Firekeeper's Daughter

Written by Angeline Boulley

Narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc

"Isabella Star LaBlanc brings an authentic-sounding narration to this powerful audiobook...Dialogue, including words in other languages, is handled with effortless transitions and clear depictions between characters. This audiobook should not be missed." -- AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB YA PICK

An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

Soon to be adapted at Netflix for TV with President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground.

“One of this year's most buzzed about young adult novels.” —Good Morning America

For fans of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange, Angeline Boulley's debut novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, is a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community.

Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team.

Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug.

Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source. But the search for truth is more complicated than Daunis imagined, exposing secrets and old scars. At the same time, she grows concerned with an investigation that seems more focused on punishing the offenders than protecting the victims.

Now, as the deceptions—and deaths—keep growing, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.

A 2021 Kids' Indie Next List Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month for March Selection
An Entertainment Weekly Most Anticipated Books of 2021 Selection
A PopSugar Best March 2021 YA Book Selection

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

"The text is filled with Ojibwe phrases and traditions that Native American reader LaBlanc (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota) handles with ease. Her voice is young and earnest and her fluency adds to the portrayal of Daunis...It’s a tale filled with suspense, and LaBlanc’s sensitive reading will keep listeners plugged in." -- Booklist, starred review

"Expert narration from Isabella Star LeBlanc, a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota, brings authenticity to Daunis’s joy, anger, fear, and grief while providing distinct voices for the supporting cast, including the tribal elders. LeBlanc’s captivating voice draws readers in, expressing every mundane, sweet, heartbreaking, and life-threatening moment." -- School Library Journal, starred review

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Mar 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781250779519

Angeline Boulley

Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She is a former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Her debut novel Firekeeper's Daughter was an instant #1New York Times bestseller and recipient of many internatioanl accolades including the ALA Printz and Morris Awards; the YA Goodreads Choice Award; the Walter Award for Outstanding Children's Literature; and is Carnegie Mellon nominated. Angeline lives in southwest Michigan, but her home will always be on Sugar Island.

Reviews for Firekeeper's Daughter

[Isabelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being an ecologist I really enjoyed the use of Linnean scientific names intermixed with indigenous knowledge. Being a woman scientist I really enjoyed the protagonist, an intelligent young woman who truly enjoys expanding her knowledge of the human body, traditional plant uses, chemistry, and so much more. At this time when I needed a break from my own reality and the somewhat depressing vision of the future I have, it was good to be immersed in the story of a strong young heroine. I learned so much about the traditional ways of her first people applied to the present, and the beauty of their language. I wish I had read something like this when I was a young adult, 50 years ago.

[Kirsten Joan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love to read fictional stories of indigious people at last about a true drug problem we all face nowdays. So amazing!

[Diana Reese Puckett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read this book! Fantastic, worth the hype. Narration is very good.

[Lee Tatum · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Devastatingly beautiful and just plain devastating. The prose, the plot, the intricate weaving of myriad cultures (leading either to beautiful beaded, colorful creations or tangled messes) - this novel is unique. I agree with the other reviewers who found the YA designation baffling. Granted, I can see older teens reading and appreciating this novel, but why it's not classified as general fiction is beyond me. Once I recover from The Firekeeper's Daughter, I'll see what else the author has written.

[7pz864kndc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a Black woman from Michigan, I loved this so much. Especially as I watch younger people in my community become introduced to the world of drugs/addiction

[Laura Morgan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic book! Wonderful mystery and I so appreciated the look into Native American culture. The audiobook was perfectly narrated as well. Highly recommend!

[Jessica-Claire Jones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The character development and native history shared is so rich. I highly recommend this book but it is NOT for teenagers. Too many jarring adult themes and scenes.

[Laurin Blanks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. That was a journey in shoes I couldn’t have imagined.

[Rachel Schultz Dickerson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It got me from the beginning. Loved the story and the characters. I will be looking for more from this author.

[nursejinae · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved the character development and the cultural references. I learned a lot about Native culture. And the narrator was spot on!

[Gayle Wilhelm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Started slow, ended up powerful. It was a great read!

[Brittany Gentry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This storyline is so great, but I feel like it was rushed at the end after such a long buildup. I’m looking forward to the TV adaptation as I almost feel like it will be more powerful to watch.

[Ub · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was told this book was good but slow. I have no idea if they actually read this book or what their definition of slow is but this book is anything but slow!!! Iwas hooked from start to finish. AMAZING and worth all 5 stars I gave it!

