She Holds Up the Stars
Description
"This compelling novel will introduce young readers to the complexities of modern indigeneity and resilience.鈥濃�擡den Robinson, author of Monkey Beach and Son of Trickster.
A young Indigenous girl searching for a sense of home finds strength and courage in her gifts, her deepening connection to the land, and her own cultural awakening in this moving coming-of-age story.
The last thing that twelve-year old Misko wants to do is to move away from the city to spend time on the rez with her grandmother. And yet she feels strangely compelled to go, drawn by a pull that she feels in her dreams. Maybe she can finally find out what happened to her mother, who mysteriously disappeared when Misko was four years old.
Misko鈥檚 relationship to the rez shifts when she encounters a spirited horse named Mishtadim. But Mishtadim is being violently broken by the rancher next door and his son Thomas. Misko and Thomas clash at first, only to find themselves drawn together by the wild horse. As Misko slowly discovers her unique bond with Mishtadim, she feels a sense of belonging and comes to understand the beauty of the world all around her.
She Holds Up the Stars is a powerful story of reconciliation and the interwoven threads that tie us to family, to the land, and to our own sense of self.
Awards
- Nominated, Manitoba Young Readers鈥� Choice Award 2024
- Winner, Horace Mann Upstander Award 2023
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children鈥檚 Book Center 2023
Reviews
"The story of a brave-hearted girl and her bond with a strong-minded horse will draw young readers in, but Sandra Laronde has deftly woven so much more into this coming-of-age story: a gentle introduction to the tragic legacy of residential schools, Anishinaabe cultural traditions, and most of all, an inspiring journey to reconnect to family history, homeland, and heart."
- Duncan McCue, Host of CBC Radio & CBC Podcasts
"Enjoy and savor this instant classic. I love this book."
- Richard Van Camp, author of The Lesser Blessed, Little You, and When We Play Our Drums, They Sing!
"She Holds Up the Stars is about an endearing and compelling character navigating her many challenges with tremendous heart. This wonderful novel will introduce young readers to the complexities of modern indigeneity and resilience.鈥�
- Eden Robinson, author of Monkey Beach and Son of a Trickster
"This compelling novel will introduce young readers to the complexities of modern indigeneity and resilience.鈥�
- Eden Robinson, author of Monkey Beach and Son of Trickster.
鈥淭his heartfelt story of self-discovery and personal strength is told in language filled with evocative imagery and Anishinaabemowin sprinkled throughout . . . A tale of strength and determination rooted in the ancestral pull of home and family.鈥�
- Kirkus Reviews, *starred review