In this sequel to Maggie Lou, Firefox, the irrepressible Maggie Lou acquires a new cousin, and a horse — both of whom have minds of their own.
When Uncle Bobby gets married, Maggie Lou suddenly finds herself with a new cousin, Rosie. Rosie is the same age as Maggie. She also has a fabulous head of curls, although hers are red. And Rosie knows everything about horses and riding — something Maggie Lou has longed to do.
A rivalry sparks between the girls from the start at Uncle Bobby and Aunt Bonnie’s wedding, which features an all-you-can-eat dessert table, as well as lots of energetic dancing. On Rosie’s horse farm, Maggie experiences her share of humiliations as she learns how to ride on a pony so short that her feet can touch the ground.
Eventually the cousins become allies and wreak some hair-raising mischief, including a secret midnight horseback ride. And in the end they are joined by friends and family to train, hilariously, for the famous Otipîm'sowak Race — a Métis voyageur relay — carrying on a family tradition.
Throughout it all, Maggie remains stubborn and enthusiastic, as she navigates the new challenges of defeat, rivalry and family change.
Key Text Features
chapters
character drawings
dialogue
glossary
illustrations
In this sequel to Maggie Lou, Firefox, the irrepressible Maggie Lou acquires a new cousin, and a horse — both of whom have minds of their own.
When Uncle Bobby gets married, Maggie Lou suddenly finds herself with a new cousin, Rosie. Rosie is the same age as Maggie. She also has a fabulous head of curls, although hers are red. And Rosie knows everything about horses and riding — something Maggie Lou has longed to do.
A rivalry sparks between the girls from the start at Uncle Bobby and Aunt Bonnie’s wedding, which features an all-you-can-eat dessert table, as well as lots of energetic dancing. On Rosie’s horse farm, Maggie experiences her share of humiliations as she learns how to ride on a pony so short that her feet can touch the ground.
Eventually the cousins become allies and wreak some hair-raising mischief, including a secret midnight horseback ride. And in the end they are joined by friends and family to train, hilariously, for the famous Otipîm'sowak Race — a Métis voyageur relay — carrying on a family tradition.
Throughout it all, Maggie remains stubborn and enthusiastic, as she navigates the new challenges of defeat, rivalry and family change.
Key Text Features
chapters
character drawings
dialogue
glossary
illustrations
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Aug 5, 2025 |
| Specifications | 232 pages | 5 in x 7.5 in |
| Keywords | Indigenous characters; self empowerment; competition; rural; training camp; canoeing; Firefox; Saskatchewan; siblings; jealousy; resentment; rivalry; humiliation; barrel race; rodeo clown; |
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Supporting Resources
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Excerpt |
| Written By |
ARNOLDA DUFOUR BOWES is a Saskatchewan Métis writer, artist, emerging playwright and screenwriter with ties to Sakitawak (Île à la Crosse) and George Gordon First Nation. Always seeking adventure, she has lived around the world, from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia, and has competed in various sports. Arnolda won second place in the Oilsands Classic Strongwoman Competition in Fort McMurray in 2025. She is the author of 20.12 m: A Short Story Collection of a Life Lived as a Road Allowance Métis, which won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award and the High Plains Book Award. She is the mother of three amazing adult children and lives in Saskatoon. |
| Illustrated by |
KARLENE HARVEY (she/they) is an illustrator and writer who lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people. Karlene is Tšilhqot’in and Syilx and grew up on territories of the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. They have illustrated several children’s books, including Maggie Lou, Firefox by Arnolda Dufour Bowes, Drum From the Heart by Ren Louie, Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad and Kaiah’s Garden by Melanie Florence. |
| Written By |
|
ARNOLDA DUFOUR BOWES is a Saskatchewan Métis writer, artist, emerging playwright and screenwriter with ties to Sakitawak (Île à la Crosse) and George Gordon First Nation. Always seeking adventure, she has lived around the world, from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia, and has competed in various sports. Arnolda won second place in the Oilsands Classic Strongwoman Competition in Fort McMurray in 2025. She is the author of 20.12 m: A Short Story Collection of a Life Lived as a Road Allowance Métis, which won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award and the High Plains Book Award. She is the mother of three amazing adult children and lives in Saskatoon. |
| Illustrated by |
|
KARLENE HARVEY (she/they) is an illustrator and writer who lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people. Karlene is Tšilhqot’in and Syilx and grew up on territories of the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. They have illustrated several children’s books, including Maggie Lou, Firefox by Arnolda Dufour Bowes, Drum From the Heart by Ren Louie, Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad and Kaiah’s Garden by Melanie Florence. |
| Audience | ages 9 to 12 / grades 4 to 7 |
| Reading Levels | Lexile 670L |
| Key Text Features | chapters; character drawings; dialogue; glossary; illustrations |
| Common Core |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.3 |
Commended, Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of the Year, 2025
“A high-energy love letter to rambunctious girls, big families, and Métis culture.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Full of hilarious high jinks yet bursting with heart … This book shines with realistic sibling relationships, funny dialogue, strong intergenerational bonds, and a steadfast connection to community and culture.” — Booklist
“The portrayal of strong female Indigenous characters is both lighthearted and inspiring.” — Horn Book
“[An] enjoyable, fast-paced story.” — Winnipeg Free Press