Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley has been praised for its compelling depiction of Native American culture and strong, relatable protagonist. The narrative intertwines mystery and activism, resonating with readers. However, some critiques indicate a slow pacing at times. Overall, it is well-received for its engaging plot and cultural depth.

Fans of Angeline Boulley's Firekeeper's Daughter or Louise Erdrich's The Round House will relish Warrior Girl Unearthed. This captivating book appeals to readers interested in Native American culture, forensic mysteries, and strong female protagonists. It offers a gripping blend of suspense and cultural depth, ideal for YA and adult fiction lovers.

In Angeline Boulley's 2023 young adult mystery/thriller Warrior Girl Unearthed, Perry Firekeeper-Birch, an Ojibwe teen, discovers that a nearby college holds her ancestors' remains and cultural artifacts. With her twin Pauline and friends, Perry embarks on a mission to reclaim these items amidst rising cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The novel explores themes of repatriation, Indigenous sovereignty, and systemic racism. It discusses anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, the kidnapping, murder, and rape of Indigenous women, sexual abuse, grooming of minors, and mistreatment of human remains.

Suspenseful / Adventurous / Emotional / Informative / Challenging

**Perry Firekeeper-Birch**  
The central protagonist known for her bold and rebellious nature, who is deeply connected to her Indigenous culture and traditions. She often clashes with authority due to her unconventional actions and desire to repatriate her ancestors.

**Pauline Firekeeper-Birch**  
Perry’s identical twin, characterized by her politeness and academic ambition. She struggles with anxiety and is heavily focused on her internship with the Tribal Council, contrasting with her sister’s approach to life.

**Erik Miller**  
Perry’s love interest who is new to Anishinaabe culture. He is open-minded and willing to learn from Perry’s corrections, and his skills as a hacker play a crucial role in the story.

**Shense Jackson**  
A close friend of Perry’s and a mother, who is practical and resourceful. She shares insights into co-parenting challenges and is instrumental in a high-stakes situation.

**Lucas Chippaway**  
The childhood friend of the Firekeeper-Birch twins and Pauline’s love interest. He is known for his charm and loyalty and is motivated by the loss of his sister to advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous people.

**Stormy Nodin**  
A traditional healer for the Sugar Island Ojibwe Tribe who is reserved and only speaks Ojibwemowin. He supports Perry’s cause and participates as a key ally.

**Cooper Turtle**  
Perry’s mentor who runs the tribe’s cultural museum and has a methodical approach to repatriation. He urges Perry to approach cultural reclamation with patience and care.

**Subchief Tom Webster (Web)**  
Perry’s secondary mentor who initially seems supportive of her passions. He contrasts Cooper with his encouragement of independent study but has hidden motives.

**Daunis Fontaine**  
The protagonist of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Perry and Pauline’s cousin. She serves as an important mentor to Perry and is deeply committed to fighting against the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women.

**Dr. Raquel Fenton**  
An anthropologist at Mackinac State College who initially sees Indigenous peoples through an objectifying lens. Over time, she begins to reconsider her views and offers support for new voices.

**Dr. Leer-wah**  
An anthropologist known for his intense interest in Ojibwe culture, displaying knowledge of the land. His real interest and identity are more complex and evolve throughout the story.

**Frank Lockhart**  
A prominent figure in the novel, he owns a store filled with culturally insensitive items and becomes an antagonistic force through his actions against Indigenous heritage.

**Grant Edwards**  
A figure from the community’s past known for causing harm to Indigenous women. Though his presence is minimal, the impact of his actions is deeply felt throughout the story.

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Book Brief

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Week One” - Part 2: “Week Two”

Parts 1-2

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Part 3: “Week Three” - Part 4: “Week Four”

Parts 3-4

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Part 5: “Week Five” - Part 6: “Week Six”

Parts 5-6

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Part 7: “Week Seven” - Part 8: “Week Eight”

Parts 7-8

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Part 9: “Week Nine” - Part 10: “Week Ten”

Parts 9-10

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