Cynthia Leitich Smith

Stories rated by enjoyment. While this anthology wasn’t for me, I’m always glad for more diverse stories.

What Is a Pow Wow (3 stars)
A cute, healthy portrayal of a mom’s boyfriend and a kid bonding.
Fancy Dancer (2 stars)
Grandad finds his love for dance again.
Warriors of Forgiveness (2 stars)
Feels way too good to be true. Not the part about some older people’s too-trusting nature. That was accurate.
Brothers (3 stars)
Rez Dogs (2 stars)
Strong ending
Secrets and Surprises (2 stars)

Wendigos Don’t Dance (3 stars)

Indian Price (3.5 stars or 4ish)

Senecavajo (2.5 stars)
Unlikely friendship with the school bully? I guess. Still, I liked this one.
Squash Blossom Bracelet: Kevin’s Story (3 stars)
Ohhh, a dual POV. Somehow, I liked Kevin’s narrative the slightest bit more than Alan’s.
Joey Reads the Sky (3 stars)

What We Know About Glaciers (3.5 stars)
If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re no good to anyone else.
Little Fox and the Case of the Missing Regalia (2 stars)

The Ballad of Maggie (3 stars)

Bad Dog (3 stars)

Between the Lines (3 stars)

Circles (3.5 stars)… (més)

This girl-centered reclamation of Peter Pan introduces readers to a beloved—and transformed—Neverland.

In this retelling, the Roberts-Darlings are a blended family living in present-day Tulsa, Oklahoma. Twelve-year-old stepsisters Lily and Wendy share a half brother, 4-year-old Michael; recent high school graduate John is Lily’s brother and Wendy’s stepbrother; the Roberts side of the family is Muscogee Creek; and the Darlings are White immigrants from England. Shortly before Wendy and Mr. Darling are to relocate—amid growing marital tension—to New York for his new job, the three youngest children are visited by Peter Pan and Belle the fairy. Wendy and Michael are deceived into flying away with them to Neverland; skeptical Lily follows in hopes of saving her siblings. Wendy and Michael are taken in by the Lost, who are White boys kidnapped by Peter. Lily, meanwhile, is rescued by a group of Native youth—derided by Peter as Injuns—who are diverse in tribal citizenship, race, and other identities (one, for example, is two-spirit). Neverland, populated with Merfolk, fairies, and pirates, is richly described. Short chapters, plenty of action, and the wry voice of the omniscient narrator help make this title, with its themes of gender equity, Native pride, and environmentalism, accessible. The poignant dislocation of the Lost and the fierce familial love of the stepsisters illustrate the importance of remembering where you come from and to whom you belong.

A refreshing adventure that breathes new life into a classic text. (author’s note) (Fantasy. 8-12)

-Kirkus Review… (més)