WARRIOR GIRL UNEARTHED

Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She is a former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Angeline lives in southwest Michigan, but her home will always be on Sugar Island. Firekeeper’s Daughter is her debut novel.

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An Instant New York Times bestseller!
#1 Indies Bestseller!
A 2023 Amazon Best Book of the Year So Far
An Indigo Teen Staff Pick of the Month!
An Indie Next Pick!

“A riveting, culturally focused thriller. Boulley has become a must-read author.” –NPR

“This novel is many things at once: a coming-of-age story of twins who are each struggling to find their places, a murder mystery, a culturally driven exploration of home and belonging, and the same thoughtful, expansive, and careful examination of what it means to be Anishinaabe as Boulley offered in the previous novel.” –BCCB, starred review

“Heightened tension, dynamic action scenes, a complicated heist and plenty of revelations [make] Warrior Girl Unearthed an edifying and deeply moving read.”  –BookPage, starred review

“A compelling narrative about one teen’s attempt to undo some of the injustices her community and people have faced.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“Another powerful, suspenseful page-turner from Boulley” –The Horn Book, starred review

“A thrilling and empowering read” –Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

“A page-turning heist grounded in a nuanced exploration of critical issues of cultural integrity.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“[I]ncredibly engaging…This quick follow-up to Boulley’s best-selling, award-winning Firekeeper’s Daughter carries over all the same intrigue, tension, and heartbreak.” –BookList

1. Before reading, what did you know about stolen tribal relics and artifacts? How did it compare to Perry’s story?

2. What was the meaning behind Warrior Girl appearing in Perry’s dreams?

3. The book discusses identity, community, lost history, grooming, injustice, violence toward women, and more. What themes and topics stood out to you the most?

4. There is often a struggle between Cooper, a rule follower, and Web, who isn’t afraid to break rules no matter the cost. Discuss how modern versus traditional ideals impact her tribe.

5. At the beginning of the book, Perry is determined to have a laid–back summer. However, she becomes motivated to fight for her tribe. How did Perry’s character change throughout the book?

6. What did you think of Perry’s planned heist? Would you have done anything differently?

7. Throughout the book, Lockhart constantly calls the artifacts his “treasures.” What is the significance of this?

8. What do you think of Perry and Warrior Girl’s connection? How did it affect Perry in her journey?

9. While the journey to return Indigenous ancestors and relics is at the forefront of this story, the plight of missing Native women is a crucial part of Perry’s story as it circles closer and closer to home. Did you anticipate who was behind the crimes against women? Were you surprised to find out the truth?

10. Discuss the pros and cons of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Were you aware of before reading this book?

11. What was the significance of the seeds that Perry stole? Why do you think the author chose to have this happen and have them be pumpkin seeds?

12. Perry remarks on the differences between the connection the elders and the younger generation have to their Anishinaabe roots. How do the Anishinaabek work to bridge this gap in the book?

13. What is a wiindigoo? Why did the author choose this mythical creature as a comparison to the person responsible for the missing Native women as well as others?

CHAPTER 1

MONDAY, JUNE 9TH

I speed across Sugar Island in the Jeep I share with my sister. The rising sun escapes the tree line to my left. I adjust the sun visor against the blinding brightness. It’s what good drivers are supposed to do: minimize distractions.

Focusing on the road ahead, I watch for cultural-camp signage. Next to me, Pauline makes a production of craning her neck to check the speedometer, shaking her head, and sighing. I take it as a challenge, smoothly shifting into fifth gear while rounding a corner. The tires squeal.

“Remember what Auntie Daunis said,” she warns.

“About our birthday gift that came with a bonus scolding?” I say.

“‘Happy Sweet Sixteen, my girls.’” Pauline imitates Auntie’s slightly deeper voice. “‘Enjoy this good pony, but—’”

I interrupt, practically growling, “‘But hear me now. I will repossess her and kick your asses if I catch yous being foolish.’”

We laugh in twin harmony.

I don’t mention Auntie’s next words, directed solely to me: And that includes speeding.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Pauline says. “It’s not like you have anything going on.”

My sister irritates me like nobody else. I glare at her.

“Hold up. You’re still mad about last week? Seriously? A week of touring universities was torture for poor Perry? It was supposed to inspire you.” She drags out the word: in-spy-yer.

“It cost me a week of fishing!”

She huffs. “Well, I wish you hadn’t come. Then no one would’ve suffered Elvis Junior’s atomic farts.”

I for sure weaponized our stinky dog, who gets hella gassy from people food. I hide my smirk while checking out a faded sign announcing that the Sugar Island Ojibwe Tribe’s cultural camp is a quarter mile ahead.

“Oh my God,” Pauline continues, still sensing my annoyance. With an extra syllable and some shade, it sounds like Gaaw-duh. “It was just a few schools.”

“Nine universities.” I repeat the number in Ojibwemowin. “Zhaangaswi!”

She startles at my sharp tone. I feel her eyes on me even without looking over. My voice softens in tandem with slowing down for the coming turn.

“Pauline, it was nine places I’d never get into even if I wanted to go. Which I don’t.” I tap my brakes while using my left turn blinker, because you never know who’s watching and reporting back to Auntie. “I don’t want to be anywhere except Sugar Island.”

“Never leave Sugar Island?” she asks, in that same surprised and judgy way she uses. “Like, never ever?”

“Never ever sounds good to me,” I say, making the turn.

“There are other schools you might like, you know. Mackinac State College is my safety—you could apply there.”

“Nah, all the statues there are old Zhaaganaash dudes. Non-Natives. Colonizers. You really wanna study where women and people of color are invisible?”

Ignoring me, Pauline checks for any strands that might have escaped her tightly wound bun of jet-black hair. She pauses a hand at her ear, smoothing the area.

“You look good, Egg,” I assure her.

She rolls her eyes at the private nickname, but allows the tiniest smile to break through.