Synopsis
Summary
Perry Firekeeper Birch plans to spend her summer fishing with her beloved dog, but costly Jeep repairs require her to join the Tribal Intern program instead. Working with the quirky Tribal Museum leader, Perry learns about the NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) and begins seeing all the ways in which systems operate to avoid returning Indigenous artifacts and ancestors to their Nations. With a family member accused of murder and the with the issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirits hitting close to home, Perry sets out to right several wrongs via a heist.
Notable Achievements
2023 Amazon Best Book of the Year So Far; Amazon Best Book of the Month; Indies Bestseller; Indie Next Pick; Indigo Teen Staff Pick of the Month; New York Times bestseller
Reviews
Publishers Weekly: “Conversations surrounding colorism contribute to the characters’ authentic renderings, and Perry’s snarky first-person narration propels this intelligent heist narrative, culminating in a thrilling and empowering read.”
Kirkus Reviews: "Boulley sensitively and seamlessly weaves in discussions of colorism, repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and more into a story with well-developed characterization that is both compellingly readable and deeply thought-provoking.
School Library Journal: "Perry’s dreams, desires, culture, traditions, and actions create a compelling narrative about one teen’s attempt to undo some of the injustices her community and people have faced."
Link to Review
Link to Review
Educator Guide
Created by the publisher, this book club discussion guide could also be applied to a classroom setting. Curriculum connections might include the NAGPRA, intersectional identities, social justice, and media bias.
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