Warrior Girl Unearthed is a mystery that explores the ethical injustice experienced by the Indigenous American community throughout history.

Perry Firekeeper-Birch, a 16-year-old hoping for a tranquil and ‘slack’ summer in her Sugar Island community, is doing an internship at Sugar Island University. This is when she meets ‘Warrior Girl’, a Native American ancestor whose remains are being kept at the university. The university is where she also discovers the long and dark history of grave robbing of the Indigenous Indian remains and artifacts in America.

As Perry uncovers unethical practices of the local university, she challenges the legitimacy of further retainment of the ‘Warrior Girl’ and 12 additional Anishinaabe ancestors for scientific examination. She vows to do all in her power to return the remains of her ancestor to her home and achieve justice for the minority group of the Sugar Island.

Perry plans a heist with other outcasts of her community, the Team Misfit Toys and her twin sister, Pauline. They encounter numerous obstacles on their way, such as an old rivalry, sibling secrets, as well as ongoing disappearances of Indigenous American women.

Warrior Girl Unearthed sparked curiosity in me but also anticipation as a call to action grew within me. I felt as if I was also on the quest to repatriate the remains of Indian ancestors. I felt the apprehension lurking in the hearts of Team Misfit Toys, and as the plans came under threat. It was clear that it would take resilience to accomplish their desired goals.

Reviewed by Sofia, Year 11
St Ursula’s College, Kingston NSW
Age Guide 12+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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, and was an instant #1 NYT Bestseller.

Visit Angeline Boulley’s website