| by Cassie Zielinski, citizen of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe and Office Manager with the Association on American Indian Affairs Angeline Boulley returns with another captivating, emotionally charged novel in Sisters in the Wind, and the Association was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader’s copy. As someone who adored and appreciated Angeline’s previous works (and the Association featured Angeline as a keynote speaker for two Annual Repatriation Conferences), I can confidently say this novel delivers everything I have come to hope for and expect in her novels: gripping suspense, layered characters, and a powerful exploration of Native identity and justice. Angeline’s newest title follows Lucy, a young woman who has been navigating the foster system since her father’s death five years ago. Along the way, she uncovers long-buried truths her father tried to hide, most notably, her Ojibwe heritage and a complicated family history. Lucy soon realizes that she may have relatives who could offer what the foster system never could: a true sense of home, safety, and belonging. Yet, the system remains a dangerous place for Lucy and her chosen family. The secrets she’s been running from continue to shadow her, threatening to steal the future she longs for, unless she finds the strength to confront them and reclaim her life on her own terms. |  |
Angeline’s writing is as sharp and evocative as ever. The pacing kept me turning the pages late into the night, and the emotional weight of Lucy’s journey never felt contrived; the way her emotions were conveyed felt raw and authentic. I particularly loved how Angeline wove themes of sisterhood, resilience, and cultural survival into each piece of the storyline. Set against the rich backdrop of Anishinaabe culture, the book seamlessly blends thriller elements with cultural storytelling.
A large element of the novel focuses on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the complicated nuances of adoption and the foster care system. Angeline doesn’t just mention ICWA in passing; she delves into its significance as a legal safeguard designed to protect Native children from being unjustly removed from their homes, communities, and cultures. Through characters’ experiences, the novel explores how these protections can be overlooked or manipulated, highlighting the devastating emotional toll of family separation and the enduring impact on identity and belonging.
“Lucy, it wasn’t like the law was magically implemented. Too many people had a vested interest in stealing Indian babies.” [Jamie] half-heartedly looks at the TV. “My mom told me she was all alone at the hospital when she had me. One nurse kept asking if she needed help. When my mom said yes, the nurse put in her chart that she was unable to take care of me. She only found out about it when I got taken away, that there was a file at county child-protection services dating back to my birth.” He shakes his head. “Can you imagine? Any time you ask for help? The nurse or social worker documents it to build a case for removing your kid?”
“I’m sorry,” I say. It’s such a small thing to say at such a huge injustice.
This exploration adds a layer of depth that makes the story not only intriguing and humanizing but also profoundly educational.
All these layers can make the storyline start to feel a bit structurally heavy at times. However, it feels necessary when you consider the storyline and the topic at hand. There is so much at play when it comes to navigating these complicated systems, and we’re only being immersed in a literary version. Of course, it’s going to start feeling heavy and complex. Those familiar with Angeline’s Firekeeper’s Daughter universe will especially have no problem keeping up. In fact, fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed will appreciate subtle nods to familiar characters and places in the setting. Still, this story stands firmly on its own.
At its heart, “Sisters in the Wind,” is a compelling, emotionally rich young adult thriller (for all ages!) that successfully continues Angeline’s legacy of strong Native-centered narratives tackling tough and important themes. The Association on American Indian Affairs highly recommends it.
You can watch Angeline’s keynote speeches about Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed on the Association’s YouTube page.
Download NICWA’s Sisters in the Wind Reader Guide to explore ICWA’s history, protections, and resources that deepen the book’s themes of Native identity, belonging, and sovereignty
A large element of the novel focuses on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the complicated nuances of adoption and the foster care system. Angeline doesn’t just mention ICWA in passing; she delves into its significance as a legal safeguard designed to protect Native children from being unjustly removed from their homes, communities, and cultures. Through characters’ experiences, the novel explores how these protections can be overlooked or manipulated, highlighting the devastating emotional toll of family separation and the enduring impact on identity and belonging.
“Lucy, it wasn’t like the law was magically implemented. Too many people had a vested interest in stealing Indian babies.” [Jamie] half-heartedly looks at the TV. “My mom told me she was all alone at the hospital when she had me. One nurse kept asking if she needed help. When my mom said yes, the nurse put in her chart that she was unable to take care of me. She only found out about it when I got taken away, that there was a file at county child-protection services dating back to my birth.” He shakes his head. “Can you imagine? Any time you ask for help? The nurse or social worker documents it to build a case for removing your kid?”
“I’m sorry,” I say. It’s such a small thing to say at such a huge injustice.
This exploration adds a layer of depth that makes the story not only intriguing and humanizing but also profoundly educational.
All these layers can make the storyline start to feel a bit structurally heavy at times. However, it feels necessary when you consider the storyline and the topic at hand. There is so much at play when it comes to navigating these complicated systems, and we’re only being immersed in a literary version. Of course, it’s going to start feeling heavy and complex. Those familiar with Angeline’s Firekeeper’s Daughter universe will especially have no problem keeping up. In fact, fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed will appreciate subtle nods to familiar characters and places in the setting. Still, this story stands firmly on its own.
At its heart, “Sisters in the Wind,” is a compelling, emotionally rich young adult thriller (for all ages!) that successfully continues Angeline’s legacy of strong Native-centered narratives tackling tough and important themes. The Association on American Indian Affairs highly recommends it.
You can watch Angeline’s keynote speeches about Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed on the Association’s YouTube page.
Download NICWA’s Sisters in the Wind Reader Guide to explore ICWA’s history, protections, and resources that deepen the book’s themes of Native identity, belonging, and sovereignty
