Super Short Summary

While the Locust Slept by Peter Razor recounts the harrowing experiences of Razor, an Ojibwe child, as a ward of the State of Minnesota in the 1940s. After enduring a brutal upbringing in an orphanage and abusive foster homes, Peter is placed with the Schauls, where he suffers further mistreatment and forced labor. Despite such adversities, Peter finds moments of solace and ultimately seeks a hopeful future. The book includes instances of physical and emotional abuse, racial discrimination, and systemic neglect.