BUFFALO DREAMER, by Violet Duncan, Nancy Paulsen Books, Aug. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 10 and up)
A girl learns of her family’s past during a visit to her grandparent’s home in Canada in Buffalo Dreamer, by Violet Duncan.
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 has begun to have vivid dreams in which she’s running away from one of the many real-life residential schools that tore Native children from their families and tried to erase their Native identities. Not long after that, 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.
Summer cherishes her heritage and is heartbroken about all her grandfather was forced to give up and miss out on. When the town holds a rally, she’s 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. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books
Buffalo Dreamer is a beautiful story of family, culture and owning your history.
The story is much more than a “story” for author Violet Duncan who was inspired by her own family history. In her author’s note, Duncan expresses the hope that her book will “be a tribute to the past, galvanize healing and reconciliation, and celebrate the perseverance of those who have overcome.”
Buffalo Dreamer is a work of historical fiction, but Duncan says, “truth is etched on every page.” And you feel that authenticity when you read it. It’s a deeply personal narrative that resonates long after completion.
Buffalo Dreamer is a little book that packs a big punch. At 128 pages, it’s slim enough for even the most reluctant of readers. Short chapters provide natural breaking spots. And Duncan’s writing is not only accessible but pushes readers to want to know more.
From its eye-catching cover to thoughtful prose, Buffalo Reader is excellent from beginning to end. It would make a great addition to any school or home library.
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