Firesong by Adam Jones by Marissa Posada

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Justification: I chose this book because it was on the ALA Rainbow book list. I also selected this specific title because I haven't read enough books about Native American struggles. I was also interested in how the author dealt with mental illness and suicide. There are a lot of issues young adults have to deal with in this book. I though it would be interesting to see how everything either does or doesn't work out.

Evaluation: This book uses a lot of figurative language. Shane goes on what he calls 'Drifts,' where he kind of astral projects himself into the sky. When he does this he gives great imagery through figurative language. "over a rippling ocean of trees and muskeg ... hungry lungs takes gulps of air that burn cold and dry like peppermint." These descriptions help the reader understand the connection Shane feels with nature. All of this helps to shape the community Shane lives in. He also describes people, like the character Debbie, who looks like "a bag of cement."

This book also has good use of dialogue. The reader really gets to know what kind of person Shane's mom becomes after the death of his sister. She lashes out at everyone and refuses to let anyone in her daughter's bedroom. "I don't want you in this room. No one should even be in this room." Although, she is finally able to come around by the end of the book. She is able to take care of Shane and comes up with a plan to solve Shane's financial issues, but it comes a little too late. According to Shane, " I ...can't go. Not right now." she reassures him that he can take his time to make a decision.

this book also has some unexpected insights. This story deals with the suicide of Shane's younger sister and has a great way of encouraging others to not commit suicide. "Living is a choice." It also tells and shows the reader that suicide does not affect just the person committing it, but those that love that person as well. It also gives advice about dealing with the question of being good enough. Essentially define "good enough" on your own and don't listen to others say this isn't it, and not give you a definition of what is should be. Because then nothing will ever be good enough.

Response: I have not had to deal with the tragedy Shane has, but I understand his anxiety about the future. I also worried how I could leave my small town after high school, but I did not have such extreme circumstances Shane did. My views of Native American college finances were enlightened. I thought you just had to prove you were Native American and you get free college. It makes sense that there is a bit more to the process. I enjoyed the text as entertainment. It was very informative about several issues young adults have to deal with today.

Conclusion: This book has examples of figurative language, dialogue, and unexpected insights. This was a roller coaster of a story that dealt with several issues. I give this book four stars. I recommend it to anyone anxious about the future.

APA Citation: Jones, A. (2018). Firesong. Toronto. Annick Press Ltd.