Duncan, Violet. Buffalo Dreamer. Penguin Random House / Nancy Paulsen, 08/2024. 110pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5936-2481-4. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING.
At the same time that graves are discovered on the site of an old reservation school in Alberta, Canada, a twelve-year-old Cree girl named Summer begins to experience vivid dreams about a young girl attempting to escape the school many years ago. As Summer and her cousin Autumn try to uncover the mystery behind the dreams, they learn the sad history of residential schools and their lasting effects on Indigenous families (including their own). Short and concise, Duncan’s story is quite effectively told through the eyes of her empathetic young protagonist without becoming too dark or heavy. Although the novel wraps up a bit quickly in the end, the straightforward narrative pace is well suited for its intended audience and allows Duncan to render a satisfying, timely resolution. This clear, accessible story provides a sensitive introduction to the history of residential schools in the United States and Canada.
Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library