Walking in Two Worlds

Bugz is an Anishinaabe teen living on a reservation who leads a double life. In the real world, she is quiet and observant, but in the Flora (a high-tech virtual reality world), she is a powerhouse gamer and builder. Her world is disrupted when Feng, a boy from China who has moved to the rez, joins her in the Flora. Their connection is tested by the Clan, a group of toxic male gamers who launch a targeted harassment campaign against Bugz that spills over into her real-world safety. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with cyberbullying, misogyny, and racism. These issues are handled with a secular, realistic lens, though they are countered by the protagonist's grounding in Indigenous spiritual practices. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on community action. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of guarded isolation, builds tension as the online threats escalate into real-world peril, and concludes with a triumphant sense of belonging and reclaimed power. IDEAL READER: A tech-savvy middle or high schooler who feels like they can only be their 'true self' online. It is particularly resonant for Indigenous youth or any girl who has felt unwelcome in gaming spaces. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after seeing their child withdraw due to negative social media interactions or hearing their child express frustration about being treated differently in online hobbies. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of scenes involving intense online harassment and mild physical danger. It can be read cold, but discussing the 'Flora' as a metaphor for current social platforms is helpful. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the exciting sci-fi gaming elements and the 'secret identity' trope. Older teens will better grasp the nuance of the socio-political commentary regarding Indigenous sovereignty and the dangers of extremist online subcultures. DIFFERENTIATOR: It uniquely blends high-concept science fiction with contemporary Indigenous life, showing that tradition and technology are not mutually exclusive.