[Jay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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⭐(3.8/5)

I don't really remember everything that this book had to offer. Details. Are blurry. However, I remember the big things. The book was an easy read for me but kinda so so to me at the time. I'm planning to reread it and see if anything changes. I'm aware the book is deep and delves into a lot, a lot... Did i say alot? Of big topics. Toxic relationships, mental health, drugs, trauma, racism, abandonment, self reflection, murder, quid pro quo of sorts? I wonder if i wasn't in the right mind set to absorb these things because I know it wasn't just brushed upon.

Murder is the topic and it is quite sad the way it all goes down. Trying to explain someone away from someone toxic is difficult so to see something unfold the way it does might make you book a break.. haha I'm hilarious. Anyway, TECHNICAL pedophilia is also brushed upon. An almost 18 year old with an adult still counts to me.

I appreciate Boulley not overloading us on topics. Racism is a subplot of the aforementioned topics. I appreciate that one doesn't overshadow another and they get equal play. I like my books to teach me without going on a sermon. I love when books don't sugar coat so you get a very good effect. I don't care what you say nothing "entertainment" can substitute real life experiences.

I love also that the book is kinda based around a relationship but it kinda proves that just because you're older doesn't mean you're wiser. I love that both main characters aren't stereotypical. I love trying to pronounce these native languages and chants. I failed by the way. Miserably but it was fun! It's a good read, i will retry it again and see if i can't get those stars higher. I enjoyed it, but life and a little traumatized by a hit home sequence. Pick it up. Check it out!

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[Ana LibrariAna · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing debut novel! One that resonated with me on so many levels and will stay with me for a very long time. I felt honored to get to know such a strong female character and to hear her share the elders' teachings. Not to mention the whole story, plot, and everything. This book has it all; great characters, character development and dynamics, suspense, romance, and my favorite part was getting to learn more about the Native American culture. Truly, truly remarkable. Angeline Boulley, please write more books.

[Albrecht Family · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing storytelling! Important coming of age story with real implications for the future of Natives.

[Leona · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Narration made me feel like I was watching a movie in my head. Great storyline and characters.

[Anna Wuollet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. Kept me wanting to listen to it, I'd pause when I got to work and couldn't wait to listen after. Emotional rollercoaster as well, highly highly recommend. One of the best books I've listened to recently

[Morryah McCurdy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced and interesting. Learned about tribal traditions and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Asja B Marsker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is beautiful, necessary, strong, and powerful. Read it.

[Megan Jacobs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent read Using it for a school report and read it is about two days (:

[Kariane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. It talks about issues that persist in the world to this day. While some parts were hard to read, others had me smiling wide and then looking around to make sure people weren't watching me. This book does not hide the ugly away, but it also shows the beauty. Very well-written. A truly beautiful story.

[Katelinn rutherford · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The indigenous realness. The edge of my seat that I was on the entire time trying to piece it together. Amazing.

[Kylie Hood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was an excellent listen. The narrator’s voice verges on intoxicating, and I couldn’t stop listening. There were a few parts that I predicted correctly and a few that I did not guess correctly. Overall, five stars. Well written and researched. I loved learning about this culture that is foreign to me.

[Kim Fuller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful story. And hearing the authentic words- excellent!! Must read book!

[Tiffany Eberhard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed learning about the heritage and how it was woven into the story. The story kept me interested and trying to figure out who was involved.

[Kylie Eason · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my lanta! This book is everything! I do recommend the audio in addition to any written copy if you’re unfamiliar with Ojibwe language as it’s used frequently in the book, and is absolutely beautiful when spoken! (The narrator did a fantastic job!)

I’ll be honest, this book is very eye opening!

Angeline is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is Bear Clan, and from Sugar Island, which is between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Canada- exactly where this book takes place. (Read more about Angeline here- https://angelineboulley.com)

I LOVED this book and I love that Angeline Boulley is working to bring more awareness and information about the indigenous people, women specifically.

10/10 recommend this book, and any future works AB may release!

[Bear Forcey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

New things at every turn. You are on this adventure of a plot with the characters.

[Tracey Dowhaniuk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Was hooked from the beginning. Great storyline. Loved the setting and strong female characters

[Gina Johnson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Incredible story and excellent narration. I will be thinking about this book for awhile!