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Must-Read YA Novels Penned by Canadian Indigenous Writers

Discover five remarkable Young Adult books, penned by indigenous Canadian authors, that resonate distinctively. The unique voice of indigenous writers is captured in their works, as we witness an increasing wave of indigenous community members sharing their experiences and perspectives through...

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Here's a rundown of five top Young Adult books penned by Indigenous Canadian authors, a group whose...
Here's a rundown of five top Young Adult books penned by Indigenous Canadian authors, a group whose work stands out due to the authentic experiences and perspectives they bring to the table as they chronicle their lives in today's world.

Must-Read YA Novels Penned by Canadian Indigenous Writers

Hey there! Let's dive into an inspiring list of young adult books penned by Indigenous Canadian authors that have left a lasting impact on me as I write my new novel, Beast. These books showcase the beauty of Indigenous voices and the fusion of oral tradition and written word, a testament to the richness of Indigenous communities.

Here are my top 5 picks:

Will's Garden by Lee Maracle:

This masterpiece immerses you into Will's Sto:loh home in British Columbia, inviting you to explore each room and learn about the family, their hopes, dreams, and history. I felt an incredible bond with Will's family, who I felt honored to spend time with. The novel is filled with beautiful love stories, and the insights provided on the sacrifices parents make for their children and the transformation of relationships when they become parents are truly profound. This book is one of my all-time favorites from the late and great Lee Maracle.

Deadly Loyalties by Jennifer Storm:

Blaise, a young Native girl in Manitoba, faces the tragic death of her best friend and is forced to join a Native gang after running away from home. Jennifer Storm's stunning debut novel is an absolute must-read and a promising indication of the incredible talent to come from one of our upcoming Indigenous authors.

Nobody Cries at Bingo by Dawn Dumont:

If you want to know about growing up Indigenous in the 80s, this is the book for you! With its uproarious humor, Gen Z readers will be captivated from the first page to the last. This story about life on therez, or reserve, will bring smiles, maybe some tears, and unforgettable memories. A must-read for everyone!

Little Voice by Ruby Slipperjack:

Ray, a young Ojibwa woman growing up in Ontario, is bullied and ostracized due to her green eyes. However, her journey takes a turn when her grandmother, a midwife, guides her on the land and enriches her understanding of her heritage. This book brings innocence, comfort, and a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and the land. (Grades 6 and up)

The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor:

Tiffany's life takes an unexpected turn when her family rents out a guest suite to a mysterious and enigmatic Ojibwa vampire. What seems like a campy and predictable plot serves as a mesmerizing coming-of-age novel, filled with suspense and thrilling encounters. This novel has earned my highest praise, deserving a 5 out of 5 rating. It's simply brilliant!

That's all, folks! I hope you enjoy these incredible reads as much as I do.

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BeastCanadian fictionindigenous writersRichard Van Camp:###### Richard Van Camp

  1. Incorporating elements of Indigenous culture and lifestyle, "Beast" by Richard Van Camp is a captivating novel, providing a fascinating blend of Indigenous literature and contemporary entertainment.
  2. To gain further insights into the rich tapestry of Indigenous voices and experiences, I highly recommend adding books such as "Will's Garden", "Deadly Loyalties", "Nobody Cries at Bingo", "Little Voice", and "The Night Wanderer" to your reading list, enhancing your understanding of Indigenous communities and offering unforgettable entertainment.

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