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- ISBN
- 0735247501
- Ages
- 17–18
AI summary
Two Métis sisters, June and lyn, are forced to confront their childhood trauma when their estranged white mother is exposed as a 'pretendian'—a person who falsely claimed Indigenous identity to further her art career. The novel explores themes of cultural appropriation, identity, and the lasting impact of parental neglect.
Parent notes
Contains heavy themes of childhood trauma, drug neglect, and complex adult relationships that may require parental guidance for older teens. Parent concerns: Parental drug use and neglect (childhood trauma); Brief mentions of "lust" or adult relationship dynamics (June and the "Other Guy"); Focus on identity politics and racial tension; Mental health struggles (depression/anxiety); Critical view of traditional maternal figures (the mother is a fraud) Romance/sexual content: The book includes themes of 'love and lust' (per the author's background) and involves a plot point regarding a character named June and an 'Other Guy,' suggesting themes of infidelity or romantic complication, though it is not primarily a romance novel. Language: The book uses casual contemporary language and includes descriptions of the sisters as "messy." While specific counts aren't available, the author's previous work suggests realistic, gritty dialogue. Violence: No graphic physical violence is noted, though there is significant emotional and psychological distress related to trauma. Substances: Content warnings include parental drug use and neglect as part of the characters' childhood trauma. Worldview themes: Indigenous rights/identity, Identity politics, Social justice (Cultural appropriation), Skepticism of authority/parental figures
Why parents choose this book
What makes real ones worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 17–18.
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: readers ages 17–18 looking for a solid story.
- Personality fit: kids ages 17–18 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Katherena Vermette, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy real ones if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 17–18
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 17–18 age band.
Things parents should know
- Romance: hand-holding and light crushes, nothing more.
- Language: occasional mild words for the older end of the band.
- Sexual content: essentially none.
Reading commitment
Why we recommend it
We recommend real ones for the 17–18 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. Katherena Vermette's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
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