Maggie Lou, Firefox. Written by Arnolda Dufour Bowes. Groundwood Books, 2023. $14.99 ages 9 and up

"I disappear into a daydream about dancing
in the ring. My entry song, "Fire Woman" by the 

Cult, plays in the background as I walk up the
aisle toward the boxing ring in a sparkling 
black robe. Moshon walks proudly beside me.
My head is down and I'm deep in thought, 
getting my mind into the match.

I had a great deal of fun getting to know Maggie Lou (Firefox) and her Metis family. In a winning collection of three separate stories readers are introduced to Moshon, Kohkom, Maggie Lou, Dez, Rheana, Uncle Bobby, Mom, Dad, Jayda, Vince and the two dogs, Musqua and Navajo. Each has an important role to play. 

Maggie Lou is an ingenious and forthright young girl who tends to get what she wants - even if it often takes a roundabout way to get to it. In the first story, she convinces her Moshon to teach her how to box. This angers her mom, who had begged for the same thing when she was much younger; Moshon refused to teach her. Little does Maggie know the price she will pay in patience and hard work before she ever sets foot in the boxing ring. In the second story, she wants to learn all the ins-and-outs of construction from her father and his hardworking crew to help with a construction project of her own. Once again, the lead-up work she must do is a big surprise. Finally, in the third, she goes on a deer hunt with her family, which goes wrong in many ways and earns her a new nickname - PRAIRIEWALKER! 

Written in first person, in an honest and very humorous voice, readers know exactly what Maggie Lou is thinking through every experience. She is ready for everything that happens, even when chaos is often the name of the game. It's a busy, closeknit family that is caught up in their own drama, and readers will love that. They tease each other at every turn, leaving Firefox to wonder what they will name her following the mishaps of her first deer hunt. 

"My family thinks they are all comedians, and their teasing is endless, especially when you do 
something silly or wrong. It's our way of connecting, Kohkom says."

This is a novel that stands out for its story of honesty, strength, humor, and love of family. Karlene Harvey's illustrations add impact and context. Back matter includes an author's note, a glossary of Indigenous slang and Northern Michif words used between family members and friends. 

Don't miss it!