The Winter People

Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant new responsibility or needs to see a model of quiet, steady courage in the face of injustice. Set in 1759, the story follows young Saxso as he navigates the aftermath of a brutal raid on his Abenaki village. While the backdrop is a historical conflict, the heart of the story is Saxso's unwavering devotion to his family and his reliance on his grandfather's wisdom to survive. It is a powerful exploration of how cultural heritage and traditional skills provide strength in times of crisis. Because it deals with war and the capture of family members, it is best suited for mature middle grade readers who can handle themes of peril and historical violence. It offers a vital Indigenous perspective on a period of history often told from a colonial lens, making it an excellent choice for fostering empathy and historical awareness.