaking—and essential reading for all young people."

School Library Journal: "A powerful addition to all middle grade library shelves highlighting a time in history that has been hidden and often forgotten in both Canada and the U.S."

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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