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43 pages 1 hour read

I Can Make This Promise

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Christine Day

I Can Make This Promise

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Seattle, Washington • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

HL610L

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Super Short Summary

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day follows 12-year-old Edie Green in Seattle as she discovers her hidden Indigenous heritage, her mother’s history, and the life of her grandmother over the course of a week in July. Edie's journey of self-discovery revolves around family secrets, identity, and understanding her cultural roots. The story integrates real Indigenous history and themes of belonging and acceptance. Both historical and contemporary anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination, along with the impacts of cultural genocide and familial separation, are referenced in the book.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Contemplative

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,320 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Christine Day’s I Can Make This Promise receives acclaim for its poignant exploration of identity and cultural heritage. Critics praise the relatable protagonist and well-crafted narrative, though some note a predictable plot. The book is celebrated for its authentic representation of Native American experiences, making it a valuable read despite minor criticisms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Can Make This Promise?

Readers of I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day will enjoy heartfelt, culturally rich stories about identity and family. This middle-grade novel will captivate fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang and The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore with its poignant exploration of heritage and self-discovery.

4.4

4,320 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Edie Green

An ordinary 12-year-old girl from Seattle who is an only child, Edie navigates personal growth and cultural identity during her summer vacation before starting seventh grade.

Edie's mother, who is Indigenous with Suquamish and Duwamish ancestry, initially hesitates to share cultural history with Edie but gradually opens up.

One of Edie's two best friends, whose relationship with Edie is strained as she becomes friends with someone who has bullied Edie.

Edie’s other best friend, who is calm and patient and maintains a relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding with Edie.

Lisa's adoptive brother and Edie's uncle, who provides Edie with guidance, love, and support as she navigates challenging times.

Though deceased before Edie was born, she is Edie's grandmother, whose letters and aspirations to improve Indigenous representation in Hollywood inspire Edie.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Seattle, Washington • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

HL610L

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