Winner of the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction
The year is 1959, and fifteen-year-old Nipishish returns to his reserve in northern Quebec after being kicked out of residential school, where the principal tells him he's a good-for-nothing who, like all Indians, can look forward to a life of drunkenness, prison and despair.
The reserve, however, offers nothing to Nipishish. He remembers little of his late mother and father. In fact, he seems to know less about himself than the people at the band office. He must try to rediscover the old ways, face the officials who find him a threat, and learn the truth about his father's death.
Winner of the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction
The year is 1959, and fifteen-year-old Nipishish returns to his reserve in northern Quebec after being kicked out of residential school, where the principal tells him he's a good-for-nothing who, like all Indians, can look forward to a life of drunkenness, prison and despair.
The reserve, however, offers nothing to Nipishish. He remembers little of his late mother and father. In fact, he seems to know less about himself than the people at the band office. He must try to rediscover the old ways, face the officials who find him a threat, and learn the truth about his father's death.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — May 1, 2004 |
| Specifications | 324 pages | 4.25 in x 7 in |
| Keywords | 1950s; |
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Supporting Resources
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Excerpt Teacher's Guide |
| Written By | Michel Noel is the author of several award-winning books for young people. He now lives in Quebec City. |
| Written By |
| Michel Noel is the author of several award-winning books for young people. He now lives in Quebec City. |
| Audience | ages 13 to 17 / grades 8 to 12 |
| Key Text Features | table of contents |
Winner, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, 2005
Short-listed, McNally Robinson Aboriginal Book of the Year Award, 2005
Commended, CCBC Our Choice, 2005
Commended, IBBY Honor List, 2006
“[An] inspiring story by an authority on native affairs...” —VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
“[Michel Noel] has crafted a story of pain and triumph, with both universal appeal and cultural authenticity. Tanaka's accomplished translation introduces an award-winning Canadian author to an English-speaking audience, and all libraries should take note.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“Michel Noel...knows his craft...the text is extremely accessible.” —Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW