3 stars
A sweet novel-in-verse about family, perseverance, and the bond between a girl and her dog. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 shelter in place order is enacted. Together with Malsum, the mysterious rez dog who adopted her, and her grandparent’s stories, Malian finds the strength to overcome her present obstacles and share her family’s story.
Well told. Works in folklore, storytelling, critical analysis of history, and self-reflection. Discusses difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic generally and how it impacted reservations more specifically such as unreliable internet making schoolwork more challenging.
The book works in various historical issues and their lingering impact such as residential schools, the spread of illness from Europe, discrimination from government entities, stereotypes, and forced medical treatments. These difficult topics are told in an age-appropriate way and the gentle plot helps balance the heaviness of these elements.
Overall, a timely and well-told story.