A PRINTZ MEDAL WINNER! A MORRIS AWARD WINNER! AN AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD YA HONOR BOOK! 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 A TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time Selection Amazon's Best YA Book of 2021 So Far (June 2021) A 2021 Kids' Indie Next List Selection An Entertainment Weekly Most Anticipated Books of 2021 Selection A PopSugar Best March 2021 YA Book Selection With four starred reviews, 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, perfect for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange. 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.

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About the author
Angeline Boulley
Author
Angeline Boulley is a Chippewa (Ojibwe) author and has worked to improve education for Indigenous children. Her debut work, Firekeeper's Daughter, was named one of the top 100 young adult novels of all time by Time magazine. It was also a New York Times best seller and won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Young Adult Novel in 2022. The novel will be adapted into a miniseries by Higher Ground.
Firekeeper's Daughter
by Angeline Boulley
Books Like Firekeeper's Daughter
If you're looking for books similar to Firekeeper's Daughter, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Born a Crime
Trevor Noah
A memoir exploring identity, race, and survival in apartheid South Africa. Noah's story of navigating complex social landscapes resonates with themes in Firekeeper's Daughter. The book examines community, personal growth, and overcoming systemic challenges. Noah's narrative combines humor, insight, and powerful social commentary. Like the main book, it offers a nuanced exploration of cultural identity.
Killers of the Flower Moon
David Grann
A non-fiction account of systemic violence against Osage Native Americans. The book explores historical injustice and community resilience. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it addresses complex social and legal challenges facing Indigenous communities. Grann provides a meticulously researched narrative about systemic racism and resistance. The book offers profound insights into Native American experience.
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
A groundbreaking young adult novel about a Black teenager confronting systemic racism and police violence. The protagonist navigates complex social dynamics while fighting for justice, similar to Daunis's journey. The book explores community, identity, and personal empowerment in the face of challenging circumstances. Thomas creates a powerful narrative about standing up against injustice. The protagonist's strength and determination mirror Daunis's own character development.
Braiding Sweetgrass
Robin Wall Kimmerer
A non-fiction exploration of Indigenous ecological knowledge and wisdom. Kimmerer weaves together scientific and traditional perspectives on nature. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it celebrates Indigenous knowledge and cultural connection. The book provides deep insights into Indigenous worldviews and environmental understanding. It offers a profound meditation on community and relationship.
There There
Tommy Orange
A powerful novel exploring Native American identity in urban Oakland. The book weaves together multiple Indigenous perspectives, addressing themes of community, heritage, and survival. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it offers a nuanced portrayal of contemporary Native experience. The narrative tackles complex social issues with depth and emotional resonance. Orange's debut novel provides a raw and compelling look at Native American life.
The Round House
Louise Erdrich
A powerful novel about a Native American family confronting trauma and justice. The story explores complex legal and cultural challenges facing Indigenous communities. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it addresses systemic issues through a deeply personal narrative. The protagonist seeks understanding and resolution in the face of profound injustice. Erdrich provides a nuanced exploration of Native American experience.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie
A powerful young adult novel about a Native American teenager navigating multiple worlds. The book explores identity, community, and personal growth with humor and depth. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it addresses complex social challenges facing Indigenous youth. Alexie creates a compelling narrative about individual resilience. The protagonist confronts systemic barriers with wit and determination.
Code Name Verity
Elizabeth Wein
A gripping historical fiction novel about female friendship and resistance during World War II. The story follows two young women involved in dangerous intelligence work, showcasing themes of courage and sacrifice. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it features a strong female protagonist navigating high-stakes situations. The novel combines intense personal drama with broader social contexts. Wein crafts a compelling narrative of resilience and strategic thinking.
Reservation Dogs
Sterlin Harjo
A groundbreaking narrative about Indigenous youth in rural Oklahoma. While technically a TV series, it shares thematic similarities with Firekeeper's Daughter. The story explores Native American youth experience with humor and depth. Characters navigate community challenges and personal aspirations. It provides an authentic portrayal of contemporary Indigenous life.
Concrete Rose
Angie Thomas
A prequel exploring Black male identity and community challenges. The novel follows a young man navigating complex social circumstances, similar to Daunis's journey. Thomas creates a powerful narrative about personal growth and community responsibility. The book addresses systemic challenges with nuance and compassion. It explores themes of identity and resilience.
The Marrow Thieves
Cherie Dimaline
A dystopian novel about Indigenous survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The story explores themes of community, resistance, and cultural preservation. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it features a strong Indigenous protagonist navigating complex challenges. Dimaline creates a powerful narrative about resilience and identity. The book combines speculative fiction with deep cultural insights.
Trail of Lightning
Rebecca Roanhorse
A post-apocalyptic novel featuring a Native American protagonist in a world transformed by climate catastrophe. The book blends indigenous mythology with speculative fiction, exploring themes of identity and survival. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it centers on a strong Native woman confronting complex challenges. The protagonist uses traditional knowledge to navigate dangerous circumstances. Roanhorse creates a powerful narrative of cultural resilience.
Red at the Bone
Jacqueline Woodson
A multi-generational story exploring family, identity, and social dynamics. The novel weaves together personal narratives with broader social contexts. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it examines complex family relationships and cultural identity. Woodson creates a nuanced exploration of personal and communal experiences. The book offers deep insights into individual and collective struggles.
If I Ever Get Out of Here
Eric Gansworth
A young adult novel about a Native American teenager navigating cultural boundaries. The book explores friendship, identity, and community challenges. Like Firekeeper's Daughter, it provides an authentic portrayal of Indigenous youth experience. Gansworth creates a nuanced narrative about personal growth and cultural connection. The protagonist confronts systemic challenges with resilience and humor.
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