BOTM November 2024 Where Wolves Don't Die

[Celia]

Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer is a young adult novel about an Ojibwe boy named Ezra Cloud who discovers himself while running a trapline in Canada with his grandfather:
Setting
The story takes place in Minneapolis and Nigoonsiminikaaning First Nation.
Characters
Ezra is a 15-year-old who hates living in Minneapolis and is bullied by Matt Schroeder. Ezra's father is an Ojibwe language professor.
Plot
Ezra gets into a fight with Matt at school, and Matt's house burns down. Ezra becomes a suspect and is sent away to run traplines with his grandfather. While there, Ezra learns about his family, culture, and himself.
Themes
The book explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. It also showcases Ojibwe culture and includes Ojibwe lifeways, languages, jokes, and humor.
Reception
Some say the book is a love letter to ancestors and is full of cultural teachings. Others say it's a nuanced adventure that gives voice to those who survived residential boarding school.

[NancyJ]

I thought this was well done. I really enjoyed the book I liked the characters, especially Ezra and his Grandfather. I enjoyed Ezra’s time with his grandfather, taking pride in learning useful work, and participating in traditional cultural events. It seemed to have a positive affect on his other relationships as well. There is danger in Ezra’s life both in the city (with a bully whose family has a meth lab in the basement), and up north (working in the woods where a bear wakes up early from his hibernation). The police investigation might have been much less respectful if his father didn’t have the position and contacts he had.

The history of the residential schools is very sad, and I wonder if the author’s family was directly affected, or if his family took steps to hide their kids. I liked the complexities in the plot, the legal issues, and the growth in the various relationships.

I have an ancestor who I believe was born in an a Ojibwe, Chippewa or Anishinabe tribe (all related), and I love reading about their cultural traditions. Firekeeper’s Daughter and The Round House are other favorites.

[GailW]

I started out with the first few chapters needing to remind myself that this was YA as it was sounding a bit more middle grade. As the story moves on, however, the writing became more mature likely to mimic Ezra himself maturing. I especially enjoyed the various cultural teachings and celebrations. (view spoiler)[ Grandpa Liam dying however broke my heart. (hide spoiler)]

[K]

NancyJ wrote: "I thought this was well done. I really enjoyed the book I liked the characters, especially Ezra and his Grandfather. I enjoyed Ezra’s time with his grandfather, taking pride in learning useful work..." Can't believe I haven't read "The Round House", have read almost all of her books----and love them.------So much love in the family here, being supportive vs. outside forces(police, residential schools, (nearly)obliterating native culture, language.

[Gail]

I am not a fan of YA and struggled a bit with the non-varying teenage angst voice. However, I did love the cultural teachings I received, the strong sense of family/pack mutual caring and the light romance of two different generations. I will look for The Round House for future reading.