
Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to navigate the complexities of family expectations and the desire to protect those they love. Sheine Lende is a deeply rooted supernatural mystery that follows Loren, a Lipan Apache girl who uses her ancestral gift of communicating with the ghosts of animals to find missing children. When her own mother goes missing, the stakes become personal, forcing Loren to lean into her heritage and inner strength. This is an excellent choice for parents who want to provide their teens with a story that balances high-stakes adventure with a grounded, respectful portrayal of Indigenous culture and multi-generational wisdom. The emotional themes of bravery, resilience, and the power of family bonds are handled with a maturity that respects the teen reader's intelligence while maintaining a hopeful, empowering tone.
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Sign in to write a reviewGhostly animal companions and some dark, atmospheric suspense sequences.
The central plot involves missing children and a missing mother, creating emotional tension.
The book deals with the heavy reality of missing children and the disappearance of an Indigenous mother, which mirrors real-world tragedies. The approach is direct but filtered through a fantasy lens, making it accessible. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on the strength of community and family rather than just the trauma of loss.
A 14-year-old who feels a strong sense of responsibility toward their family but sometimes feels overwhelmed by the 'legacy' they are expected to uphold. It's for the reader who loves a 'procedural' mystery but wants it infused with magic and cultural depth.
Read the first few chapters to understand the 'rules' of ghost-waking in this world. The depiction of ghosts is more 'natural' than 'horror,' but sensitive readers might find animal ghosts slightly unsettling. A parent might notice their child becoming more aware of social injustices or expressing anxiety about the safety of family members. This book provides a constructive outlet for those feelings.
Younger teens will focus on the cool factor of the animal ghosts and the 'find the bad guy' plot. Older teens will appreciate the nuance of Loren's relationship with her grandfather and the subtle commentary on how Indigenous communities protect their own.
Unlike many YA fantasies that focus on 'the chosen one' in a vacuum, Sheine Lende emphasizes that Loren's power is a link in a chain. It is a rare, high-quality prequel that stands entirely on its own while enriching the world of Darcie Little Badger's previous work.
Set in an alternate contemporary America where magic and monsters are real but often hidden, seventeen-year-old Loren and her grandfather (who can both wake the ghosts of animals) travel to find children who have been taken by something sinister. When Loren's mother, a key figure in their family and community, goes missing during the investigation, Loren must step up, utilizing traditional knowledge and her unique supernatural abilities to track down a predator and confront the dark forces at play.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.