Review: Warrior Girl Unearthed

Angeline Boulley’s “Warrior Girl Unearthed” is her second YA novel featuring members of the Firekeeper family. The Firekeeper-Birch twins are now teenagers and, much to Perry’s (Pearl May) dismay, participating in a paid summer internship program in the tribal community. Perry would much rather be fishing than stuck indoors, but a traffic accident while speeding has left her in debt to her Aunt Daunis. While working the internship, Perry is forced to confront the impact of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) and the theft of cultural artifacts, including the remains of ancestors. Along the way, the family becomes embroiled in a murder investigation and Perry makes a startling discovery that leaves her no choice but to take matters into her own hands in order to bring her ancestors home, but will she be able to carry out her plan before a killer strikes again?

I loved catching up with the characters from Boulley’s first book “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” The title of this book seems to refer both to the thousands of remains still held by museums and private collectors as well as Perry’s burgeoning power as an indigenous woman. Part of Perry’s appeal is her sense of justice coupled with the impetuousness of a typical teenager. She makes grave mistakes with her big heart, but it’s clear that she has the larger community in mind. She struggles through self-reflection and learns to temper her power to get what she wants. The list of thought-provoking aspects to this story are practically endless.

“Warrior Girl Unearthed” is a powerful story for those who enjoy contemporary YA fiction featuring strong female characters, indigenous stories, and mysteries. I will be getting copies of this book for my classroom.

Classroom Considerations: This story would be great as a jumping off point to discuss topics such as MMIW, the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools, and who owns cultural artifacts. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an advance reader copy of “Warrior Girl Unearthed” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 

“Warrior Girl Unearthed” will be available in early May. I highly recommend pre-ordering your copy now.